1932-1966

Kuiokalani Lee was born in 1932 in China. Both parents were entertianers and toured to Hawaii. In his teen yrs.Kui began song writting. In the 40's he spent time in the US Coast Guards, in the 50's he worked as a knife dancer,and a choreographer in L.A.,N.Y.C., Chicago,& Puerto Rico.In 1961 he returned to Hawaii and teamed up with Don Ho. This provided exposure Kui needed to launch his career.In addition to sitting in with Don,Lee also played at Andy's Ebbtide in Kailua, Kanaka Pete's in lahaino,the Kalia Gardens iin Waikiki ,& with Sterling Mossman at The Queen's Surf,where in 1965 Kui solo'd,with rave reviews. With his health now failing, he continued to compose & write songs for Don & The Aliis,who made Duke Kahanamoku's the hottest spot in Waikiki 1964. Here Don introduced "I'll Remember You". In 1966 Kui began recording at Columbia Records, N.Y.He was given 6mo. to live, which placed an urgency on production.It was like a mission of mercy to record his first album,& get them into the record stores while he was still alive. Mike Berniker got the assignment & made it so.The album was released in 1966, shortly after his untimely death in Mexico,on Dec.3,1966 of cancer. May he rest in peace. msraven420

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