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Hawaiian Wedding Song (Song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| “Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)” | |
|---|---|
| Single by Andy Williams | |
| B-side | “The House of Bamboo” |
| Released | 1958 |
| Recorded | November 1958 |
| Genre | Traditional pop |
| Length | 2:27 |
| Label | Cadence |
| Songwriter(s) | Al Hoffman, Charles E. King, Dick Manning |
| Andy Williams singles chronology | |
| “Promise Me, Love“ (1958) “Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)“ (1958) “Lonely Street“ (1959) | |
“Hawaiian Wedding Song” originally entitled; “Ke Kali Nei Au” (Waiting There for Thee) was adapted from a 1926 love song written by Charles E. King and originally recorded by Helen Desha Beamer in its original (Hawaiian language) version but re-written by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning and renamed as “Hawaiian Wedding Song”. The song was recorded by Bing Crosby, Andy Williams and Elvis Presley.
In the US, Andy Williams’ version (accompanied by Archie Bleyer and his orchestra, with backing vocals by Anita Wood) was released as a single in 1958 and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 27 on the R&B chart.
In the UK, a single version by Julie Rogers went to number 31 on the UK Singles Chart in 1965.
Elvis Presley sang another version of the song in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii.
In 1964, Hong Kong female singer Kong Ling covered the song on her LP album This World We Live In with Diamond Records (now under UMG).
An earlier English version of “Ke Kali Nei Au” was by Bing Crosby and it was titled “Here Ends the Rainbow” with Johnny Burke supplying the lyrics. This was recorded on February 9, 1951, with Betty Mullin and Lyn Murray and His Orchestra.
Other notable recordings
- Brook Benton – included in the album Brook Benton Sings the Standards (1981).
- Pat Boone and Shirley Boone – for their album I Love You Truly (1962).
- Teresa Brewer – for her album Aloha from Teresa (1961).
- Perry Como – for his album The Songs I Love (1963)
- Vic Damone – for his album Strange Enchantment (1962).
- John Gary – included in his album The Nearness of You (1965).
- Jim Reeves – for the album The International Jim Reeves (1963).
- Marty Robbins – for his album Hawaii’s Calling Me (1963).
- Roger Whittaker – included in the album Sincerely Yours (1990).
- Tammy Wynette – for her album You and Me (1976).
- Donny Osmond – from his album A Time For Us (1973).
- James Blackwood – from his album The Masters V Present James Blackwood In Aloha Time With Bud Tutmarc (1987).
- Ray Conniff Hawaiian Album.
- Chet Atkins
- Cathy Foy-Mahi & Yuzo Kayama
- Sonny James
- Billy Vaughn
- Rudi Van Dalm
- The Ink Spots
George Kulokahai and His Island Serenaders
- Instrumental cover by Dave Monk
The “Hawaiian Wedding Song” is a timeless classic that evokes images of romance, paradise, and eternal love. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved choice for weddings and other special occasions.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal appeal. It transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the core of human emotion – the longing for love and connection. Whether performed in its traditional Hawaiian style or adapted to various musical genres, the “Hawaiian Wedding Song” continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and sentimentality.
While the song’s origins trace back to a 1926 Hawaiian composition, it gained widespread recognition through the iconic renditions of artists like Andy Williams and Elvis Presley. Their interpretations added a touch of sophistication and romantic flair, solidifying the song’s place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
The “Hawaiian Wedding Song” remains a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to touch the soul.
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