Label: RCA Victor – LSP-2150
Series: Living Stereo
Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo, Gatefold
Country: US
Released: 1959
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Hawaiian
Tracklist:
- Beyond The Reef
- Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)
- Blue Hawaii
- Te Manu Pukarua ( The Birds Of Pukarua)
- The Hawaiian Wedding Song
- Aloha Oe
- Hawaiian Ponoi
- Sweet Leilani
- Vahine Paumotu (Girl Of The Paumotus)
- Akaka Falls (Ka Wailele O Akaka)
- Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi
- Love Song Of Kalua
- Maururu A Vau
Notes:
Released in 1959, James Michener’s Favorite Music of Hawaii is a carefully curated collection that reflects the celebrated author’s deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture and music. Known for his novel Hawaii, Michener collaborated with RCA Victor to assemble a selection of traditional and popular Hawaiian songs that capture the essence of the islands. The album features performances by The Oratorio Society of Honolulu Orchestra and Chorus, as well as The Marie Tarangi Trio, blending rich vocal harmonies and instrumental arrangements that evoke the beauty and spirit of Hawaii.
The tracklist includes beloved Hawaiian standards such as Beyond the Reef, Blue Hawaii, and Aloha Oe, each performed with a reverence for the island’s musical heritage. The orchestral and choral arrangements, directed by Jack de Mello, add a grand and immersive quality to the recordings. Songs like *Hawaiian War Chant* and *Sweet Leilani* showcase the dynamic range of Hawaiian music, from its lively, rhythmic chants to its soothing, melodic ballads.
Michener’s involvement in the album extended beyond selection—his liner notes provide insight into the cultural significance of the songs and their place in Hawaiian history. His literary background and passion for storytelling complement the musical journey, making the album not just a collection of songs but an auditory experience that transports listeners to the islands. The inclusion of traditional compositions such as Hawaiian Ponoi and Akaka Falls further emphasizes the album’s dedication to authenticity.
Decades later, James Michener’s Favorite Music of Hawaii remains a cherished representation of Hawaiian music, offering a glimpse into the sounds that inspired Michener’s writing. It serves as both a historical document and a celebration of the island’s musical traditions, continuing to resonate with audiences who appreciate the timeless beauty of Hawaiian melodies.
