Sweet Leilani

[MikeFromHolland]

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Though best known for his "Hawaiian" music, Harry Owens was born in Nebraska. However, he became musical director of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu, in 1934, where he mixed traditional instruments with those more commonly used by American dance bands.




Royal Hawaiian Hotel musicians, January 2, 1935.


That same year he wrote "Sweet Leilani" for his daughter. The name Leilani is made up of two Hawaiian words, Lani, meaning heavenly, and lei, meaning a wreath or garland of flowers. Sol Ho'opi'i recorded the number on October 6 1935, the recording being released on Brunswick 55085 with the title "Leilani (Wreath of Heaven)." Sol Ho'opi'i is considered to have been one of the greatest exponents of the Hawaiian guitar and was at least influential in the development of the electric guitar in the early 1940s.

Leilani original label.png

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"Sweet Leilani" became a big hit for Bing Crosby in 1937, when he sang it in the film "Waikiki Wedding," earning an Academy Award for Song of the Year and giving Crosby his first gold record.

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Elvis's version is a home recording, never intended for release.
Recorded : Perugia Way, Bel Air, Los Angeles, November 1960
There were two versions of this song recorded that day. Both can be found on FTD-In A Private Moment. Elvis is accompanied by Nancy Sharp on this song.

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One of the comments to this YouTube clip:

Miguel Montano.png

A few other versions

Rosemary Clooney & Harry James - 1952
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Marty Robbins - 1957
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Andy Williams - 1959
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Sam Cook - 1960
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Chris Isaak - 2010
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SOURCES
http://www.poplartunes.nl/sweet_leilani.html
http://www.hawaiipictureoftheday.com/author/hawaii-aviation/
http://aviation.hawaii.gov/aviation-pioneers/amelia-earhart/photos-of-amelia-earhart/
http://davidneale.eu/elvis/originals/list8.html
https://secondhandsongs.com/work/138494/versions#nav-entity

[colonel snow]

More recordings till 1937:

23-07-36 - Dick McIntyre's Harmony Hawaiians with vocal Danny Kua'ana (Decca 945);
19-02-37 - Ted Fio Rito & his Orchestra with vocal The Debutants & Muzzy Marcellino (Decca 1176);
21-02-37 - Jan Garber & his Orchestra (Brunswick 7839);
03-03-37 - Tommy Tucker & his Orchestra with vocal R. Hoskins and Trio (Vocalion 3489 / Conqueror 8805 /Melotone 7-05-17 / Perfect 7-05-17);
04-03-37 - George Hall & the Hotel Taft Orchestra with vocal Dolly Dawn (Bluebird 6859);
12-03-37 - Ruby Newman & his Rainbow Room Orchestra with vocal Ray Heatherton (Victor 25543);
22-03-37 - Roy Fox & his Orchestra with vocal Denny Dennis (UK – HMV BD 5194);
23-03-37 - Bing Crosby (Decca 1175 / Decca 11012 / Decca 25011);
30-03-37 - Bob White & his Orchestra (Variety 548);
18-04-37 - Ambrose & his Orchestra with vocal Sam Browne (UK – Decca F 6385);
06-07-37 - Billy Cotton & his Band with vocal Alan Breeze (Rex 9078).

colonel snow

[Mike Windgren]

Hi there!! .

Cool topic once again, thanks! .

I mentioned this song on my recently topic: http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=94729, I absolutely love Elvis home recording . Bye for now .

P.S: Man, I just found out recently that you have been awarded a new section on FECC . Wow I didn´t notice before you had so many topics already done. You have surpassed the Doc in just 4 years, you must have been busy! .

[Eggrert]

Absolutely love Elvis' performance of this song. I'd love an alternate-universe version of Blue Hawaii, filled with tracks like this one and Beyond The Reef.

[TJ]

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Chris Isaak - 2010
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Minor correction - Isaak's cover was from 1996, not 2010.

[MikeFromHolland]

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Chris Isaak - 2010
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Minor correction - Isaak's cover was from 1996, not 2010.

I stand corrected. Thanks!


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