49th State Hawaii record company

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The 49th State Hawaii Record Company is a defunct Hawaiian record label specializing in traditional Hawaiian music. Established in 1948 by George K. Ching, the label was purchased by Cord International in the early 1990s.

History[edit]

The 49th State Hawaii Record Company was founded in Honolulu, Hawaii by record store owner George K. Ching in 1948.[1] The label was named in anticipation of Hawaii's eventual attainment of statehood, though Alaska gained statehood eight months before Hawaii, making Hawaii the 50th state. Ching founded the label to answer the growing demand for traditional Hawaiian music in his record store, with the first 49th State recordings released as 78 rpm records made using an acetate record cutting machine in a makeshift studio in Ching's own home.[2] Later, production moved to initial recording on tape before later being pressed in vinyl. To guarantee authenticity in recorded performances, Ching collaborated with Hawaiian composer and musician Johnny Almeida, known as the "Dean of Hawaiian Music". Almeida served as the label's music director. 49th State served as a successor to Bell Records Honolulu, which released Hawaiian music between 1944 and 1950.[3] By 1950, the headquarters for the label had moved from Ching's home to 1121 Bethel St, Honolulu.[4] The company, which has been described as "the first, top, most significant, authentic label of Hawaii",[5] was defunct by 1958.[6]

Purchase by Cord International[edit]

Cord International purchased the rights to The 49th State Hawaii record company and has restored and re-mastered many of the LPs released between 1948 and 1958.[7] According to the May 18, 2015 obituary of Michael Cord:

"In the 1980s, he noticed that many of the important old-time Hawaiian record labels had gone out of business and their releases were out of print. In 1991, [Cord] began leasing the rights to those old recordings and digitally restoring them for reissue. Among the Hawaii record labels Cord brought back to life were Bell, 49th State Hawaii, Mele, Trim, Tradewinds, and Gold Coin."[8]

Another obituary for Michael Cord stated that the 49th State Hawaii Records label was among Cord's first acquisitions. The purchase was made in order to restore, remaster, and re-release the recordings, which by that point were out of print and in poor quality. Cord was quoted in the obituary, stating:

"There was lots of noise-hisses and pops- and we wanted the listening experience to be just like it was when these recordings were brand new- only better."[9]

Recordings[edit]

45 rpm[edit]

