Go Here for Don Ho Memorial Service Video
Click on photo to access PDF file for article from our friends at Northwest Hawai'i Times Newspaper in Seattle.
I have featured photos in this Newspaper.
Don's story
By
Wayne
Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
| • | Ho biography noteworthy because it's his telling |
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Don Ho courted several authors to write the story of his life but settled on Jerry Hopkins, a stranger who became a confidant in the last month of Ho's life — to complete his "authorized" biography.
Hopkins, who has penned 36 books in a prolific career, says the legendary entertainer, who died April 14, probably knew the end was near and cooperated fully to get his story told.
Hopkins' book, "Don Ho: My Music, My Life," which was released Saturday in limited quantities by Watermark Publishing, was written while the state and world were mourning Ho's death last spring. It assembles quotes, vignettes, recollections by Ho and comments from a legion of friends, family, fans and colleagues to tell the life story of a performer known the world over for musical hits such as "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You."
"I think Don regarded me as his last chance at finishing a book before he died, a book over which he had complete control," Hopkins said, in an e-mail interview. "I had only met Don twice, in 1976 when I was living in the Islands and interviewed him, and again in 2006 when we first talked about a possible partnership, so we didn't know each other."
Ho would divulge many intimacies about his life to Hopkins, who had a reputation for stitching comments into what he dubs a "Hawaiian quilt" format — part oral history, part biography.
Hopkins didn't go into some gray areas of Ho's life that other authors had tried — and failed — to penetrate, including Ho's frequent carousing. Ho had the power to say what was in and what was not, and that responsibility passed on to his widow, the former Haumea Hebenstreit, after Ho's death.
After agreeing on the ground rules, Ho devoted the last month of his life to serious chats with Hopkins, a former Honolulan who resides in Bangkok, Thailand. Hopkins completed his research the day before Ho died.
While the book provided Hopkins with candid and revealing glimpses of Ho, in retrospect he admitted he couldn't call himself a Ho "buddy." But he admires the entertainer, whom he calls a "hero." Highlights of Hopkins' e-mail chat with The Advertiser:
Q. What, after 36 books, made this one memorable?
A. Time actually spent with Don. Except for my collaboration with Tom Moffatt ("Showman of the Pacific: 50 Years of Radio & Rock Stars"), all my previous biographical works were unauthorized. Don's was not. ... It was from the start Don's book, not mine — thus the title "My Music, My Life."
Don's authorization allowed me to talk with everyone from his two surviving siblings to his doctors; I also interviewed him numerous times and got precious time with him and Haumea, backstage and after his shows. This allowed him to clarify and react to what I had heard that day from others and answer new questions from me. His death added a spooky spin. Along with Uncle Tom and the book's publisher, George Engebretson, I had the last picture taken with him, and after what turned out to be his final show, I had the last interview, sitting in the darkened showroom, asking mop-up questions. In the morning I flew home to Thailand. Don died while my plane was still in the air.
Q. How daunting was it to compress live interviews with bio stuff, newspaper and/or magazine sources, longstanding memories ... to concoct the final product? The book's coffee-table format — one you've worked with before — was to "quilt" his story. What was his reaction?
A. The "Hawaiian quilt" format — using excerpts from interviews with Don and others, strung together chronologically and thematically, rather than using a single narrative voice — had been used previously by, among others, Gavan Daws when he chronicled the life of Jac Holzman, founder of Elektra Records and for many years a resident of Lahaina. I chose it for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the short time frame given for the book's completion — just three months, from my first lunch with Don to delivery of the manuscript.
Gavan kindly sent a copy of the Holzman book, "Follow the Music," to Don so he could see what I was talking about. I assured Don that his would be the predominant voice and that the other voices would back him up and add flavor and detail. Don said OK, and when I arrived in Hawai'i for the research, with Don's and Haumea's help, I started calling family, friends and former or current associates.
