Olomana-DONT LET THE SONG GO OUT OF YOUR LIFE-HAWAII-CD

In 1973 Jerry Santos and Robert Beaumont joined forces to introduce an exciting new sound to the Hawaiian music scene. They brought their distinctive harmony and versatility to many of Hawai'i's nightclub and concert stages. In 1976 their first recording "Like A Seabird In The Wind" was received enthusiastically and songs like Santos' "Ku'u Home O Kahalu'u" and Beaumont's "Home" became instant favorites. Two more albums followed. "And So We Are" in 1978 helped to focus a generation of Hawaiians on the concept of "aloha 'aina" -love for the land- with Uncle Harry Mitchell's "Mele o Kaho'olawe". Influenced by the aloha of friend and counselor Emma Defries , "Come To Me Gently" in 1981 would acknowledge the rewards of the sharing between generations. The latter was honored with six Na Hoku Hanohano awards by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts including a Song of the Year composer's award for Jerry Santos' title cut "Come to me Gently" and a Haku Mele (Hawaiian language) composer's award for Auntie Emma Defries' "E Ku'u Sweet Lei Poina 'ole. By this time the group had expanded to include Wally Suenaga on bass and Willy Paikuli on drums and assorted Hawaiian and standard percussion instruments.

1982 was a year of change and growth for Olomana marking the passing of Robert Beaumont and the addition of Haunani Apoliona to the Olomana family . As the group continued to perform live, an anthology album "Through The Years" was released to acknowledge Beaumont's contributions to the music and spirit of Olomana. It contained a new song written especially for Beaumont entitled "The Lovelight In Your Eyes".

The next few years found the group working hard at finding a new balance and cohesiveness amongst the members. During this time two solo projects would emerge. In 1987 Haunani Apoliona released "Na Lei Hulu Makua, Na Wahine Hawai'i" which was an affectionate tribute to the quiet dignity of the women of Hawai'i. The album garnered six Na Hoku Hanohano awards including Female Vocalist of the year, Traditional Hawaiian Album and the "Haku Mele" composer's award for her song "Kukui'ohiwai".

Jerry Santos' solo effort "Expecting Friends" was completed in 1989. An acknowledgement of new beginnings and the stabilizing joy of old friends, the album reflected Jerry's love of country life. It was the recipient of two Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Male Vocalist of the year and Contemporary Hawaiian album of the year.

Olomana's fans were delighted when in early 1992 the group released "E Mau Ana Ka Ha'aheo- Enduring Pride" a collection of music that celebrates the group's love for the people, land and steadfast spirit of the Hawaiian culture. Once again the music community recognized their efforts with three Na Hoku Hanohano awards including the Traditional Hawaiian Album of the year.

For more than 30 years, Olomana has shared it's unique perspective and love for Hawai'i with people throughout the islands, continental U.S.A., Canada, Japan and the Pacific. Whether performing with the Honolulu Symphony, in one of their many television appearances, on a concert stage, in a nightclub or at a backyard lu'au, Olomana makes music with Aloha

Don't Let The Song Go Out Of Your Life
© 1983 Prism Records Hawaii

Hoku award winner Jay Larrin teamed up with Jerry Santos to present this collection of music featuring new compositions and fresh renderings of classics. From Jay Larrin's "I Wish You Forever Hawaii" to "Amazing Grace" sung in English and Hawaiian with the help of The Ladies of Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuokalani Pa Olapa Kahiko, this is music filled with hope and heart

Jerry Santos

Best known for his work in the musical group Olomana, singer/songwriter Jerry Santos has been a familiar presence on the Hawaii music scene for almost four decades.

The youngest in a family of nine children he was born and raised on the windward side of O’ahu. Jerry attended Kane’ohe Elementary, Benjamin Parker Elementary and Waiahole Elementary Schools. Entering in the seventh grade, he went on to graduate from The Kamehameha Schools and has attended The University of Hawaii and Kapi’olani Community College.

Like most island children, music was always a part of everyday family life. He started with the ukulele and by the 4th grade; he had won his first talent show. All through his formative years, he sang whenever the opportunity presented itself. From his first solo professional gig at the age of 18, Jerry has gone on to establish himself as a singer and song writer. After a few years of playing the clubs in Honolulu and a brief stint in California, he returned home to team up with Robert Beaumont in1974 to form the group Olomana. He helped to create a unique and easily recognizable musical style, blending Hawaiian music with contemporary rhythms. Over the years he has had the opportunity, as a soloist or with Olomana, to perform his music all over Hawai’i, the continental USA, Canada, Japan and other Pacific Island Nations. He has performed his music with The Honolulu symphony, The Honolulu City Ballet and The Hawaii Youth Symphony.

His work has been recognized by the Hawai’i musical community with numerous awards. Amongst them are awards for male vocalist, for composition, and for both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Honolulu Magazine named Olomana’s first recording, “Like a Seabird in the Wind”, #11 on their list of the Top 50 Albums of all time and Jerry’s signature song “Ku’u Home O Kahalu’u” was voted #7 on the top 50 Songs of all time. Olomana was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts for their body of work over the years.

Jerry is perhaps most honored by his Moe Keale; Aloha is Award, an award that acknowledges a performer’s contributions to his community. Over the years he and Olomana have lent their support to hula halau, civic clubs, community organizations, local and national charities, and have used their visibility to bring attention to issues that are important to our island home. The importance of sharing between the generations and having respect for our home and our people has played an important role in carrying the music to all parts of Hawaii from Kaho’olawe to Kalaupapa, from Hawai’i to Kaua’i.

Numerous island artists including The Brother’s Cazimero, Na Leo Pilimehana, Hapa, Don Ho, Melveen Leed, The Hui Ohana and Henry Kapono, have recorded his compositions. Jerry has also had the privilege of appearing and recording with artists like The Makaha Sons, Keola Beamer, Marlene Sai, Sean Na’auao, Henry Kapono, Frank Hewett, Del Beazley, and others.
He has appeared in a number of television specials including KGMB’s “Island Music, Island Hearts”, Public Television’s “Na Mele” series, K-5’s “Hot Hawaiian Nights”, KITV’s “Mixed Plate in Portugal” and “Mixed Plate at Mardi Gras” with Pamela Young, “Slack Key and Other Notes” with Ron Jocobs and PBS’s “Hawaiian Rainbow”. He has appeared in videos for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, “Xeriscape” and The Moanalua Gardens Foundation’s “Flowing to The Sea”.

Besides his musical contributions, Jerry has also added his voice to the need for water conservation and over the years his television and radio commercials have become very familiar to listeners, urging them to “E malama i ka wai”, cherish the water.

Whether performing as a soloist, or with his group Olomana, Jerry Santos generates music from the heart with Aloha!