Performer(s) Song title Series/matrix # Additional (conductor, composer, etc.) artist(s)
49th State Hawaiians Aloha In Hawaii HRC-45-116-A Violet Lee Silva
49th State Hawaiians Mi Nei - "How About Me?" HRC-45-116-B Chas. E. King
49th State Hawaiians Hilo March HRC 45 339 B HCv
Abraham Kalauli Konanui Hawaiian Melody 45-HRC-103-B
Benjamin Rogers Steel Guitar "C" Jam Boogie HRC-45-275-B Benjamin Rogers at the Hawaiian Steel Guitar
Benny (Benjamin) Rogers Moana Chimes Johnny Noble
Clara "Hilo Hattie" Inter Pidgin English Hula HRC-176-B Charles E. King
Danny Kalama and his Island Serenaders Pua Tubarose HRC-333-B C.E. King
Doddy & His Serenaders Kona Kai O Pua RR - J80 W - 1403 Vocal by Kelii Chun with Menehune Maidens
Doug Alii with The Royal Samoans Tomi Tuli HRC-387-A Mulitauaopele
Emma Kahelelani Bishop Kawika HRC-205B
Emma Kahelelani Bishop with Julia Nui's Kamaainas Ka Momi O Hawaii Nei HRC-203B Emma Kahelelani Bishop
Farden Sisters Laupahoehoe HRC 337A Irmgard, Emma, Edna, Maude, Diane; Lyricist: Mary Puku'I, Irmgard Aluli, N. Bacon
Farden Sisters Leis 45-HRC-313-B Irmgard, Emma, Edna, Maude, Diane, Emma K. Sharpe
Genoa Keawe Aloha Oe (Farewell to Thee) HRC-354-B Music: John K. Almeida and His Hawaiians, Queen Lilioukalani
Genoa Keawe My Sweet Gardenia lei 45-HRC-244-A Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids, Lena Machado
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Hulu Manu 45-HRC-306-B Richard Kamai
Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids Sea Breeze - "Pua Mana" 45-HRC-306-A Re 1 Music by John K. Almeida's Hawaiians, Hoffman-Manning-Aluli
Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids Ka Mano O Kalani Po HRC 336 A K. Zuttermeister, E. Furtado
Genoa Keawe and son Gary Ako Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au) HRC-353-B Music by John K. Almeida and His Hawaiians, Chas. E. King
Genoa Keawe with her Hula Maids Magic Hands HRC-45-277-B Danny Stewart-Paul Chicareli
Genoa Keawe with her Hula Maids Kila Kila O Haleakala HRC-45-277-A
George Naʻope Ancient Chants 45-HRC 299B
George Naʻope Ka' Uwila Make Nei HRC-354-A (RR H80W 1547) Music: Albert Ahuna and His Hawaiians
George Naʻope with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids It's Just An Old Hawaiian Custom 45-HRC-242-A Johnny Noble
George Naʻope with Her Hula Maids Not Pau 45-HRC-247-A Ray Kinney
George Naʻope with The Menehune Maidens Kahi Mea I Aloha Ia RRK80 W-1115, HRC-353-A Music by Tropical Serenaders, Ulumahiehie
Ginny Kam Hula Hula Hoops Dee Doo 45-HRC-313-A John K. Almeida's Music, Ginny Kam
Harmony Isles Group Hawaiian Instrumental Medley 4 45-HRC-244-B
Harmony Isles Group Tiari No Tahiti HRC-387-B
Harmony Isles Group Hawaiian Instrumental Medley - 6: (1) My Yellow Ginger Lei, (2) Halona, (3) Kuu Ipo Pua Rose 45-HRC-247-B
Henry Kaalekahi Hookipa Paka - Maunawili HRC-96-B
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Gogu A Togi HRC-383-A Mulitauaopele
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Drums of Samoa HRC-383-B Mulitauaopele
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Migoi Migoi HRC-384-A Kuka Tuitama
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Fa'apei Ona Naunau HRC-384-B Mulitauaopele
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Slap Dance - O le alofa I la'u manu HRC-386-A
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Apia Drums HRC-386-B Mulitauaopele
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Tele I'A O Le Sami HRC-382-A Tuiteleapaga
Ivi Pele and The Royal Samoans Pologa Ua Fai HRC-382-B-RE Mulitauaopele
Joe Kahaulelio No Luna E Kahelekai HRC 336 B
Joe Kahaulelio Chant: Ku I Molokai HRC 327 B
Joe Kahaulelio and his Hawaiians Eleu Mikimiki HRC 335 A C.E. King
Joe Kahaulelio and his Hawaiians Ia Oe Eka La HRC 333 A
Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians My Little Grass Shack HRC-96-A Cogswell-Harrison-Noble
Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians Nani Molokai HRC 45 338 B HC Hanakahi-Ah Yat
Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians Hookipa Paka HRC 331 B Vocal: Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians, Alice Johnson
