Webley Edwards & Hawaii Calls

Only statehood has done more for Hawaiian music over the years than Webley Edwards and his evergreen "Hawaii Calls" radio broadcast and television program.

In 1935 Edwards began producing the "Hawaii Calls," which continues to be broadcast every Saturday afternoon to radio stations worldwide. Recording usually took place on the beach at Waikiki; the surf even can be heard on some albums. A much later development, the television program presented lush views of the new state of Hawaii in the early stages of high tourism and development. Between the two, Edwards has lured more people to Hawaii than anyone else.

Almost every star of the Hawaiian music scene appeared on "Hawaii Calls" in one capacity or another. In many cases the sons and daughters of previous "Hawaii Calls" stars participated. Major names include Pua Almeida, Alfred Apaka, Mahi Beamer, Ben Kalama, Ed Kenney, Ray Kinney, Arthur Lyman, Charles Kaipo Miller, and Kahaunaniomaunakeakkauiokalewa Kahalewai, or Haunani for short. Most of the Hawaii Calls albums credit Al Kealoha Perrey, Edwards' staff musician and orchestra leader.