Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

January 29, 1874 in Honolulu, HI

Death

:

February 27, 1950 in Elmhurst, NY

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Charles E. King was a renowned American composer and musician who was born on January 12, 1875, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was the son of a Scottish father and a Hawaiian mother, and he grew up in a multicultural environment that greatly influenced his music. King's musical journey began at a young age when he started playing the ukulele and guitar. He was a self-taught musician who learned to play by ear and by watching other musicians. He was also a talented singer and songwriter, and he began performing in local clubs and bars in Honolulu. In 1895, King joined the Royal Hawaiian Band, which was the official band of the Hawaiian monarchy. He played the guitar and ukulele in the band and quickly became one of its most popular members. He also began composing music for the band, and his compositions soon became some of the most popular songs in Hawaii. King's music was a fusion of Hawaiian, European, and American styles, and it reflected the multicultural nature of Hawaii. His compositions were known for their catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and intricate rhythms. He wrote songs in both English and Hawaiian, and his music was loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. In 1915, King left the Royal Hawaiian Band and moved to San Francisco, where he continued to compose music and perform in local clubs. He also began working as a music publisher and started his own publishing company, Charles E. King Music Company. King's music became popular outside of Hawaii, and he began to receive national recognition for his compositions. In 1920, he wrote the song "My Waikiki Mermaid," which became a hit in the United States and Europe. The song was later recorded by many famous artists, including Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong. King continued to compose music throughout his life, and he wrote over 300 songs in total. Some of his most famous compositions include "Blue Hawaii," "Aloha Oe," "On the Beach at Waikiki," and "Hawaiian War Chant." His music was featured in many films and television shows, and it became synonymous with the Hawaiian culture. King passed away on January 31, 1952, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was a pioneer of Hawaiian music and a beloved figure in the music industry. His music continues to be celebrated and performed today, and it remains an important part of the Hawaiian culture.

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