Zoneboy
04-14-2007, 07:22 PM
World-renowned entertainer Don Ho died this morning, Mayor Mufi Hannemann has confirmed.
He was 76.
Hannemann said Ho suffered a heart attack about 11:30 a.m., and was transported to the hospital.
It is unclear whether he died on the way.
In late 2005, Ho underwent an experimental stem cell procedure in Bangkok to strengthen his heart.
He improved after the surgery, and in October, 2006 was able to return to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where he performed twice a week.
Ho, a 1949 Kamehameha Schools graduate, got his start at Honey's restaurant in the 1960s to attract customers to his mother's waning Kane'ohe business.
He gained prominence while singing at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki from 1964 to 1970. The lounge was a hot spot for local and visiting entertainers, who would stop in to watch Ho perform or join him on stage.
His fame spread to the Mainland after he appeared at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1966.
His sold-out shows led to appearances at the Sands in Las Vegas, Harrah's at Lake Tahoe and at hot spots in New York and Chicago. He also made guest appearances with Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and Art Linkletter.
"Don was a personal friend of my family because I come from a family of musicians," Hannemann said. "He was definitely an icon. He will be sorely missed."
He was 76.
Hannemann said Ho suffered a heart attack about 11:30 a.m., and was transported to the hospital.
It is unclear whether he died on the way.
In late 2005, Ho underwent an experimental stem cell procedure in Bangkok to strengthen his heart.
He improved after the surgery, and in October, 2006 was able to return to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, where he performed twice a week.
Ho, a 1949 Kamehameha Schools graduate, got his start at Honey's restaurant in the 1960s to attract customers to his mother's waning Kane'ohe business.
He gained prominence while singing at the now-defunct Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki from 1964 to 1970. The lounge was a hot spot for local and visiting entertainers, who would stop in to watch Ho perform or join him on stage.
His fame spread to the Mainland after he appeared at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles in 1966.
His sold-out shows led to appearances at the Sands in Las Vegas, Harrah's at Lake Tahoe and at hot spots in New York and Chicago. He also made guest appearances with Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and Art Linkletter.
"Don was a personal friend of my family because I come from a family of musicians," Hannemann said. "He was definitely an icon. He will be sorely missed."