The visual material, from Don's archives — I'll never forget Haumea saying, "We've got 15 boxes of stuff. Is that enough?" — and from others, filled in many gaps and helped bring the words alive.
Q. Others have tried to do a biography. How did you access his heritage and win his confidence?
A. I think Don regarded me as his last chance at finishing a book before he died. ... And it wasn't until later that I learned he was calling people after I'd interviewed them, to ask them what they thought about me. Don was, among many other things, a man who insisted on being in control. His keyboard on stage, with all its knobs and switches, was not unlike what he had in front of him when he flew fighter jets for the Air Force. It must've driven him somewhat nuts to have this guy running around town asking questions of his friends.
Q. What's your first recollection of Don? Had you been aware of his prowess in show biz while living away from Hawai'i?
A. I lived in Hawai'i for 17 years, during the period when Don was at the Polynesian Palace and the Hilton Dome. I'd always admired him — not just for his music, but, like Elvis (whom he knew), for what he represented. Don and Elvis weren't just successful performers, they were cultural icons, distinct in many ways, but also much alike. Don also did far more to put Hawai'i and the hang-loose Island lifestyle on the world map than anyone else.
Q. Were there any hot buttons you attempted to avoid because of his disdain? ... Like, he hated to talk details about his family, his romances, his personal life. Yet these were as much his soul as his music.
A. Let me say again that this was Don's book and there were some areas he didn't want explored deeply, and a few not at all. That said, in the interviews he gave me and Dr. Cristy Kessler, a University of Hawai'i professor and a friend of Haumea's, I thought he was quite candid about his personal life, about which he had a few regrets. And where Don was reluctant to cite chapter and verse on some subjects, others filled in details.
For example, when Don referred to what he called his "promiscuity," three of his closest friends, Jimmy Borges, Larry Mehau and John DeFries, take us backstage for a closer look.
Q. It's eerie that you were able to spend much of Don's last month with him, that he would die after you leave — like he waited for you to get the project going. Did he insist on seeing the final text before it went to print?
A. The understanding from the beginning was that Don would have final say on what appeared and didn't appear in the book. When he died, that responsibility passed to Haumea, and the changes she made were in correcting factual mistakes made by some of the people I interviewed.
Q. What did you personally learn about Don, through your one-on-ones, through your research? Was there anything that surprised or disappointed you?
A.
The thing that surprised me most about Don, I think, was the depth of his generosity. He not only gave his stage and show time to talented young performers like Marlene Sai, Tokyo Joe, Angel Pablo, Sam Kapu Jr., and Danny Couch — where other performers might have felt threatened — behind the scenes. He helped so many in so many incredible ways.There was the time Tony Silva (now a member of Da Braddahs), who was then one of his dancers at the Dome, asked for an advance on his salary so he could put a down payment on a house, and Don said, "Haumea, write dis boy one check."
Another time, when Danny Couch was hit with a then-little-recognized but serious trauma commonly called "stage fright" and thought his career (was) at an end, Don put Danny in his personal physician's care and then eased Danny back into performance.
Q. How will you remember Don Ho, after this journey?
A. Don's image was that of a simple beach boy, and he was that. I think he really did believe it was important to keep sand between your toes. But he also was a demanding perfectionist, a father who was sincerely shamed by how he slighted his first wife and first six kids (what he called his "first batch") while he was building his own success, redeeming himself with his "second batch" of four in an attempt to become Super Dad.
And he was a fighter, willing to take a risk that was literally unprecedented. When his heart began to die and conventional treatment failed, he became the 30-somethingth person in the world to undergo an experimental kind of stem-cell surgery, in Bangkok. ... And then he went right back on stage.
I don't think Don and I ever would've become close buddies, but to me he was not only a hell of a baritone and a handsome, charming guy and an icon, and all that, but he also was a goddamn hero.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
More Sad News from The Ho Ohana
Body: Posted on: Friday, May 11, 2007 3:18 PM HST
Don Ho's daughter found dead (Star-Bulletin)
Dayna Ho-Henry, the 52-year-old daughter of entertainer Don Ho, was found dead
at a North Shore home this morning. Her death comes less than a month after her
father died of heart failure on April 14 and less than a week after his memorial
services in Waikiki Saturday.
