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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 06/26/2012 : 01:47:25 AM
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http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/18878681/makaha-sons-john-koko-dead-at-51
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
John Kapualani Koko the longtime bassist and singer with the Makaha Sons has died.
His many admirers Monday night are lighting up his Facebook page with condolences and remembrances.
"Some of us are smiling tonight because we know there's a little bit of a reunion going on with Israel Kamakawiwoʻole," said Billy V of Hawaiian 105 KINE. "He loved playing music, so many musicians were also mentored by him, he'd give them advice and talk story with them, tell them about how it was in the business, he would constantly share of himself, the music he loved so much."
Koko had only been playing the upright bass for a few years before joining the Makaha Sons in 1982.
Koko had been in the music industry for almost 30 years, 22 of those years with the Makaha Sons. He started his career at age 12 with a group called "Na Leo O Nanakuli, who are now known as "Third Road Delight."
It wasn't just his talent, but his infectious personality and his smile that turned strangers into fans all over the world.
Close friends affectionately called him 'handsome.'
Born and raised in Nanakuli, Koko once said he only played the bass because his brother Jerome already played the 12 string guitar.
For three decades he's kept that unique Hawaiian music beat.
In the end, after a few years of health challenges we're told his heart gave out.
The heart and soul in his music…live on.
"The Makaha Sons are one of the biggest musical entities in Hawaiian music and it's a tremendous loss."
John Kapualani Koko was 51-years-old.
Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 02:05:27 AM
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| Auwē. Auwē. Auwē. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 02:19:41 AM
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One time we went to Chai's for dinner -- a VERY fancy restaurant. It just so happened that Makaha Sons were playing there that night. I had met John in person ONE time -- that was the year before when they were in College Park, MD. Then that next year when I saw him in Chai's he said, "You look different -- you've lost weight." I told him that I had had a heart attack and had to have by-pass surgery. He ripped open his shirt to show me HIS chest scar, so of course, I had to show him mine, too! Right there in Chai's. lol. Then when the band started up playing after break, he had them play "Wahine `Ilikea" and he dedicated it to me. What a sweet, sweet man.
I just can't get over this news. I was sure they could fix his heart. After all, it was such a big heart. Auwē. I cann't help crying. I just can't seem to stop. I think of how he loved his grandbabies -- especially his new grand-daughter. And he was so proud of how smart (and kolohe) his grandson was growing to be. Auwē.
My sincere condolences to the Koko `ohana. A bright light has left our world a little dimmer, but the stars in heaven will shine brighter.
Can you imagine John back with Iz, two kolohes!
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 06/26/2012 07:01:25 AM |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 05:02:58 AM
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August 2009, Kalama WA
Aloha oe, John. |
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malihini
Aloha
36 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 06:31:12 AM
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Auwe indeed. What sad news to hear this morning. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sussi |
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PearlCityBoy
Lokahi
USA
432 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 07:41:04 AM
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| Very sad news. Aloha 'oe John and mahalo for the wonderful music. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 09:22:25 AM
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I am a big fan of the Mākaha Sons so their music is hugely influential to me as a listener. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with Uncle John on a number of occasions. For me, I started listening to their albums at home... then had opportunities to emcee a couple of their New York performances... and later opened twice for them in New Hampshire. How all of that transpired is unbelievable to me and like a dream. Uncle John's personality and sense of humor was always big and infectious.
One thing that stands out to me is how Uncle John was supportive and encouraging to all of us playing music. To hear it from someone that you listened to on CDs, radio, and youtube for so many years means a lot.
Condolences and prayers to the Koko family. Please pick up your instrument and play one for Mr. KOKOLICIOUS tonight. Until we meet again. |
Andy |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 11:57:07 AM
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| I'm pretty much a realist. But, this one hurts bad. |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 3:13:43 PM
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FYI...
From http://www.makahasons.com
John Kapualani Koko
August 24, 1960 - June 25, 2012
Our Handsome King, John Kapualani Koko has gone to his next life. His great gift to everyone was making us laugh with him - Whether on stage, signing autographs, at the mall, at concerts, during a phone conversation, on his facebook page, a family gathering, everywhere ... there was that mischievous and infectious smile. He had a great sense of humor, too.
John attacked his business as a musician and entertainer with a passion. He always said, whether we sing to one person or thousands - the delivery of their music is the same. No slack, no shortcuts.
He loved his family dearly. His wife Tonia, his four sons, John Jr., twins - Jordon and Jerman and Jerry, and his two grandchildren.
We love you, John, forever. Have a safe journey to your next life. We will always be looking up at you. 'Til we meet again.
This past Friday, June 22, 2012, an account at First Hawaiian Bank was opened called, "John Koko - A Heart Gift" to help with mounting medical costs.
Donations can be made to the account at any First Hawaiian Bank Branch. "John Koko - A Heart Gift" |
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haolebrownie
Aloha
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 4:53:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by PearlCityBoy
Very sad news. Aloha 'oe John and mahalo for the wonderful music.
Agreed. |
Kī Hōʻalu and ʻUkulele Soul |
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Larry Goldstein
Lokahi
267 Posts |
Posted - 06/26/2012 : 6:57:01 PM
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quote:
Please pick up your instrument and play one for Mr. KOKOLICIOUS tonight
Sums it up nicely.
Larry |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 06/27/2012 : 12:48:20 AM
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THIS is what we all need to pitch in to do: This past Friday, June 22, 2012, an account at First Hawaiian Bank was opened called, "John Koko - A Heart Gift" to help with mounting medical costs.
I am sure his medical costs were astronomical. Five years ago when I had my heart surgery, the bills totaled over $100,000. Lucky our insurance picked up the majority of the costs. Even if you have insurance with an 20% cop-pay, that is a LOT of expense. John had many more procedures and hospitalizations.
Please kokua if can. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2012 : 12:38:53 AM
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Thanks to Lynn Piccoli for find out this info for us:
Info for those who want to kōkua with medical and funeral expenses in memory of John Koko: First Hawaiian Bank has set up a donation account "Friends of John Koko." Address: First Hawaiian Bank, 1111 S. Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96864 Account # 05121000.
Please kokua. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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chunky monkey
Ha`aha`a
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2012 : 5:58:17 PM
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| Thanks, Wanda. I just logged in to see if I could get an address. Good timing |
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Remembering Mākaha Sons' John Koko