Joe Keawe with Julia Nui's Kamaainas Kaneohe HRC 335 B
John K. Almeida with Genoa Keawe, Agnes Malabey and Wenonah Almeida Alekoki HRC-230-A Kalakaua-Alohikea
John K. Almeida with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Hukilau HRC-45-275-A Vocal by: John K. Almeida with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids, Jack Owens
John K. Almeida with Hawaiian dance band Ho'oluana Na Pua Like Ole HRC-344-B
John K. Almeida with Hawaiian dance band Kuu Leilani HRC-343-B John K. Almeida
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavendly Hawaiians Waikaloa 45-HRC-517 John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians The Hana Ranch 45-HRC-518 Lyn Stauffer
Johnny Almeida Kuwili HRC-45-87-A-RE-1 Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Hula O Maki EP-29A Vocal, John Piilani Watkins with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids, Jas. C. Kaapuiki
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Across the Sea EP-29A Vocal by June Ululani Leite, E. Kaai-J. Noble
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Pagan Love Song EP-29B Brown-Freed
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians King's Serenade EP-29B Benjamin Rogers at the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, C.E. King
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Lovely Hula Hands EP-HRC-30-A R. Alex Anderson
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians It's Just An Old Hawaiian Custom EP-HRC-30-A Benjamin Rogers at the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Johnny Noble
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Beautiful Mahealani Moon HRC-EP-30-B John K. Almeida
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Anapau HRC-EP-30-B Benjamin Rogers at the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, Alvin Kaleolani
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Beyond the Reef EP-HRC-31-A Vocal by June Ululani Leite, Jack Pitman
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Hawaiian War Chant EP-HRC-31-A Vocal, Johnny Almeida and His Hawaiians, Freed-Noble-Leleiohaku
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians On the beach at Waikiki EP-HRC-31-B Stover-Kalima
Johnny Almeida and his Hawaiians Moana Chimes EP-HRC-31-B Benjamin Rogers at the Hawaiian Steel Guitar
Johnny Almeida with the Lei Momi Sweethearts Kaulana Ke Kuahiwi O Haleakala - "To You, Oh, Mighty Haleakala" HRC-53A 103-A Alice Johnson
Johnny Piilani Watkins and his Paradise Serenaders E Nani E 45-HRC-309-B Gertrude Kaanapu
Johnny Watkins and his Paradise Serenaders Pua Carnation 45-HRC-309-A C.E. King
Joseph Solatoa Minoi Minoi E HRC-177-B Genoa Keawe's Polynesians
June Ululani Leite Beyond the Reef HRC-203A Jack Pitman
June Ululani Leite with Joe Keawe's Harmony Hawaiians Hula Girl HRC-230-B
Keawehawaii's Kealoha RR - H8OW - 1045 / HRC-343-A Vocal by Leilani Alama with Menehuna Maidens, Liko Johnston
Kent Bowman Little Lei Puahi (Little Red Riding Hood) HRC-45-251-A
Mrs. Anna Kahalelehua Hall Kawika HRC-92-B
Nora Keahi Santos Show Me How They Do The Hula In Honolulu HRC-183-A
Pele Pukui Nani Kilauea - "Beautiful Kilauea" HRC 45 339 A HC Kawena Pukui
Rainbow Serenaders Sweet Hawaiian Chimes HRC-183-B
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Atamu EP-39A
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete I Vaho EP-39B
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Maruru A Vau EP-39A
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Aratai EP-39B
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Toto To E EP-39B
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Ake EP-40A
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Tiare No Tahiti EP-40A
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Tiare Taporo EP-40B
Tahiti Dances: To Drums Of Bora Bora And Papeete Mou'a EP-40B
Tanielu Hunkin and his Samoans Samoan Dance - Lapapa, Sa-Sa HRC 45 338 A HC Tanielu Hunkin
The "K" Sisters He Mea Nui Kealoha - "Love Is The Main Thing" HRC 331 A M. Robins, J. Noble
The "K" Sisters Kuu Ipo Hua Pala HRC 327 A John K. Almeida

