Dead in 2007

[Don Ho]

So DH...what was a bigger loss, Don Ho, or Brudda Iz?

Tough call.  Braddah Iz was the modern Hawaiian sovereignty cause messenger.  He has a following like you wouldn't believe - even 5 years after his death.  "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" put him on the national map - from Kellogg's Rice Krispies to Meet Joe Black, that song gets incedible international play.  He was popular in the early 80's with a group called "The Makaha Son's of Niihau".  They were very popular in the islands.  Iz went on his own in the late 80's.  Iz was a big braddah, litrerally and physically, he weighed in at 400+ lbs.

Don Ho was the 60's - 70's Las Vegas type nightclub act.  Like Geo said, his grandmother used to sing it to him.  He really didn't have a good voice but he was just one helluva a crooner.  Anyone over 50 who has visited Hawaii will get very emotional when you mention Don Ho.  Guy owned Waikiki for 20 years - sold out every night.  For you younger souls catch the Brady Bunch episodes in Hawaii.  Don Ho teaches Bobby and Cindy how to play the ukulele.  His daughter Hoku Ho had a few big hits on the teeny bopper lists. 

I was fortunate enough to see both performe live.  Iz at the Pro Bowl believe it or not and Don Ho at my classmates father's funeral.

This is a great tribute to Ho - only 2 minutes.  Ihave to admit I got a little choked up watching it.

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/VIDEO/70414008

[Susquehanna Birder]

Thanks for the input. I was never a big fan of Don's, but I appreciate what he did and the acclaim that he drew. Iz seems to have been more of a purist, but maybe that's just my under educated bias.

I recently put Iz on my iPod, admittedly starting with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." It's been played to death (heh), but it is still a great rendition of that sone. I like to listen to more than one song from an artist, so I've been listening to his other songs, as well. He actually reminds me of my late BIL, and there's a tone in his voice that just strikes a melancholy nerve.

[Rome]

Seemingly every haole in the world who vacationed on Oahu saw the Don Ho Show.  I was one of them.  I was 16 and stayed at the Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki and was practically kidnapped to go see his show.  I went kicking and screaming but ended up enjoying the show quite a bit.

RIP, Don.

[PhillyGirl]

I danced with my dad to that version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" at my wedding. 

[rjs246]

For some reason, PG sharing that piece of personal information just made me laugh out loud.

[PhillyGirl]

glad I could start your day w/a laugh.

[Don Ho]

I danced with my dad to that version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" at my wedding. 

very cool!

[Geowhizzer]

Brant Parker

Parker drew the Wizard of Id comic strip.  Ironically, he co-created Wizard of Id with Johnny Hart.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Brant Parker

Parker drew the Wizard of Id comic strip.  Ironically, he co-created Wizard of Id with Johnny Hart.

Wrong.  It is a mere coincidence.  There is no irony involved.

[Zanshin]

I'm not even sure about it being a coincidence.

[PhillyGirl]

Boris Yeltsin

[Seabiscuit36]

Boris Yeltzin's Blood will get ya DRUNK

[Father Demon]

Boris Yeltsin

2 Scores on Ghoulpool -- including one cherry busted.

[Geowhizzer]

Boris Yeltsin

[Rome]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070423/ap_en_ce/obit_halberstam

Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam