In the early 20th century, Hawaiian music - or a kind of anglicized version of Hawaiian music - was the most popular music in America. Kahalehili and Duff’s dream of striking it big as a vaudeville act wasn’t entirely outlandish.
They would star in Broadway shows, play grand concert halls in New York, and make their way through a busy circuit of theaters and juke joints across the American South.Īlong the way, they would change American music forever. Some, like Kahalehili, would die in poverty and obscurity, thousands of miles away from their island homes. Hundreds of ukulele and steel guitar players and hula dancers in search of adventure or just a chance to make a decent living. The stories running on Civil Beat’s site will accompany - but not mirror - the audio stories, so be sure to check out both.Īfter the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Hawaiian musicians journeyed to the United States in droves. In Season 4 of Offshore, host Kuʻu Kauanoe takes a hard look at why Hawaiians are leaving the islands today and tells surprising stories from history about Hawaiians who left long ago.įrom now until June 18, we’ll be posting weekly episodes, along with written articles.
#Hawaii music facts series
This article is part of a special podcast series on the Hawaiian diaspora. Their story - or as much of it as we can piece together from old newspaper articles and historical documents - is part of a long-erased chapter of American musical and pop culture history. They had run up against society’s conventions, Duff lamented. The fates - and Philadelphia society - were not kind.īy 1915, the couple’s life had become fodder for melodramatic newspaper articles soliciting donations to send the family to Hawaii - a place where their marriage might be more accepted. Once they got married, the couple thought they could earn fame and fortune on the stage. Hawaiian music was on its way to becoming the most popular music in America, and Hawaiian performers were in high demand on the vaudeville circuit. Hundreds of Hawaiian performers made a living in vaudeville in the 20th century.
Making ends meet was harder than they expected, but the young lovers had a plan. Kahalehili got work as a hotel porter and picked up a few gigs with local bands. They fell in love and he followed her home to Philadelphia. Duff was a model from the mainland - 10 years his senior - touring the world as a magician’s assistant. Kahelehili was a dashing young musician playing in an orchestra. The young couple met at a theater in Honolulu in 1902. Philadelphia was no place for an interracial couple in 1915. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.Kale Kahalehili and Jean Duff needed to get home to Hawaii. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance. While you’re visiting, be sure to keep your ears open and listen for catchy tunes and popular hits that help to create the image of Hawaii.ĭue to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Hawaii tours and activities sell out quickly. These songs create a link to the islands and keep memories fresh in your mind, long after your trip has ended. Of course, there are hundreds and thousands of songs about Hawaii, that have come from Hawaii, and are commonly heard in Hawaii.
0 kommentar(er)
