Another Ho In The News. (Or, RIP Don.)
World-renowned entertainer Don Ho died this morning, officials confirmed.
He was 76.
Ho suffered a heart attack about 10:15 a.m. at his Waikiki home, and was transported in critical condition to The Queen's Medical Center, officials said. He died at the hospital, officials said.
In late 2005, Ho underwent an experimental stem cell procedure in Bangkok to strengthen his heart.
Ho's health improved after the surgery and in October 2006 was able to return to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where he performed twice a week.
Ho, a 1949 Kamehameha Schools graduate, got his start at Honey's restaurant in the 1960s to attract customers to his mother's waning Kane'ohe business.
He gained prominence while singing at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki from 1964 to 1970. The lounge was a hot spot for local and visiting entertainers, who would stop in to watch Ho perform or join him on stage.
His fame spread to the Mainland after he appeared at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1966.
His sold-out shows led to appearances at the Sands in Las Vegas, Harrah's at Lake Tahoe and at hot spots in New York and Chicago. He also made guest appearances with Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and Art Linkletter.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said this afternoon, "Don was a personal friend of my family because I come from a family of musicians. He was definitely an icon. He will be sorely missed."
He was 76.
Ho suffered a heart attack about 10:15 a.m. at his Waikiki home, and was transported in critical condition to The Queen's Medical Center, officials said. He died at the hospital, officials said.
In late 2005, Ho underwent an experimental stem cell procedure in Bangkok to strengthen his heart.
Ho's health improved after the surgery and in October 2006 was able to return to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where he performed twice a week.
Ho, a 1949 Kamehameha Schools graduate, got his start at Honey's restaurant in the 1960s to attract customers to his mother's waning Kane'ohe business.
He gained prominence while singing at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki from 1964 to 1970. The lounge was a hot spot for local and visiting entertainers, who would stop in to watch Ho perform or join him on stage.
His fame spread to the Mainland after he appeared at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1966.
His sold-out shows led to appearances at the Sands in Las Vegas, Harrah's at Lake Tahoe and at hot spots in New York and Chicago. He also made guest appearances with Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and Art Linkletter.
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said this afternoon, "Don was a personal friend of my family because I come from a family of musicians. He was definitely an icon. He will be sorely missed."
posted by Steve "Tiny" Michaels at 11:11 PM
3 Comments:
I was goin g to post on his passing but your tribute is enough.
three days and counting
How could I not comment on a truly legendary performer...and the man that gave my bubble party venture its name? The world (well, at least a small speck in the Pacific) is a little darker without him...Don Ho and the Society of Seven shows were highlights of my visit to Waikiki.
If everyone could use their talent to make people happy, as Mr. Ho did, the world would be a better place....
Tiny Tunes, Tiny Bubbles. I was going to make the obvious connection but I knew that you're a professional and I didn't even need to ask if it was in the mix. Carry on, my brother.
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