78 rpm[edit]

Performer(s) Song title Series/matrix # Additional (conductor, composer, etc.) artist(s)
Al Kealoha Perry and his Singing Surfriders Wiliwili Wai 4707-2 Vocal by Andrew Bright and Surfriders, Liliuokalani
Alice Johnson And Her Troupe Kaulana Molokai HRC 99B Alice Johnson
Andrew Bright with Al Kealoha Perry and his Singing Surfriders Hawaiian Cowboy PRC 4707-1 Sol K. Bright
Benny (Benjamin) Rogers Panini Pua Kea HRC-295-B Benjamin Rogers at the Steel Guitar, John K. Almeida
Flora Waipa with Pua Almeida and his Polynesians Beautiful Mahealani Moon HRC-152 B J.K. Almeida
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians E Kuu Tutu HRC-291-A Genoa Keawe And Her Hawaiians, Mary K. Pukui, Madeline K. Lam
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Stevedore Hula HRC-284-A Genoa Keawe And Her Hawaiians, Bina Mossman
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Wailana HRC-284-B with Bina Mossman, Johnny Noble
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Lehua Puakea HRC-286-A with Bina Mossman
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Fireman Hula HRC-287A Genoa Keawe And Her Hawaiians, Kouwe-Noble
Genoa Keawe and her Hawaiians Ka Iwa HRC-292A Genoa Keawe And Her Hawaiians, Mary K. Pukui, Madeline K. Lam
Genoa Keawe with John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Maile Swing HRC 55-B Genoa Keawe with John K. Almeida And His Hawaiians
Hawaiian Echoes Papale Nui HRC-156-A The Hawaiian Echoes
Jimmy Moikeha I'll Weave A Lei Of Stars HRC 509 Owens-Anderson
Jimmy Moikeha Hawaii Ponoi HRC 510 Kalakaua-Berger
Jimmy Moikeha Don't Play Aloha Oe When I Go HRC 511 Noble-Luekens
Jimmy Moikeha God Bless America HRC 512 Irving Berlin
Jimmy Moikeha Ke Kali Nei Au HRC 507 Charles E. King
Jimmy Moikeha Hawaii Calls HRC 501 Hawaii's Own 11 year old "Bobby Breen", Harry Owens
Jimmy Moikeha Na Lei O Hawaii HRC 502 Hawaii's Own 11 year old "Bobby Breen", Charles E. King
Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians Kaimana Hila HRC-72-B Vocal by Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids
Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians In A Canoe HRC 99A
Joe Keawe with John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Pua Lilia HRC 55-A Joe Keawe with John K. Almeida And His Hawaiians, Alfred Alohikea
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians E Naughty Naughty Mai Nei HRC-49-B The Lei Momi Sweethearts, Mel Peterson
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Lovely Hula Hands HRC-49-A Vocal Chorus by Lei Momi Sweethearts, Alex. Anderson
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians My Yellow Ginger Lei HRC-52-A Featuring Joe Keawe and The Lei Momi Sweethearts, J. K. Keawehawaii
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Naka - Pueo HRC-52-B Featuring Vocal by Joe Keawe and The Lei Momi Sweethearts, Sam Kalani Kaeo
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Anapau HRC-64-A Vocal by Johnny Almeida and Julia Nui's Kamaainas, Alvin Kaleolani
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Noho Paipai HRC-64-B Vocal by Johnny Almeida and Julia Nui's Kamaainas
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians Hinano None! HRC-58-A Vocal by Johnny Almeida
John K. Almeida and his Hawaiians He Aloha No O Honolulu HRC-58-B Vocal Chorus by Julia Nui's Kamaainas
John Piilani Watkins Hamoa HRC-513 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins Hana No Ka Oi HRC-100-B Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians Heavenly Hana HRC-519-B Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians Meka Nani Ao Kaupo HRC-519 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians Hana Chant HRC 515 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians Farewell, Hana Bids You Aloha HRC 516 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians Waikaloa HRC 517 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, John P. Watkins
John Piilani Watkins with Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians The Hana Ranch HRC 518 Hana's Heavenly Hawaiians, Lyn(?) Stauffer
John Pilani Watkins and his Trio Ka Pua U'I HRC-291-B John Pilani Watkins And His Trio, Bina Mossman
John Pilani Watkins and his Trio He Ia Nui Kau HRC-286-B John Pilani Watkins And His Trio
John Pilani Watkins and his Trio Manu O-O HRC-287B John Pilani Watkins And His Trio
John Pilani Watkins and his Trio Kuu Home Aloha HRC-292B John Pilani Watkins And His Trio, Bina Mossman
Myrtle K. Hilo with Joe Keawe's Harmony Hawaiians Baby Kalae HRC 147- A Myrtle K. Hilo with Joe Keawe's Harmony Hawaiians, Kuulei Kua
Myrtle K. Hilo with John K. Almeida and Joe Keawe's Harmony Hawaiians Kila Kila O Haleakala HRC 147-B Myrtle K. Hilo with John K. Almeida and Joe Keawe's Harmony Hawaiians
Myrtle K. Hilo with Male Chorus featuring Joe Keawe and his Harmony Hawaiians Mauna Loa HRC-155-A Myrtle K. Hilo with Male Chorus featuring Joe Keawe And His Harmony Hawaiians, Helen K. Parker
Pua Almeida and his Polynesians A Oia HRC-155-B John K. Almeida with Pua Almeida And His Polynesians
Pua Almeida and his Polynesians E Huli Hoi Mai HRC-151 A Madeline K. Lam
Rainbow Serenaders Kalua (Who Will Her Lover Be) HRC 197-A Haunani, Lydia and Louise, Buddy Marciel-Bill Kalama, Ken Darby
Royal Hawaiian Girls' Glee Club Hilo Hattie Does The Hilo Hop HT 200 D Clara "Hilo Hattie" Inter, Don McDairmid