“All we know is that it was an accidental death,” said Dwight Ho, one of Don
Ho’s 10 children and Dayna Ho-Henry’s youngest brother. “We’re just trying to
make some sense of it at this time, and we’re asking for privacy.”
At about 8:04 a.m., a man reported that Ho-Henry was found unresponsive at her
home on Kanoena Street in Waialua, police said.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. Foul play is not
suspected, and police have classified the case as an unattended death. Dwight Ho
said the family may make a statement later when they find out more about the
circumstances of his sister’s death.
Ho-Henry was seen at her father’s memorial last Saturday. She was swimming in
the waters off Waikiki amid dozens of outrigger canoes and boats, as the Ho
family spread Don Ho’s ashes into the sea. Ho-Henry also performed as a guest
vocalist for Loyal Garner at Don Ho’s 70th birthday bash in 2000.
She was one of eight children from Don Ho’s first marriage with Melva May Ho,
who died in 1999. Ho-Henry is survived by her siblings, Donnie Jr., Donalei,
Dondi, Dori, Dwight, Kea and Kealii. Ho also had two children with Patricia
Choy, Hoku Clements and Kaimana Farris.
Once again have the Ho family in your thoughts and prayers this evening. ~Mahalo
In Loving Memory of Don Ho:
SERVICE
Waikiki entertainer Don Ho was remembered
with a memorial service at 5 p.m. followed by a "memorial celebration"
much like his Waikiki show, with dozens of other entertainers volunteering to
get up on stage and perform, kanikapila style.
The memorial service took place on the beach fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
Ho's ashes were then taken out to sea and scattered. The production of artists
followed at sundown at the stage where Sunset at the Beach movies take place.
The musical tribute event, began at 7 p.m.
Hey Lea, -->
How've Ya been?
Going to Uncle Don's send off... Should be crazy... Aloha for now
Bill Hale
Photo of Danny Couch at "Hot For the Teacher" gig at Dukes,
after the tribute to Don Ho, by our friend and Renown Rock Photographer, © Bill Hale.
who sent it to us as a surprise.
Big Mahalo to Bill for his unselfish token of Aloha ~ Lea
I grew up listening to Don Ho. Now I didn't grow up in Hawaii, it was Denver, Colorado far from blue water and sandy beaches. But every Sunday evening my mother finished her dinner duties early and went in, turned on the TV and watched "Don". Every once in a while it was Lucy, and Don. (my mom still reminds me of Lucile Ball) She lived vicariously in paradise while listening to "her favorite singer". Although she never had a chance to meet Don Ho personally, or even make it to the islands for that matter, her daughter has made up for that. And I find myself saying "she would have loved to see this, over and over". That dream of palm trees, gentle breezes, steel guitars and a handsome Hawaiian singer named Don, always lingered in her mind.
In 2002, he embarked on a
"coast-to-coast tour" that attracted sold-out crowds in California, Washington,
Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota and I was one of those in the audience in
Tacoma WA. The following week I was introduced to my
mother's favorite singer, by MY favorite singer. (who also happens to be
a handsome Hawaiian Crooner, and also happened to be Don's lead backup singer
and drummer with the Ali'is.
The day Danny Couch introduced me to Don Ho was a
step back in time for me, I became that child again imagining I was watching my
mother in front of the TV, memorized with it's exotic sound while watching "Don"
dreaming of the tropical islands. Only difference was I was physically there,
and pinching myself. Once again my mother was smiling, and right alongside
me in spirit, as I met the most influential performer I had ever met, he who
touched souls who had never experienced the tropical isle, and standing with us
yet another one of Hawaii's pillars of entertainment, who knew nothing
about how this had touched me. AND who I wasn't quite able to tell without
feeling silly.
