"Don Ho: My Music, My Life" — a 176-page hardcover packed with photos from Ho's own collection and those of friends — was a collaborative project. He had always resisted telling his story but agreed some years ago to reminisce on tape with members of his staff. Last spring, he sat down with Jerry Hopkins, a veteran author of books on Island topics. Hopkins also interviewed Ho intimates and those who had followed the entertainer's storied career. Among them is Ho's widow, Haumea Hebenstreit, his second wife; longtime associate, executive producer and hula soloist for his Waikiki show.

The book is told partly in the form of first-person talk story by Ho, partly from Hopkins' interviews and partly with Hopkins as narrator, offering context and explanation.

Ho was literally working on the book up to the day before his death from a heart attack last April, according to Dawn Sakamoto, director of sales and marketing for Watermark Publishing, which is releasing the book.

The publishers had hoped to have the full run of the $29.95 book in time for holiday sales, but work was delayed and only a limited advance release will be available in December. Most copies will arrive after Christmas, Sakamoto said.