ED KAAHEA & DA COMICS

Ed Kaahea (above) was on Oahu for his 40th class reunion up at Kamehameha School. Ed is the surviving member of Booga Booga, Hawaii's original comedy group. They were the first folks to go off in Pidgin English on local TV. This was not considered cool by Honolulu's broadcast establishment. To anyone young, hip and local, it was the funniest thing ever. Ed, along with his dear departed fellow maniacs, Rap Replinger and James Grant Benton were packing 'em in at the old Territorial Tavern on Bishop Street, downtown. I worked the mornng drive slot and rarely went out at night. But Friday nights, with Booga's comedy and Olomana's music, were some great times.

I loved watching the guys work, and I loved working with them. Our first meeting was on-air, a spontaneous encounter that evolved into one of the most popular features I ever did on local radio. After our first stunt in July 1976, every Friday featured a special guest. We did over 150 of those artist hang-out-interview-play music sessions during my run at KKUA, where Whodaguy was born. Ed had gone off to UCLA, where he studied drama for a while, before finishing up back home, at UH. Ed, like Barack Obama and me, was born in Waikiki. He told some great stories about his "small kid time." 

Rap, (center) like Barack Obama and me, attended Punahou. Rap was the funniest human I ever met, bar none. Most people who saw this comic genius perform are quick to agree. James (right) was the public school grad, having gone to McKinley. But he was the most serious thespian of the group. Several of his adaptations of Shakespeare--in Pidgin--were staged in Honolulu. Rap and Jimmy died way too young, Ed moved to Kauai years ago, where he did a radio show for years. Of late he's been a televangelist. On his first visit to our jungle studio we "discussed" religion, but just about every other subject was toasted under the Kaneohe sun.

We also presented the Official Jacobs/Kaahea Historical Review of local humor. You'll hear records and archive goodies by Kent Bowman, Lucky Luck, Frank DeLima, (above) Andy Bumatai and others. I also surprised Brother Ed with a tape of that first Aloha Friday Show of July 16, 1976. It  began our good fun relationship, which is even more fun today. At least we had plenty of it doing the show.

RFK R.I.P.

It was 40 years ago, yesterday, when Robert F. Kennedy died. The night before he was at the Ambassador Hotel in downtown L.A. RFK and his supporters were there to celebrate his victory in California's primary. Jim Mitchell (left) was KHJ Radio's 25-year-old news director. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado now. (Mitchell went on be a TV news anchor, attorney, taught journalism law at Arizona and had his first novel published in 2002). I recently asked him to recall what happened during those historic 24 hours: 

"Everyone was on duty for the June 4, 1968 election results. I arrived at the hotel just after midnight. RFK had left the stage and began to walk through the kitchen pantry," Mitchell says. "Suddenly there was screaming. A crowd had gathered when I arrived. Word drifted out: He'd been shot. An ambulance screamed off to Central Receiving, a few blocks away. I followed them in a KHJ 20/20 News Cruiser. I saw Kennedy's face and I thought he was dead.  Then to another hospital where brain surgeons were standing by. Our news staff staked out the place, one reporter replacing another, until the morning of June 6. Word came: Robert F. Kennedy was dead. The Democrats were doomed. Nixon would be president. How could I predict what a pivotal moment in U. S. history this would be?"

Most of us loved Bobby like we had loved his murdered brother, Jack, "our" president. I was at KMAK, Fresno, when JFK was killed. There was no "format" for what to do. The same was true in 1968. RFK's California campaign headquarters were across Melrose Ave. at Lucy's El Adobe, one of our hangouts. Bobby truly did have "an aura about him." It was snuffed out that night four decades ago in "Boss Angeles." Mitchell's small but tough news crew won awards for their coverage of the murder; it was of little consolation. Nothing was the same from that day on.