Thank you Danny, for that moment when my mother got to meet "Don" through my eyes.
And thank you Don Ho for traveling all those miles via the TV airwaves from your exotic land to the outskirts of Denver Colorado, to croon to my mothers dreams. MahaloI would like to share a few of my memories with you. My collection of Don Ho Vinyl, several were from my mother's collection, which I haven't listened to since I lost her. I will add more as the week progresses to Don's final farewell. Just my little personal tribute to this special man!
~Perhaps my mom has already met him, I hope so...
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Don Ho: Hawaii's Greatest Hits 1970
Blue Hawaii To You Sweetheart Aloha Isa Lei Sweet Leilani Akaka Falls Now Is The Hour Beyond The Rainbow Forevermore My Isle Of Golden Dreams Beyond The Reef Aloha Oe |
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Don Ho Creates Instant Happy
Instant Happy Sands Of Gold Time Tu Tu Kane Mahi Puni White Silver Sands What A Wonderful World Tomorrow I'm Home Kamehameha- Home Sweet Home
At Dukes they down Mai Tai's
from grapefruit size tumblers urging "Suck Em Up" Outside is a block wide
courtyard called The International Settlement, there is a Polynesian
Disneyland filled with booths. At his most formal, in sweat shirt and white
ducks, (you ask what's Don got?) Don Ho Mounts the stage, he does it with as
much show biz flair as you exhibit, No cymbals, no flashing spots, no
booming "AND NOW"... what announces him is the tell-tail hush. A unique
attitude. An individual Man, the stuff of idols.. That's what Don's got!
This one demonstrates the more sensitive, laid back side of Don. No major
hits of his own here, but some nice subdued versions |
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Hawaii-Ho Don Ho and the Aliis
Next Door to Paradise Ain't No Big Thing (Don and The Aliis) One Paddle, Two Paddle (Don, The Aliis, King Kamehameha Choir) All I Want to Do and March (Don and The Aliis) The Days of My Youth (Don and The Aliis) Rain, Rain Go Away (The Aliis) Doxology, Pupu o Ewa, Sweet Leilani, Lovely Hula Hands, Down By the Shack By The Sea, Pearly Shells (Don, The Aliis, Mormon Tabernacacle Choir) I'll Remember You and She's Gone Again (Don, Robin Wilson) I Am Hawaii, Aloha Oe, Next Door to Paradise (Don and The Aliis)
A non stop never ending trip to the groovy side of Hawaii, with Don Ho himself as your captain and the sing-low-swing hard Aliis as you admirable crew. Also on deck, the King Kamehameha School Chorus, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Alex McAngus, Benny Kalama and the Hawaiian Village Serenaders, Robin Wilson and the Dick Williams singers. |
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Suck 'Em Up Don Ho and the Aliis Recorded Live For Every Grain of Sand on Waikiki (Don & The Aliis) Welcome Pretty Lady (Don & The Aliis) Down By The Shack (Don & The Aliis) Remembering (Don & The Aliis) Beyond The Reef (The Aliis) Didn't We (Don & The Aliis) Here's To the Girls of Summer (Don & The Aliis) The More I Know About You (Don & The Aliis) Kanaka Pete (The Aliis) Sunny Days, Starry Nights (Don & The Aliis) You're Gonna Hear From Me (Vicki Burton & The Aliis) Molokai (Don & The Aliis) Aloha Means (Don & The Aliis)
Don Ho the foremost exponent of Hawaiian Music today, and Duke's was his nocturnal kingdom, an ever-ever land where the password is "Suck Em Up" and the moon kissed harvest is a never-ending supply of music and camaraderie. Before Dukes there was Honeys, where he first working his special brand of sorcery crowning him with the title of Hawaiian Ambassador to the world at large! |
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Don Ho Tiny Bubbles Please Wait For Me One Paddle, Two Paddle Beautiful Kauai Young Land Happy Me You'll Never Go Home She's Gone Again (I'll Remember You) Geev'Um The Lights of Home Tiny Bubbles I Love The Simple Folk |
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A Night In Hawaii With Don Ho
Ain't No Big Thing Days of My Youth Suck 'Em Up Lahaina Luna Hawaiian Wedding Song My Man For Once In My Life What Now My Love Tiny Bubbles The Following Sea If I Had To Do It All Over Again I'll Remember You Night Life You May Go Hang On Sloopy Hawaii Aloha
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Don Ho leaves behind a musical
legacy of some of the most mesmerizing and soothing music ever to be cut to
vinyl. He will be truly missed by music lovers around the world.
