August 13 - Don Ho (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

 Don Ho (August 13, 1930 – April 14, 2007) was a popular Hawaiian singer and entertainer.

[For last year's verse on Kathleen Battle go here.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lei, Lady, Lei

"During the second half of the decade, a growing movement emerged in Hawaii to produce more traditional forms of music that subtly accused Ho of being too commercialized and marketed to tourists." -- Wikipedia

For generations folks would go

To hear the stylings of Don Ho,

And he was such a charming guy, he

Came to symbolize Hawaii.

“Tiny Bubbles in the Wine”

As a song may be just fine,

And its gentle brand of charm

Probably did no one harm,

But there were those who thought his styles

Cheapened the Hawaiian isles

By omission of traditions

Of indigenous musicians.

 

 

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