Tom Moffatt started as a deejay at K-POI radio, and in the five decades that followed, brought some of the biggest acts to the Islands, creating countless memories for generations of Island music and entertainment fans.

Moffatt left his home in South Lyon, Mich., for the University of Hawai'i, with dreams of getting a job in radio. He moved to promoting musical acts and was the emcee-presenter of the "Show of Stars" at the old Civic Auditorium that featured performers such as Connie Francis, The Everly Brothers, Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Johnny Crawford, Dion and the Belmonts and Chubby Checker — all for a ticket price of under $1.

He hosted a local teen show on KHVH (now KITV) that came on right after Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." And he could be heard on radio promotions such as a donkey derby or a bowl-a-thon.

Moffatt helped bring rock and roll to the Islands and booked concerts ranging from the Beach Boys to the Rolling Stones and Janet Jackson.

He became friends with the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Elvis Presley's manager, Col. Tom Parker, which resulted in Hawai'i performances by Presley.

Some of his longevity and his lasting relationships come from sealing deals simply with a handshake, Moffatt said in a 2006 Advertiser interview.

"I still do," he said.