Our humble pages on Don Ho are honored to be listed with a link at "Island Life" Information About Ho's life, Career by the Advertiser Staff on The Honolulu Advertiser Newspaper coverage of Don Ho's Life. In memory of Mr. Ho's outstanding Life-long contribution to the Land of Hawaii and Hawaiian music, and due to the overwhelming numbers of fans and friends visiting our pages on Don, sending in tokens/memories in writing and in photos, I am adding this page as a special Tribute to Don Ho. If you would like to send a message/photo or just a short comment it will be featured here and then sent to the Ho Ohana, both in Hawaii and his Aunt Aneta Ho, a personal acquaintance of mine "Na Mele `O Hawai`i here in Port Orchard, Washington.
Mahalo~
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sky as Waikiki's night is a little bit darker. Hawai'i music
legend Don Ho died Saturday April 14th of heart failure at age 76 after Forty +years in
Waikiki and he was still packing them in. I was attending the HAPA concert the afternoon and evening of April 14 when Nathan Aweau took the microphone and announced to us that "Hawai'is music legend Don Ho passed this morning", Saturday April 14th 2007 of heart failure at age 76 after a long illness and remarkable recovery from stem cell surgery. Nathan had been Mr. Ho's bass player for 16 years, Barry Flanagan and Charles Kapu'u both had composed music with Don including HAPA's song "Waikiki Beachboy Song" which featured Don Ho. Don was instrumental in the foundation of Barry's musical success in Hawaii, and in the forming of the group HAPA, he had frequented the early performances of the original group and encouraged them and their job well done. It was a somber concert with tears, some special chants and several songs and special hula by his Grandson's wife, done in Don's memory. From your fans and friends who frequent Danny Couch Fanaddicts our deepest Condolences to Don's Ohana and all of his worldwide friends and fans. Personally I will never forget the times I was able to attend his performances both here in Seattle and in Hawaii with friends. Always will be a part of my fond memories. God's peace be with you. Aloha oe, Mr. Don Ho
~`A`ohe lokomaika`i i nele i ke pâna`i~ No kind deed has ever lacked its reward. Hawaiians are known for their generosity, hospitality and warm sharing. This giving nature is grounded in the principle of reciprocity. When given, the Hawaiian will give back in equal measure or more, be it a gift or a smile. The true Aloha spirit will abound.~ |
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Sent to Fanaddicts by Manny K and Bettyjean
Fernandez
 Sent
to us by Manny K. Fernandez a personal friend for many years.King of Waikiki entertainment dies - The Honolulu Advertiser - Hawaii's Newspaper THE MAN FROM HAWAII WHO PUT WAIKIKI ON THE MAP AROUND THE WORLD, WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY WHO LOVED HIM DEARLY AND MY HEART ACHES FOR NOT ONLY A LEGEND, BUT MY DEAR FRIEND AND FELLOW SINGING STAR!! I HAD THE PRIVELEGE OF SINGING ''PIKAKE'' WITH HIM ON STAGE AND A NICE VISIT, JUST 4 WEEKS AGO IN HONOLULU. BLESSINGS ON THE FAMILY AND ALL HIS DEAR FANS----HE LOVED THEM ALL!!!!
