William Lionel Kalaniali'iloa Lincoln was born in Kohala, Hawai`i in 1913. One of fifteen children of a cattle rancher, Lincoln grew up speaking Hawaiian, working as a paniolo, and singing in Kohala High School's operettas and plays. After graduating in 1931, he formed his own band (he sang and played ukulele), and by 1938 he had moved to O`ahu and was already working the Waik?k? entertainment circuit. Lincoln sang straight tenor at the beginning of his career, but he was gradually influenced by Lena Machado and George Kainapau, his musical idols, into becoming a falsetto specialist. "Kawaihae Hula" celebrates a place that used to be. But as long as these songs are sung, danced, and transmitted, the places they celebrate will remain alive in us. It is because of "Kawaihae Hula" that the sound of `ili`ili still echoes at Pelekane and the image of Puaka'ilima still shimmers in the memories of Kawaihae Harbor. (Mahalo to: Kihei de Silva for his analysis from "He Aloha Moku o Keawe: A Collection of Songs for Hawai`i, Island of Keawe". We share this rare recording of "Kawaihae Hula" by Bill Ali`iloa Lincoln in response to a request from Trustee At-large Haunani Apoliona of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Mahalo Haunani.
Length:2:50 Released on: 01-01-1945 Artist/Compiled by: Bill Ali'iloa Lincoln