A legendary Hawaiian musician and entertainer, famous for his smooth vocals and iconic ukulele playing, bringing tropical vibes to the world stage.
Don Ho, the renowned Hawaiian traditional pop musician, singer, and entertainer, is best known for his timeless classic, "Tiny Bubbles," a song that has become synonymous with his name. Released in the 1960s, this chart-topping hit solidified Ho's place in the music industry, making him an international sensation.
Born on August 13, 1930, in the small Honolulu neighborhood of Kakaako, Ho was a product of a diverse cultural heritage, with Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and German ancestry. He grew up in Kneohe on the windward side of Oahu, where he developed a passion for music that would eventually shape his future.
After graduating from the Kamehameha Schools in 1949, Ho attended Springfield College on a football scholarship, but returned to Hawaii to earn a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Hawaii in 1953. In 1954, he joined the United States Air Force, where he spent time flying C97s with the Military Air Transport Service. It was during his military service that Ho discovered his love for music, buying an electronic keyboard in Concord, California, and beginning to perform for his fellow servicemen.
After leaving the Air Force in 1959, Ho returned to Hawaii to help his mother with the family bar business, Honeys. It was here that he began singing and entertaining patrons, eventually turning the venue into a hotspot for local entertainment. In 1963, he moved the Kneohe Honeys to Waikk, where he gained even greater popularity.
Ho's music career took off in the 1960s, with the release of "Tiny Bubbles," which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He went on to release numerous albums and singles, including "Sway," "I'll Remember You," and "With All My Love." His unique blend of traditional Hawaiian music, pop, and easy listening made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Ho received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Hawaiian Music Association.
Ho married his high school sweetheart, Melva May Kolokea Wong, in 1951, and they had six children together. The couple was married for 48 years until Melva's passing in 1999.
Don Ho left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring generations of musicians and entertainers. He passed away on April 14, 2007, but his music and legacy continue to be celebrated around the world.
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