In 1946, John Kameaaloha Almeida released a few 78rpm records of his own Hawaiian music.
But he had difficulty financing and distributing the recordings. Johnny approached his employer, George K. Ching, the proprietor of the Maestro Music Store in downtown Honolulu, where Johnny taught ukulele and guitar.
The result was the creation of the 49th State Records Company. George would finance and distribute the label, while Johnny would serve as the musical director for each and every recording.
Traditional Hawaiian chant & hula, hapa haole songs, and even music from the rest of Polynesia, were recorded by a stable of aspiring talent.
Today, we’ll hear memorable selections from the 49th State Records Festival – Volume 2, courtesy of the Territorial Airwaves archives.
This week's playlist:
1- Pehea Ipo – John Kameaaloha Almeida & his Hawaiians
2- Rhythm Of The Islands – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
3- Kaleponi Hula – John Kameaaloha Almeida
4- Makapu’u Lighthouse – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
5- Kila Kila O Haleakala – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
6- He Mana’o No’u I’a Oe – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
7- Sweet Someone – Emma Kamaka w/ Genoa Keawe
8- My Lovely Hawaiian Maid – Genoa Keawe
9- Manu Rere – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
10- Keep Your Eyes On The Hands – Puanani Alama
11- Mahina O Hoku – Rainbow Serenaders
Length: 55:06 Released on: 07-08-2016 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
