1921-2004
Sonny Kamahele, old-time singer, dead at 82
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Solomon "Sonny" Kamahele, a veteran Waikiki entertainer who sang and played Hawaiian music for more than 70 years, died yesterday morning in Hilo as entertainer Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom was singing "Sweet Little Baby" over the phone to him.
He was 82.
Sonny Kamahele leaves a legacy in Hawaiian music.
His wife, Margaret, was at his side. "He had a smile on his face," she said.
The "Baby" tune that Gilliom sang was written by Sam Koki, Gilliom's grandfather. She said her grandfather wrote it for her father when he was born.
" 'Please sleep, little baby,' I sang," Gilliom said. "And he was trying to sing, and he passed on. So I pule'd (prayed) and told Grandma (the late Jennie Napua Hanaiali'i Woodd) to get ready for Uncle Sonny 'cause they worked together in Hollywood. He was one of the true pioneers of Hawaiian music."
Koki and Kamahele had performed together in Los Angeles and Kamahele's version of the tune, which was part of his last recording, "Drifting and Dreaming With Sonny Kamahele," was well known.
For residents and visitors alike, Kamahele was the epitome of the grand Hawaiian trouper in the golden age of Hawaiian music — a dependable and giving musician in hotel showrooms featuring the likes of the late Alfred Apaka. Kamahele was a regular performer on radio's "Hawai'i Calls" and, with his late pal Benny Kalama, was a benchmark in showmanship and artistry.
"It was a privilege to sing with him and with folks like Benny Kalama and Barney Isaacs," singer Karen Keawehawai'i said. "He was kolohe (rascally), too. His kind is diminishing too quickly."
Alan Akaka, leader of The Islanders at the Halekulani, where Kamahele retired in August, characterized him as an old-school legend. "He started performing when he was 11, so he had a 71-year-run," Akaka said. "He was a perfectionist and a wonderful falsetto singer with tremendous phrasing he learned on his own."
The Kamaheles had recently built a home and retired in Hilo.
Born Aug. 28, 1921, in Honolulu, Kamahele was mentored by his father, noted performer Sonny Kamahele Sr. Since the 1950s, Sonny Kamahele and his best friend, Kalama, who died in 1999, were the kingpins of traditional Hawaiian music — Kamahele on steel guitar, Kalama on 'ukulele.
"They're the last of the famed Hawaiian Village Serenaders, so they must be jamming together now," said Akaka.
Funeral services are pending but will be held on O'ahu.
Survivors include his adopted son, King Kamahele; and stepchildren, Marty Washburn, Barry Washburn, Kim Washburn, Loretta Washburn and Jennifer Hall.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8067.
