John Maia Kamana, Sr. was born on November 6, 1903 in North Kohala, Hawaii.
We lost him at the age of 64 on October 23, 1968.
As a child, young John often didn’t have money for school lunch, so his girl classmates would share their food with him. He’d reciprocate with a hug, or a squeeze. For the rest of his life, everyone called him ‘Squeeze’.
As a key member of Al Kealoha Perry’s Singing Surfriders, ‘Squeeze’ spent many years as a mainstay of the “Hawaii Calls” radio program.
The recording we’ll hear now was produced & directed by ‘Squeeze’, and he also chose the songs, the arrangements, and the players.
Plus he played ukulele, and sang when necessary.
Today, we’ll celebrate the early recorded legacy of ‘Squeeze’ Kamana & his Hawaiian All-Stars from the Territorial Airwaves archives.
This week's playlist:
1- Pua Maeole – Nina Keali’iwahamana w/ All-Stars
2- Hukilau – ‘Squeeze’ Kamana w/ All-Stars
3- Welcome Malihini – Sonny Nicolas w/ All-Stars
4- Hawaiian Scotchman – ‘Squeeze’ & Benny Kalama
5- Hoku O Kalani – Danny Stewart w/ All-Stars
6- To Make You Love Me, Ku’uipo – Benny Kalama
7- E Inu Tatou E/ Toerau – ‘Squeeze’ w/ All-Stars
8- Kainoa – Nina Keali’iwahamana w/ All-Stars
9- Lola O’Brien – ‘Squeeze’ & Sonny Nicolas
10- Kawika/ Ha’u Ha’u E – ‘Squeeze’ w/ All-Stars
11- Kalua – Benny Kalama w/ All-Stars
Length: 53:58 Released on: 01-30-2015 Artist/Compiled by: "Squeeze" Kamana & his Hawaiian All-Stars
