Decca 78 #1266 - Harry Owens Royal Hawaiians - "O-Ko-Le-Ma-Lu-Na"

The big turning point in Harry Owens career came in 1934 with his arrival in Hawaii and his appointment as music director of The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. He tried to learn all he could about the local culture by mixing and working with native Hawaiians. He learned many traditional and more modern Hawaiian songs and tunes which he wrote down and orchestrated using Western notation for the first time. Many had never been written down before, much less orchestrated. He reorganized the Royal Hawaiians by splitting the band into Hawaiian and haole instrumental sections. His band featured the steel guitar, which had a trademark sound, producing tuneful and rhythmic dance music with a strong Hawaiian flavor.

Offered now are two extraordinary sounds preserved in NEAR MINT condition! Lightly played and showing only incidental wear. No chips, cracks, or skips. Side 1266A plays a fox trot with vocal quartette of, "O-Ko-Le-Ma-Lu-Na", and Side 1266B is the Hawaiian Folk Song, "Koni Au I Ka Wai", with a vocal chorus by Alvin Kaleoiani.