Dion, leader of the Belmonts, wrote the anthem that became a #1 hit on KHJ and across the country. He asked, "Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby? Can you tell me where he's gone? I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill, with Abraham, Martin and John." The Viet Nam war escalated, race riots raged, Watergate happened. Nothing would ever be the same in our lifetime.

The photo on the left is  one of the last pictures taken in Senator Robert F. Kennedy's lifetime. There he is, at the podium of the Ambassador ballroom, in a room full of  ecstatic supporters. He won the Big One and was on his way. His wife, Ethel, is at his right. And there, in the black horn-rimmed glasses, holding the mike is L.A. radio reporter Andy West. He was covering the event for a small station outside of town.

All this happened before there were cell phones, laptops, video cameras, cable news networks, satellite coverage. All that remains is grim, grisly black and white footage of Kennedy's body lying in a pool of his own blood. Blurred hands and arms push others forward or away. RJK's crew that night included athletes Roosevelt Grier and Rafer Johnson. We see it now in endless replays that evoke the horror. And we hear a voice yelling, "Rafer, grab the gun!"

The voice belonged to Andy West, who had followed Bobby into the pantry. I first heard that voice in 1959. Back then he was known as "Jumpin' George" West, original Poi Boy at Hawaii's first Top 40 station, KPOI. I hired him as midday DJ, a few years after he arrived from Kansas City. West did OK on the air. His personal life was another story. Back in those days there were no high rise condos on Ala Wai Boulevard, where the station was. Only a few cottages amidst the hale koa. It was a day when West didn't show. He was shacked up in back of KPOI, or some such scene. It got freaky when I confronted him, and ended with his chasing me with what  seemed to be a gun. He didn't fire. I fired him.

It's 1963. I'm the programming VP for our small station group. My dream had come true, I was in the big time, Hollywood, hiring a staff for our new station. But it was in a small time area, San Bernardino. The "talent pool" was the deejays, out of work, most of whom hung out at the Gaiety Deli on Vine Street. In the group? You guessed it: West, now calling himself Andy. 

I was young, desperate and naive. He talked me into a second chance. And so it was that West and I joined forces at KMEN. This turned out to be nothing but a blockhouse in a muddy cow pasture on Baseline Avenue, Southern California drab. Waikiki this was not. We ran the drill that worked at KPOI. Jocks were the KMEN. In the noon slot was West. He did OK on the air and the station also shot to #1. Not more than a year had passed when a farmer, in overalls, stormed into the lobby. Carrying a shotgun, the man shouted, "I'm lookin' for the damn disc jockey who's been sniffin' around my sweet little darlin'  daughter." I told the man that the DJ would be gone by nightfall. I fired West, again, then I headed for home.

                                                           

Home was KPOI, in Honolulu. I went back  on the air.  That began a series of events that put me in emotional  orbit for more than a year: A scouting trip to Kowloon and Macao to check on the chances of a "pirate station" succeeding there. Arrested for the possession of three milligrams of marihuana [sic]. Marriage to my first wife, Lenore. A one month stay in Halawa Jail, to go with a $1000 fine. Return to L.A. with little self-esteem and less money.

Then, within 10 days, I was KHJ's new program director. It was March 1965. One talented person I brought aboard was Jim Mitchell, who had been with me at KPOI, KMEN and KMAK. And so that brought us together, on the phone, that night in '68, discussing how we would handle the breaking news of the Bobby Kennedy shooting. Then I headed to the airport to complete an assignment.

On this day 40 years ago, by a twist of fate, I was in New York City to give the keynote address at Billboard Magazine's first Radio Forum. Our last great hero, Robert F. Kennedy, lay in repose at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a few blocks away on Fifth Ave. KHJ promotion director Mitch Fisher and I were being driven to meet Allen Klein, then the manager of the Rolling Stones. We drove right by the majestic church. Once again Bobby was in the building across the street. We said goodbye to him that day, four decades ago. He will be in our hearts forever.

