Alfred Apaka - The Best of (1960) 2-LP Vinyl LP Greatest Hits, Lovely Hula Hands

Catalog Number:

Musical Styles:

Sleeve Grade:

Record Grade:

Condition Details:

Vinyl plays with crackles and some clicks (play-graded). Double LP. Gate-fold cover has a few creases near edges, moderate scuffing, surface impressions and abrasion spots (front/back); inner-gate has slight discoloration with darker spots. Inner-sleeves are original (Decca Ads); one seam partially split. Spine is mostly readable with mild-wear. Some shelf-wear along bottom-edge, much heavier along top-edge splits across top. Some corner wear. Openings show signs of use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

1. Song Of The Islands (Na Lei O Hawaii)
2. Lovely Hula Hands
3. My Isle Of Golden Dreams
4. The Hukilau Song
5. Beyond The Reef
6. The Moon Of Manakoora
7. The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)
8. Little Brown Gal
9. Sleepy Lagoon
10. I Will Remember You
11. Hapa-Haole Hula Girl
12. Aloha Oe
13. Ebb Tide
14. You Are Beautiful
15. Princess Poo-poo-ly Has Plenty Papaya
16. Forevermore (Lei Aloha, Lei Makame)
17. Old Plantation
18. Far Across The Sea
19. Legend Of The Rain
20. This Song Of Love
21. The Magic Islands
22. Hawaiian Love Call
23. Bali Ha'i
24. Flowers Of Paradise
25. I Wish They Didn't Mean Goodbye

About The Record:

The Best of, by Alfred Apaka, is a captivating compilation showcasing the Hawaiian crooner's smooth baritone voice that blended hapa haole music with traditional pop arrangements and English lyrics to evoke Polynesian themes. Apaka, a descendant of Hawaiian royalty through his great-aunt linked to Queen Liliuokalani, starred in his own extravagant revue at the Hawaiian Village Hotel after convincing Henry Kaiser to build the venue, making it a key tourist draw while appearing on shows with Bob Hope and Ed Sullivan. Fan-favorites include Song of the Islands (Na Lei O Hawaii), Lovely Hula Hands, The Hukilau Song, Beyond the Reef, and The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au), which highlight his joyful, agile vocals ranging from powerful baritone to delicate pianissimo. Historically significant as a tribute released shortly after his untimely 1960 death at age 40 from a heart attack, it underscores his role in popularizing modern Hawaiian music worldwide through radio programs like Hawaii Calls. His energetic performances and natural untrained talent set standards that influenced subsequent generations of island entertainers.