Don Ho, the legendary Hawaiian singer who has been a popular attraction for over forty-years on the island of Waikiki, is dead at the age of 74. Don will probably be remembered best by us “Mainlanders” for his song “Tiny bubbles,” and his 1970’s, television show broadcast from Hawaii.
Don was born in the little Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako of Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, German parentage but soon moved to Kaneohe. In 1954 Ho entered the United States Air Force and spent time flying fighter jets in both Texas and Hawaii. Ho left the Air Force in 1960 due to his mother’s illness. Don’s musical career began in a cocktail lounge in the windward Oahu town of Kaneohe called Honey’s, named after his mother. After starting a five piece band, called the five Aliis (at the encouragement of his father), they began playing at Duke’s at Waikiki, where Ho and the Aliis started to really come together. Don’s nightly shows at Duke’s were outstanding; the humor was fast and snappy, and was earning him notice. Tourists came, but so did locals and, after a while, visiting Hollywood stars–any of whom might take to the stage. Raising his glass in salute, Don would urge the audience to “suck’em up,” and they did. Duke’s became a hot spot and Don was becoming a star. He was soon invited to play a two-week engagement at Hollywood’s ultra-posh Cocoanut Grove in 1966. His opening night was a triumph, breaking all previous attendance records, and he went on to play to turn-away crowds nightly.
Don’s star was on the rise: Ho released his debut album, Don Ho Show, in 1965 and began to play high profile locations in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and New York City. In 1966 he released his second album, a live compilation called Don Ho – Again!, which charted in the early part of that year. In the fall of 1966, Ho released his most famous song, “Tiny bubbles”, which charted on both the pop and easy listening charts and caused the subsequent Tiny Bubbles LP to remain in the album Top 20 for almost a year. He made numerous T.V. appearances and even had his own show. The Don Ho Show variety program appeared on ABC mornings from October 1976 to March 1977.
Ho was diagnosed with heart failure caused by cardiomyopathy. The cause of his heart failure was unknown, and there was no treatment available. Ho was seeking treatment in Thailand and in an associated press interview, is quoted as saying, “I’m feeling terrific, 100 percent better”.
Don Ho died Saturday morning April 14th, 2007 in Hawaii at age 76 from heart failure.
He leaves behind his wife Haumea Hebenstreit, whom he married in September 2006: she was the producer of his show at the Waikiki Beachcomber. Ho also leaves behind his daughter: Hoku, who performed with her father in his Waikiki show. She is a nationally known recording artist in her own right.
Fans all over the world will miss him.
