extensively examined, along with the other possessions, in a set of books called, Our Island and Their People (1899). It was at this time that the subject of Hawaii began to appear in American sheet music. Americans became intrigued with the island "paraside" and 1915 saw a surge in Hawaii-related songs coming out of New York City's Tin Pan Alley. Whereas many of the early songs showcased actual native talent (many merged with another music fad--the coon song), the new songs were much more comical and nonsensical in style and content. Nevertheless, traditional Hawaiian music recorded on cylinders and 78s remained popular during this time. Perhaps most famous of all was the deposed queen's own composition, "Aloha Oe".
A more detailed examination of this topic is planned for the future. In the meantime, this collection of images and sounds is presented. |
|