FROM THE HEART

Millicent, RJ & Nancy The Great

Last night I went to my first rock concert in this century. To see Heart, the Wilson sisters, Nancy and Ann, who blew up Honolulu's Blaisdell Concert Hall to a packed house. My date was future Hawaiian Idol, the very hapai Millicent Cummings, a Nancy Wilson fan from way back. We went with Sharon and Ledward Kaapana--what a joy to introduce these two great artists, each fans of the other--and Ed Kanoi. Also on hand were Haumea Ho, and her mom, who I hadn't seen since we were in school together eons ago. Sitting behind us were Lt. Col. Rex Vanderwood, USAF. Thanks to Michael of King Michel Productions, Mrs. Vanderwood, there for her birthday, was able to meet Nancy backstage

I was there to thank Ms. Wilson in person for composing and performing the original slack key theme music for WHODAGUYHAWAII.com, which you hear during our shows. On the current stream, it is learned and performed by the Makaha Sons. The hall was packed, every seat full, Heart fans standing and screaming throughout. Roaring ovations brought the ladies back again for two encore hana hou. The entire band is hot. It was my first "night out" since WDG began. What better way than to meet and greet a wonderful lady, great performer and Big Mama to Da Crowe Brahs. Mahalo to Sherri Anderson for the photos and reminding me how the real pros operate. And how quiet Kaneohe is this morning, the silence ringing in my ears.

IN DA HOUSE

Yesterday brought an interesting group to the house, Tony Roberts (left) is a friend of an old friend who came to visit a few weeks back. Tony was born and raised in Papokolea, above Roosevelt High, which he attened in the early 60s. At an early age he began studying ancient Hawaiian ways of healing, some of which he worked on me during his first visit. Made my back feel better and he was here to follow up. He arrived with good vibes and chocolate-dotted doughnuts. Both he and his treat made me feel much better. Tony's a good man and we'll have more about him later. 

Before Tony left, Millicent Cummings pulled up. She'd driven in from Punaluu to talk about her upcoming CD called "Altar Native." Those listening to us back in February heard her play songs from the album. I said at the time that this singer, songwriter and guitarist was by far the best new talent I'd heard since I got back into the local music scene. She is 7 1/2 months pregnant. Her CD is coming out at the end of this month, with the baby scheduled for early August. On thing I've learned is that neither record factories or keiki can be counted on to be on time. But Millicent is my "date" to see The Great Nancy Wilson and sister Ann, (Heart), tomorrow night at the concert hall. I tried to convince Ms. Cummings that she might be more comfortable in an outfit that we could pick up at the Salvation Army store in Kailua. I forced her to buy an outfit that I thought would be both comfortable and cool. She hated it but we were in my car so she popped for the ten bucks and we had some sushi. Millicent had never been to the Hoomaluhia Botanical Park so we went up there to check it out. She modeled the outfit, only because I had turned her on to this little-known wonderful place. I doubt she'll wear the ensumble again, unless it's Halloween, but I snapped this photo and we headed back to Da House. 

We listened to one of my old radio shows on the way. It turned out to be an interview with Willie Nelson, which I did when I was at KDEO Country Radio. Willie had just done a concert for us in Honolulu and was checking in from Maui, where he flew after the show. After buying some gas -- at $4.94 a gallon -- we made it back to the house. (Still no word from the Sons, so I guess we'll wing it today. We've done that before, although the last time was back more than 20 years ago, when Brother Iz was still alive. Whatever results will be streaming online at WHODAGUYHAWAII.COM sometime today). By the time we got back Barack Obama had finally clinched the Democratic nomination. Before hitting the rode I had to hear a song.

Millicent insisted on playing her version of Jerry Santos "Kuu Home O Kahuluu" for me. I decided to record it for posterity since she's never performed it before. Just before we started there was a knock at the front door, which is never used, Everyone comes in through the kitchen. "Who is it?" I yelled. "Missionaries," came the reply. So I invited in the two Elders (left), both from Utah, as is Millicent. She proceeded to blow their minds, and mine, with Jerry's classic song and an a capella version of "Amazing Grace," which effected me, the Mormons and her future son profoundly. It was a bizarre day. I went to heat up some of Cherry's Curry Beef Stew from last night and watch Jon Stewart.

