Larry Ramos' 'Never My Love' receives Hawaiian makeover

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Larry Ramos, the Kaua'i native who sang the lead on the Association's 1967 hit song, "Never My Love," has recorded a new Hawaiian version with translation by Tony Conjugacion. The Hawaiian title is "'A'ole La E Ku'ulei."

The tune, on a three-song CD released by Tom Moffatt's Paradise Productions label, features Ramos on lead vocals as well as guitars and 'ukulele. Conjugacion provided the Hawaiian lyrics expressly for Ramos and the island spin should become a quick favorite on radio's play lists and, presumably, at record shops.

Moffatt said the release initially will be marketed in Hawai'i, with eventual expansion to cities on the Mainland.

The original song was declared No. 2 ("You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" was No. 1) on BMI's Songs of the Century list at the turn of the century.

Ramos still tours with the Association, which got boxed-set treatment for its hits from the Rhino record label this year.

Ramos performs the love ballad in a similar vein as the original; English lyrics, from the original composition by Don and Dick Addrissi, also are on the updated version.

Island interpretations of pop songs are not that common. Over the decades, however, a few such covers have become part of the Hawai'i musical landscape, including The Brothers Cazimero's Hawaiianized "Rainbow Connection" (the Muppets-related tune) and Nohelani Cypriano's "You Are So Beautiful" (the Joe Cocker ballad).

Ramos also sings a gospel-tingled "God Love Laughter" on the CD.

A sleek remake of Keola Beamer's "Honolulu City Lights," featuring Jeffrey Foskett on vocals and acoustic guitar, is the third cut. Foskett has a long association with the Beach Boys and now is musical conductor for Brian Wilson. He collaborated with Ramos on "'A'ole La E Ku'ulei," doing some background work.