Edwin Bradfield Liloa “Sonny” Chillingworth graced our world from July 14, 1932 to August 24, 1994.
He was just 62 when we lost him.
When Sonny appeared on the scene he dazzled us with his slack key guitar stylings, combined with his love for katchi-katchi music infusing Portuguese with Puerto Rican flavors.
His 1964 and 1966 albums were extremely popular.
We’ll share those recordings from the 1960s with you.
Length: 55:04 Released on: 07-12-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Sonny Chillingworth
Alan Akaka and the Islanders - 1989
Alan Limaikaika Akaka was born on June 13, 1956 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
He is one of the children of Daniel Akaka, who served as our United States Senator.
Alan began taking steel guitar lessons from Jerry Byrd in 1973. Jerry had just arrived in Hawaii.
When Jerry retired in 1991, Alan assumed leadership of the Steel Guitar Ho’olaulea.
I had the privilege of emceeing the Ho’olaulea’s for both Jerry and Alan.
Alan Akaka served as Musical Director of the Territorial Airwaves broadcasts for 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s.
Alan recently revived that role for the 40th anniversary of Territorial Airwaves, once again at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Alan’s 1989 recording, At The Coco Palms, from 30 years ago, is a masterpiece, featuring a bevy of legends of Hawaiian music.
We’ll share the resulting recording, “Alan Akaka – At the Coco Palms”, with you.
This week's playlist:
1- Kaimana Hila – Harold Hakuole w/ Alan Akaka & the Islanders
2- Hilo March – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
3- E Mama E – Sonny Kamahele w/ Alan Akaka & the Islanders
4- Beyond The Reef – Benny Kalama w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
5- Healoha No O Honolulu – Kaipo Asing w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
6- E Maliu Mai – Nina Keali’iwahamana w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
7- Whispering Reef – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
8- My Little Grass Shack – Alan Akaka & the Islanders
9- Two Shadows On The Sand – Walter Mo’okini w/ Alan Akaka & Islanders
10- Lei Loke O Kawika – Nina Keali’iwahamana & Benny Kalama & Islanders
Length: 54:14 Released on: 07-05-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Alan Limaikaika Akaka
Genoa Keawe - 1956
Genoa Leilani Kawaihapai Adolpho Keawe graced our world from October 31, 1918 to February 25, 2008.
She was 89 when she passed away.
For more than half a century, Genoa contributed to the perpetuation of Hawaii’s music and culture, both as a tireless performer, and a dedicated teacher and mentor.
Her signature falsetto inspired generations of entertainers.
In 1956, George Ching of 49th State Records purchased a tape recorder to replace his acetate recording machine.
He was ready to transition from 78rpm discs to the new 33 1/3 rpm LP albums.
Naturally, he chose 38 year old Genoa Keawe, who had been recording on 49th State Records since 1946, to star on the first LP, backed up as always by John Kameaaloha Almeida and his Hawaiians.
We’ll share the resulting recording, “Genoa Keawe – Among My Hawaiian Souvenirs”, with you.
This week's playlist:
1- Maile Swing – Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
2- Meleana E - Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
3- Kamalani O Keaukaha – Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida
4- My Yellow Ginger Lei – Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida
5- E Mama E - Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
6- Among My Hawaiian Souvenirs – Genoa Keawe w/ JKA
7- Old Plantation - Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
8- Kalama’ula - Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
9- Ke Kali Nei Au - Genoa Keawe w/ Gary Aiko
10- Lei Aloha Lei Makamae - Genoa Keawe w/ Gary Aiko
11- Aloha Oe - Genoa Keawe w/ John K Almeida & Hawaiians
Length: 54:29 Released on: 06-28-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Genoa Keawe
Alfred Apaka - 1952
Alfred Aholo Apaka graced our world from March 19, 1919 to January 30, 1960.
He was just 40 years old when he passed away from a heart attack on the YMCA paddle ball court.
Hawaii’s Golden Baritone did not read music, and had no formal training.
But he had commanding stage presence, and possessed a voice that could range from B flat to E, with incredible agility.
Between 1950 and 1952, while in Los Angeles, Alfred recorded several 78rpm discs with Danny Stewart & his Islanders.
These recordings were first released as 78rpm discs, then later re-released as a 33 1/3 rpm compilation LP.
We’ll share the resulting recording, “Alfred Apaka with Danny Stewart & his Islanders”, with you.
This week's playlist:
1- Lovely Hula Girl – Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart & Islanders
2- Gay Hawaiian Party – Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
3- Lovely Hula Hands – Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
4- White Ginger Blossoms – Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
5- Hapa Haole Hula Girl - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
6- Kalua - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart & Vickie I’i Singers
7- Haunani - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart & Islanders
8- Beyond The Reef - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
9- The Moon Of Manakoora - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
10- Sleepy Lagoon - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart & Islanders
11- I Will Remember You - Alfred Apaka w/ Danny Stewart
Length: 53:37 Released on: 06-21-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Alfred Apaka
Melveen Leed - 1980
Melveen Ku’uleipuanani Leed was born in Honoluu on July 18, 1943.
Melveen remains a beautiful and witty entertainer who can dominate any stage, and delight any audience in the world.
She can match her strong vocalizing with any musical setting.
After numerous Hoku Award winning recordings in the 1970s, Melveen made a special recording in 1980, with 4 legends of slack key guitar.
Gabby Pahinui, Sonny Chilingwoth, Atta Isaacs, and Ledward Ka’apara. Melveen was 37 with her talents at their peak.
The result was pure magic.
We’ll share the resulting recording, “Melveen with the Best of Slack Key”, with you.
This week's playlist:
1- Pali O Ka Moa – Melveen Leed w/ Atta Isaacs
2- Ka Manu – Melveen Leed w/ Gabby Pahinui
3- Wai O Ke Ani Ani – Melveen Leed w/ Sonny Chillingworth
4- Na Pua Lei ‘Ilima – Melveen Leed w/ Ledward Ka’apana
5- Nanea Kou Maka I Ka Le’a Le’a – Melveen Leed w/ Atta Isaacs
6- Kamalani O Keaukaha – Melveen Leed w/ Ledward Ka’apana
7- Pauoa Liko Ka Lehua – Melveen Leed w/ Atta Isaacs
8- Makee ‘Alana – Melven Leed w/ Sonny Chillingworth
9- Pua ‘Alani –Melveen Leed w/ Gabby Pahinui
10- Pu’u O Hulu – Melveen Leed w/ Ledward Ka’apana
11- Ka I’iwi Polena – Melveen Leed w/ Gabby Pahinui
Length: 53:41 Released on: 06-14-2019 Artist/Compiled by: Melveen Leed