Tomorrow the Makaha Sons, who just arrived back from somewhere and are due to come and play this afternoon. Great sounds coming to Da House.

BO DIDDLEY IN HAWAII

The two rhythm and blues men I met early on, that blew my mind as musicians and people never to be forgotten, were Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Bo Diddley. Bo died yesterday. Jay, composer of the immortal "I Put A Spell On You," played here in the early 60s. Somehow we became buddies, he moved here for a while and we hung out. Jay was cool, crazy and a deceptively great musician. The other cool cat I met while I worked at KPOI was Bo Diddley. He was here on June 9, 1960 to play at the SHOW OF STARS concert series, promoted by impresarios Ralph Yempuku and Earl Finch at venerable Civic Auditorium on South King Street. It was Honolulu's indoor venue for anything bigtime. And the rock show were a big deal through the 1950s and 60s. The emcee and talent coordinator was young deejay "Uncle" Tom Moffatt. He's the one on the left, above, holding the shakers in the picture above.

Even Moffatt, who generally leaned away from soul music in favor of wimpy songs was impressed by Bo's hits and the action on the KPOI request lines. So it was that Bo and his even more irrepressible percussionist, maracas-shaking Jerome, appeared at our studios on the Ala Wai canal for an interview. It was wild and so were they. The two spoke their own language, a pre-rap kind of jive talk. If one paid attention it might just be possible to keep up. During our on-air talk I learned that Bo came from Mississippi (as did "Colonel" Finch, a native of Hattiesburg) and grew up learning life and his craft in Chicago. I'd never seen anything like Bo's guitar: It was rectangular-shaped, painted like a '57 Chevy and he called it his "Jupiter Thunderbird." On it he played the classic "Shave and a haircut, two bits" riff that shaped the tune "Bo Diddley" and which he rode to stardom and the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, influencing all that came after. 

When I produced the first HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL for KHJ in 1969, it was John Lennon who told us how early Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry records influenced the Beatles as they shaped their sound in Liverpool. Bo was also a writer of funky lyrics, many of his greatest being about the twists and turns of his own life. I don't know that he ever wrote a tune about his post-concert party at the Hilton Hawaiian Village after the Honolulu show. The usual crowd and refreshments were on hand. But so was Jerome. If Bo didn't know his zany sidekick was around, he quickly realized it when, scooping up a liquid refreshment, a frog jumped up at him out of the punchbowl. The obituaries today read, "Rock Pioneer Bo Diddley Dies at 79." But for me and those who rubbed shoulders with him, he lives on, personified by the title of one of his songs that was covered and made even bigger by other artists: "I"m A Man." The man born Elias Bates was a lead story on network TV news and ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. Aloha Bo, brah.

Tom Moffatt photo by City Art, Honolulu; SHOW OF STARS poster courtesy of Wolfgang's Vault, San Francisco.

FOR MARY, MARTHA & MIKI

Bill Bigelow, mentioned here on May 24, was well known in Hawaii, on the scene for over 40 years. His passing was dutifully noted at the time in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Hawaii Reporter. The Honolulu Advertiser, to my knowledge, has not mentioned a word of Bill's death. 

This is not surprising, considering how that once proud paper is slipping at every level. The Tiser seems to me, in the five minutes or so needed to read any original material of interest, to be twisting through an identity crisis: To be a newspaper wrapped around a high school sports section or an "interactive web presence." 

None of the old gang is left to maintain kamaaina vibes. A succession of  "parachute editors" has dropped in and contributed little other than more senseless Gannettisms and a blurry vision of and for our state. Newspapers are going through shrinkage spasms. Competition comes from endless new sectors, all of which unimaginable in the days when Linotype machines were the most modern thing on South Street. In New Century Honolulu media the former undisputed newspaper champ is going down before morning readers' eyes.

