The Next "King of Waikiki"?

Island icon Don Ho, who has entertained generations of audiences, died of heart failure on Saturday, April 14 at the age of 76. After reigning for decades as the "King of Waikiki" by crooning hits like "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You," Ho's passing now leaves a deep void in the island music scene. Who will be able to fill Ho's shoes? Are there any up-and-coming artists in this day and age who possess the same magnetism and allure that Ho exuded?

One local talent who may be up for the challenge is Justin Young. Simply known as Justin, his soulful ballads such as "The Valentine's Song" and "Soothe You" prove that he has the charm to captivate audiences in the same way. Justin began his music journey in 1995 when he won a song writing contest. This win earned him the honor of recording his very first local album. Since then, he has gone on to release eight full-length albums and has been featured on over 20 other records. Besides Justin's melodic voice and the ability to write touching lyrics, he has a hapa-haole music appeal similar to that of Ho. Although he does perform songs in Hawaiian, most of his tunes are in English and blend pop, R&B and soul. This well-balanced mixture of the exotic and well-known creates the possibility for a diverse fan base and widespread appeal.

Another locally grown musician with a proven track record of international allure is Jake Shimabukuro. This Tasmanian devil on an ukulele will quickly quiet any nay sayers that question whether or not an ukulele soloist could follow in the footsteps of the legendary Don Ho. Shimabukuro is an accomplished musician and is known for his swift fingers and exciting stage performances. With his four-string in hand, Shimabukuro can touch the deepest cord within every single member of his audience, playing anything from blues and jazz to classical, rock or even flamenco. This diversity and his charismatic on-stage persona has helped him produce five solo albums and two DVDs. Shimabukuro is an accomplished artist that has traveled and performed with the likes of Jimmy Buffet, Diana Krall, Jamie Cullum, Fiona Apple and the Honolulu Symphony. He continues to do the impossible and unthinkable with an instrument that is deeply rooted in the Hawaiian tradition.

Shimabukuro is not the only local talent who embraces tradition. Raiatea Helm, a quickly rising star in traditional Hawaiian music, sings with a voice that can only be described as "Sweet & Lovely." She would make a sensational "Queen of Waikiki." Helm entered the world of music in 2000 with a clear, distinctive voice that was a throwback to her predecessors. Her interpretations of falsetto arrangements brought a refreshingly new twist to island music. As more and more singers are influenced by the evolution of pop and rock, Helm embraces her heritage and through her voice is able to keep this traditional music alive. Helm has already been well received in the industry, claiming the prestigious female vocalist of the year and most promising artist awards at the 2003 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

So, despite the tragic loss of such an iconic performer as Don Ho, Hawaiian music enthusiasts and fanatics need not worry too much about the vacancy he left in the scene. Although no one will ever be able to replace him, Ho would be proud to know that his love of local music carries on in the generations to come. Any one of these artists mentioned above, and quite a few others who were not mentioned, would be wonderful ambassadors for the islands. Their talent, enthusiasm and passion for music would surely honor the "King of Waikiki."