[Posted on April 14, 2007 at 9:13 pm HST] (photos below sent in to us from Manny K and Bettyjean Fernandez. Mahalo nui for sending)
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-----Original Message----- Sent to us by Manny K. Fernandez DON HO TRIBUTE FROM kehau thx
Aloha.......................sharing with others...small stuff about Don..and
his fans
Sent: 4/15/2007 9:09:28 AM
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Sent to us by Manny K. Fernandez
Dear Mr. and Mrs.
Fernandez,
I just wanted to express my
deepest sympathy on the lost of your friend, Don Ho. I spoke with you
briefly Mr. Fernandez and introduced you to my Mother (Rena Hitchcock) at
the Royal Hawaiian (3/19/07) at the end of your set with their band, the
night before your music award at the Royal Hawaiian. We had been at the
Don Ho the show the night before and had heard you perform. You stated to
us that night you and Mr. Ho were high school pals. It was lovely to meet
you. My Mother was so excited to meet you, we stopped at the Borders
before we left for Albuquerque and she bought most, if not all, of your
Cd's. My husband and I have enjoyed both your music and the cd of Mr.
Ho's music since we returned home. If I close my eyes, we are back at the
Mai Tai bar enjoying a lovely evening.
I just wanted to let you know
how sorry we were for your loss and are thinking and praying for your
family as well as Mr. Ho's. Not only has Hawaii lost one of their own,
but the rest of us, will miss him as well.
Again, thank you for taking
the time to speak with us and treating my Mother with so much kindness and
respect. She was so touched by your kindness. My Mother had decided not
to go and get a photo with Mr. Ho or meet him that night (it would have
been difficult for her to get up from the table and return), and when
people from our table came back with disparaging remarks about Mr. Ho and
his apparent decline, we were glad we didn't go with them. So since she
did not meet Mr. Ho in person, she was very, very happy to have met you.
Thank you. Our stay at the Royal Hawaiian was one of the highlights of
our two week stay on the Hawaiian islands, meeting you was another one.
Warm Regards, Ms. Lynn Boldt
Albuquerque, NM
P.S. Our daughter's 6 & 8 and
our son also 6 (twins) have been hula-ing ever since I returned home the
23rd of March. They are definitely "island keikes". They love the music as
much as we do.
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Donated To Fanaddicts
-----Original Message----- Hi Lea: Very sorry to hear the sad news of Don Ho. It has been only a couple of month's since I sent you the pictures of Don and I from l970. He was such a good person. Please give his family our thought's to such a wonderful person.
Don & Dorothy Knight Belews Creek, N.C |
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Wednesday, April 18, 2007 I WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER Hawaii was exploding with talent and places to play. Great groups from the States would come and play the clubs and it just made it even more exciting. I was just a kid in a candy store taking all this in anyway I could. I'd have friends sneak me into clubs and eventually got my own fake I.D. But I remember sitting outside of clubs and listening to this music that would just blow me away. What a time and what an inspiration. Celebrities from all over the World would come to Hawaii and really bring their appreciation and enthusiasm. All of this was an incredible time and you know all of this was synergized and made possible because of one man... Don Ho. I remember sitting outside at Duke Kahanamoku's at the International Marketplace and watching the greatest show on earth. I remember The Ali'i's they were World class musicians from Hawaii and they could back up anybody like Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis all the stars that would come and take the stage, but when they accompanied Don Ho it took everything to the next level and the house went crazy. People always walked out like they've seen it all. I remember all the beautiful women that would fight to get in and he'd kissed them all. He was the man and yes he was and is Mr. Waikiki. I just want to say thank you Don for being a big inspiration to me. For being a big part of my life. And for all those you have helped through the years. You always gave from your heart and you always made me feel like a dear friend. You are a good man and you will be missed , but never forgotten.
I will always remember you...
God bless!
