A belated farewell goes out to legendary Hawaiian entertainer Don Ho, who died over the weekend at age 76. I was particularly sad to read about Ho’s passing since I’ve always loved his cameo on The Brady Bunch (you know, singing to Bobby and Cindy — so much more dignified than when Joe Namath or Davy Jones popped by) and appreciated his song "Tiny Bubbles." And, of course, there’s his popstar daughter, Hoku.
But having read some of the obituaries celebrating his life, I appreicate even more just how important he was. Ho, more than most people, it seeems, was key to introducing mainland Americans to the Hawaiian way of life. In doing so, many have argued, he boosted tourism in Hawaii and paved the way for TV shows like Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I. (The laid-back, sea-breeze stylings of Jimmy Buffett owe him a debt, as well.) And through it all, he worked almost nonstop as a Honolulu nightclub performer and national TV personality (he starred in an ABC variety show in the mid-1970s), was dad to 10 children, and was, no doubt, a hero to millions of native Hawaiians. They, along with the rest of us, will miss him.
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Young MC once said:
If every rapper was a soldier I would be Rambo, if every rapper was Hawaiian I would be Don Ho.
Don Ho was an amazing fella, and is one of two Hawaiians everyone should know. The other is King Kamehameha, who united all the Hawaiian islands into one kingdom. According to Hawaii’s Junior Senator (In a story told to me at a coctail reception after a few rounds), Kamehameha invented the concept of placing cannons on the front of sea vessels. I’ve no idea if that second part is true or not.
Anyway, to be mentioned in the same breathe as a legendary king makes Don Ho, IMHO, a pretty amazing person. May they both rest in peace.
I was so sad to hear of Don Hos passing. My hubby and I saw his show on our honeymoon. We were invited to Dons dressing room after the show to meet him. He was so down to earth and friendly. It was truly an experiece I will always treasure. We’ll miss you Don Ho!!
I am very sorry to hear about Don Ho’s passing. We are fans of his and his daughter, Hoku’s. As a mother of Hawaiian children, it is one of their few native idols they have….. RIP.
Sorry to hear of his passing. Don really was wonderful. “Tiny Bubbles” was his signature song.