1. Henry Kailamai (1882 - 1948)

A pioneering composer and musician of Hawaiian music.

Henry Kailamai was born in the Kohala District of the Big Island of Hawaii, son of William Henry and Kaaipelana Kailimai.

Kailamai studied and taught music, then moved to Oahu, where he played organ for the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church).

He formed a band called 'Henry's Royal Hawaiians', and he continued to compose and perform Hawaiian-influenced music. In 1915, the band was invited to perform at the Pan Pacific International Exposition (PPIE), in San Francisco.

The Royal Hawaiians was so popular at the expo, it helped trigger an interest in Polynesian music that helped lay the foundation for early Polynesian pop culture.

Automotive tycoon Henry Ford was so taken with Kailamai's music, he hired the composer. Kailami formed a new band called the 'Ford Hawaiian Qunitet'.

Under the auspices of Ford, Kailami continued to compose and perform music, on the stipulation that it be only Hawaiian in nature.

In 1916, Kailami and his band traveled to New Jersey, where they performed for the Thomas Edison Company who, at that time, were manufacturing graphophones and music recordings. Edison was so impressed with Kailimai, he recorded and distributed several of Kailimai's songs. Edison also had the band play at his daughter's wedding.

On the Beach at Waikiki is perhaps Henry Kailamai's best known song.




Updated October 22, 2005