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 3, courtesy of the Territorial Airwaves archives.
This week's playlist:
1- Kelepona (Telephone) Hula – John Kameaaloha Almeida
2- Beautiful Mahealani Moon – Benny Rogers (Steel Guitar)
3- Medley Of Hula – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
4- Ho’okipa Paka – Joe Keawe & his Harmony Hawaiians
5- Kealoha – Genoa Keawe & John Kameaaloha Almeida
6- Royal Hawaiian Hotel – Genoa Keawe & her Hawaiians
7- Naka Pueo Kahi – Joe Keawe w/ Genoa Keawe
8- Lovely Sunrise Haleakala – John Kameaaloha Almeida
9- Pua Lilia – Joe Keawe & his Harmony Hawaiians
10- Hukilau – Bee Sisters w/ John Kameaaloha Almeida
11- I Will Remember You – June Ululani Leite
Length: 54:01 Released on: 07-15-2016 Artist/Compiled by: Various Artists