Yesterday I saluted Ed Kanoi for being voted Advertiser  "People's Choice" co-winner in the Best Radio Personality voting. The 146 categories included those honored as Best Hearing Center, (where we presume they listen to Ed). But the awards are not accessible online. They appear only in a print edition insert, apparently just another advertising sales-driven "feature," where dollars take precedence over duty -- to journalistic integrity.

I worked in the News Building in the mid-50s when KGU occupied the top floor. I stood in the shadows and learned from of the giants of Hawaii journalism, such as George Chaplin, Buck Buchwach, Bob Krauss, Sandy Zalburg and others. The publisher belonged to the Thurston family of local press pioneers. The at the Honolulu Advertiser should take the time to read and absorb their Mission Statement. And until they accept and apply its precepts, that paper remains chillingly out of touch, "thinking" with hard drives rather than any heart.

What of the great institutions of my youth will be left when I check out? The Star-Bulletin is trying to serve the public interest aided by a staff empathetic to Hawaii's zeitgeist and manna. One such is reporter Burl Burlingame, who wrote the story of Bill Bigelow's life and death. Another is writer John Heckathorn. His Page Two column in S-B Sunday editions is called What The Heck? On July 1, he wrote:: 

Deeply Regretted

A couple of years ago, Bill Bigelow saw me in the market, called my name. Hearing your name in Bigelow's resonant bass voice was like being paged by one of God's announcers.

Which might be Bigelow's current gig -- since he died two weeks ago today at home. Bill was a TV and radio reporter, an author, Sheraton's head of PR, an actor.

I remember him for two things. First, his quixotic attempt to resurrect "Hawaii Calls" as a national radio show. And that big, loud wonderful voice, now quiet.

To which I can only add brother Bill's AOL address: "Aloha Billy."

HOT SOUP: The Makaha Sons play live in our jungle studio Wednesday. It will be a great reunion for me with Moon Kauakahi, who was granted leave from the Hawaii National Guard on a Sunday in 1978 (above, Skippy Kamakawiwoole, Moon, Iz and Mel Amina) to play with the group at my daughter Miki'ala's baby luau at the old Diamond Head house. I've made no secret since way back when I met the band, when I was on a midlife comeback and they were kids, that they are my favorite contemporary Hawaiian group. Unlike certain corporate enterprises, they are driven by Hawaiian soul, know their audience and improve with time.  

A PAIR OF ACES

This is a day to celebrate. Two great folks took big steps forward. Noe Pearson, daughter of Gus and Ann, my friends and neighbors, graduated from Castle High School last night. I've known Gus for 30 years and it's a thrill to see this cycle complete.  

Noe finished up with a 3.4 GPA, was co-captain of the Knights cheerleading team and picked up a few other honors. She'll be moving down the road up to Windward College next year. Gus had a hand in everything we built in our brah-cast studio and he did a great job raising this scintillating young lady. 

WHODAGUYHAWAII.COM producer Ed Kanoi was announced in today's Sunday Honolulu Advertiser's as "Best of the Best" Radio Personality of 2008, along with partner Paul Stewart of Oldies 107.9. A shout out to another KKUA alum, Michael W. Perry, who finished in second place with his partner in the People's Choice Awards,

I met Ed in 1976. He was already at KKUA when I returned back home. I became Whodaguy and Ed, fresh out of Waipahu High, was promoted from gofer to music director. He's come a long way since. Together, we moved to KDEO Radio to do country radio out in the country and kept on collaboraing through the 80s. Ed spent some time in Hollywood, learning the biz, and -- that there's no place like home. 

After stints on Kauai and the Big Island, Ed returned to Oahu in time to jump in on the beginning of this new project. His contributions, at every level, have made him key to our progress. So HOORAY for Noe and Ed, your hard work paid off.