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Aloha,
IT is with great
sadness that we send this e-mail message out to all of Henry's Friends and
Fans. On Saturday, April 14th, 2007, Don Ho passed away at age 76. Don HO
was an amazing man, a friend to all and was truely the epitome of Aloha.
Hawaii will miss him greatly as will the rest of the world. Our heart felt
condolences go out to his family. Below are Henry's reflections, taken
from his website blog, on a man he respected and admired so much.
I Will Always Remember, the days of my youth. Back in the day when music in Hawaii was flowing like a hot lava stream all along Kalakaua Avenue. Just like Bourbon Street in Louisiana. You could go anywhere and see great bands. It was really a renaissance a time when Hawaii's musicians were taken serious and rightfully so because there were some great musicians like for instance: Kui Lee, Steve Logan, Jimmy Borges, The International Set, The Three of Us, Dick Jensen, Gabby, The Sons of Hawaii, Auntie Genoa Keawe, The Surfers, Iva Kinimaka to name a few. Hawaii was exploding with talent and places to play. Great groups from the States would come and play the clubs and it just made it even more exciting. I was just a kid in a candy store taking all this in anyway I could. I'd have friends sneak me into clubs and eventually got my own fake I.D. But I remember sitting outside of clubs and listening to this music that would just blow me away. What a time and what an inspiration. Celebrities from all over the World would come to Hawaii and really bring their appreciation and enthusiasm. All of this was an incredible time and you know all of this was synergized and made possible because of one man... Don Ho. I remember sitting outside at Duke Kahanamoku's at the International Marketplace and watching the greatest show on earth. I remember The Ali'i's they were World class musicians from Hawaii and they could back up anybody like Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis all the stars that would come and take the stage, but when they accompanied Don Ho it took everything to the next level and the house went crazy. People always walked out like they've seen it all. I remember all the beautiful women that would fight to get in and he'd kissed them all. He was the man and yes he was and is Mr. Waikiki. I just want to say thank you Don for being a big inspiration to me. For being a big part of my life And for all those you have helped through the years. You always gave from your heart and you always made me feel like a dear friend. You are a good man and you will be missed , but never forgotten. I will always remember you... God bless! Henry Kapono This note was sent to: fanaddicts@dannycouchfanaddicts.com.
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April 14th 2007 10:04:06 PM
What is your name? Jennifer Hauoli-Johnson(
Yes I am Danny's Cousin) |
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| -----Original Message----- From: MONDA SPENCE Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2007 12:51 PM Subject: Photos with Don Ho Hi My name Is Monda Spence.Iam a Special Olyimpan and, I have been since 1982 and, ever been since. But I am really sorry about your father that has passed away. I have been a fan of his ever since I was a little girl. But when I saw that he has passed away on my cox internet my heart tore into pieces. I know what it is like to loose a father cause I lost mine too. Here Is a Indian prayer from me okey????????? Hi great sprit bless these people has lost a father and, a husbend grant peace and, your marcy and, give them strenth to get throuh this amen. Sincerly Monda Spence. |
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April 15th 2007
What is your name? Janay Texas |
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| -----Original
Message----- From: On Behalf Of Bill and Ruth Welch Sunday, April 15, 2007 3:44 PM Uncle Don Ho-MY REPLY Dear Lea, My wife and I will miss Don Ho.We had the privilege to be present many times at his wonderful show, and to talk with him on a personal basis. He will be sorely missed. He was the face of Hawaii to many people around the world. May God be with Him. May God Bless his Family. ALOHA, Bill and Ruth Welch Sarasota, FL. |
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Donated to Fanaddicts
Donated to Fanaddicts
