In 1976, Ku’ulei Clark was offered the opportunity to present a record of hula standards.
She approached her friend Muriel Lupenui’s son, Darrel Lupenui, to make the recording.
The group was supposed to consist of Darrel Lupenui, with Kekua Fernandes and Kelii Joy.
When that didn’t work out, Darrel approached Lanakila Manini and Ainsley Halemanu.
Wendell Silva rounded out the group.
The resulting album, “Hula Gems”, was recorded in one take at Sounds of Hawaii studios on Young Street, produced by Bill Murata.
In this program, more than 40 years later, we’ll share this memorable music.