33 1/3 rpm[edit]

Performer(s) Song title Series/matrix # Additional (conductor, composer, etc.) artist(s)
49th State Hawaiians Haole Hula LP-3321-A R.A. Anderson
Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids Hanauma HRC-LP-3328-B Madeline K. Lam, Mary K. Pukui
Genoa Keawe and her Hula Maids Kaloaloa HRC-3307-A John P. Watkins
Genoa Keawe and her Polynesians My Tropical Baby LP-3321-A Louisa Kapu
Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids My Waikiki Girl HRC-LP-3328-A Pitman-Magoon
Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Song Of The Eight Islands HRC-LP-3328-A
Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Lani HRC-LP-3328-B Jack Pitman
Jimmy Moikeha with John K. Almeida's Hawaiians Blue Hawaii HRC-3307-B Robin-Rainger
John Kamana and Simeon Bright Hawaiian Scotchman LP-3321-A Sol K. Bright
Johnny Watkins with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Aloha Wau Ia Oe HRC-LP-3328-A John P. Watkins
Johnny Watkins with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Lola O'Brien The Irish Hawaiian HRC-LP-3328-A
Johnny Watkins with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Hula O Maki HRC-LP-3328-B James C. Kaopuiki
Johnny Watkins with Genoa Keawe's Hula Maids Nuuanu HRC-LP-3328-B
Julia Nui's Kamaainas with John K. Almeida's Hawaiians Hula Lolo HRC-3307-A Aggie Auld
June Ululani Leite Across the Sea HRC-3307-B Kaai-Noble
June Ululani Leite Beyond the Reef HRC-3307-B Jack Pitman
Miriam Kaulupali and Pua Alani with John K. Almeida's Hawaiians Ke Kali Nei Au HRC-3307-A Charles E. King
Nora Keahi Santos Susie Anna HRC-3307-A Alice A. Ku
Samoan Chief Joseph Solatoa with Genoa Keawe's Polynesians Tele I'a Ole Sami "Let Me Hear You Whisper" LP-3321-B
Samoan Chief Joseph Solatoa with Genoa Keawe's Polynesians Minoi Minoi E LP-3321-B
Samoan Chief Joseph Solatoa with Genoa Keawe's Polynesians Manini E LP-3321-B
Samoan Chief Joseph Solatoa with Genoa Keawe's Polynesians Goodbye, My Felini LP-3321-B

References[edit]

  1. ^ da Silva, Kīhei. "Kaulana nā Kona". Archived from the original on 2017-07-31. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Keany, Michael (7 December 2010). "100 Years of Hawaiian Music (Published: 2010.12.07)". Honolulu Magazine. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  3. ^ Keany, Michael (7 December 2010). "100 Years of Hawaiian Music (Published: 2010.12.07)". Honolulu Magazine. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  4. ^ "Billboard". Google Books. 15 July 1950. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  5. ^ Hyp Records Guide. "49th State Hawaii Record Company". Hipwas. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  6. ^ da Silva, Kīhei. "Kaulana nā Kona". Archived from the original on 2017-07-31. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  7. ^ "Cord International". Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  8. ^ Berger, John. "Michael Cord / 1949-2015". Honolulu Star Advertiser. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  9. ^ "Celebrating Michael Cord". cordinternational.com. Retrieved 2018-02-22.

External links[edit]