Will attach pictures and hope you can use. One I just kissed him after his show and invited him to come to Virginia !! Think it surprised him! What wonderful memories. Let me know if you post them and where. Thank you and God Bless Don's family, friends and the beautiful State of Hawaii which we all love. Don Ho deeply touched my life and will forever. God Bless. Loretta D. Compton State of Virginia |
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Where are you from? Honolulu Have you been acquainted with Danny's music? yes How did you find our Website? Star Bulletin Can you please share any comments? I've been cruising the websites from the Star Bulletin and came cross yours. Very nice. It seems like everyone is talking story bout Don Ho, so sad woudl like to send my kaumaha or heavy rain to Uncles family and to Danny Couch mahalo |
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Bob Toledo Aloha Telephone
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 1:22 PM My Love and my Prayers are with His Ohana. Mahalo Don, For your Compassion and your Love that you Shared with everyone you met. Mahalo for the Honor of knowing You. Me Ke Aloha my Friend, Until We Meet Again. Your Light will Shine in Our Hearts Forever. I,LL REMEMBER YOU----------ALWAYS Bob Toledo Melbourne, Fl. |
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| Aloha: Here's what you'll hear on "The "Music of Hawai`i" tomorrow (Sunday) at 3 p.m. on KIPO 89.3 FM, or on the internet at www.hawaiipublicradio.org, as Keith & Carmen salute Don Ho. We're sending it to about 600 friends here and abroad. We lost a friend; the world lost a superstar. 1. Pupu A`O `Ewa/`Ainahau/Maika`i Ka Makani O Kohala Medley 2. (I Left My Heart In) San Francisco 3. Tiny Bubbles 4. Hanalei Moon 5. Nanakuli Blues 6. Moonlight Lady 7. Hawaiian Wedding Song 8. Hawai`i Aloha 9. Woman of the World 10. I Think About You 11. Time After Time 12. Sing Me A Song 13. Today I Started Loving You Again 14. Take A Walk In The Country 15. I Miss You 16. I'll Remember You Mahalo. K&C Our fondest aloha and sympathy to Haumea and the `ohana Ho. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am in your heart; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond's gift on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night I am every where -- I did not die Do not stand at my grave and cry. * * * Keith & Carmen Haugen
hakumele@aol.com
(keith)
/
meahula@aol.com
(carmen)
Producer/hosts, The Music of Hawai`i 3 p.m., Sundays, KIPO 89.3 FM Honolulu / www.hawaiipublicradio.org Columnists -- Ke Mele Hawai`i Oceanic-Time Warner - April Column Yes, There Is More to the "Music of Hawai`i" Than Traditional Hawaiian Music : www.hawaiiansong.com / www.cordellcountry.com www.tropicalmusichawaii.com |
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Sent to Us to Feature
The last picture of Don, following his final performance on Thursday, April 12, 2007. That's publisher George Engebretson, author Jerry Hopkins, and promoter Tom Moffat in the front row; Haumea and Don Ho in the back. Jerry interviewed Don for about an hour that night for the biography he is writing about the King of Waikiki.
About two weeks earlier, Keith
Haugen was among the 50-plus persons interviewed by Jerry, who was on a
flight back home to
-- Don Ho Showroom Photo |
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Photos by Lea Cook
Though dismissed by some as a novelty act (his moustache, funny hats, and outsized sunglasses don't help matters), Leon Redbone is in fact an excellent entertainer with a penchant for early-20th-century blues, ragtime, and vaudeville-flavored tunes. As usual with Redbone, the fare is lighthearted and tinged with nostalgia, and sweetened by antique arrangements and Redbone's ragged vocals. Each performance is loaded with charm, and charmed he was this week as he opened his performance with some nostalgia about the King of Waikiki, Don Ho who he had performed with on several occasions. While browsing a photograph of himself alongside Mr Don Ho in his quiet and reserved demeanor he said, "Ah Don Ho, the most relaxed performer I've ever known .... besides myself" Don Ho's passing as touched the lives of many a performer, from all walks of life. Rest in peace. ~Leon Redbone at the Triple Door, Seattle WA. |
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Mahalo for sending Piko |
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Why don't you send your two scripts through that guest book & the
family will get it? They'd love them. You might even hear from
them....That would be so neat.... 
