Hawaii’s answer to Frank Sinatra, Donald Tai Loy Ho (1930–2007), was born on this day in Honolulu, Hawaii. The beloved father of 10 children, Ho charmed generations with his music, humor, and aloha spirit.

The laid-back baritone crooner once served as an Air Force first lieutenant flying transport planes before settling in at Honey’s Cocktail Lounge in Kaneohe, where his musical journey began humbly behind an organ.

“I was terrible,” he joked. “So, I just played very softly.”

By 1964, Ho had moved to Duke’s showroom and performed almost nonstop in Waikiki for over 40 years—becoming a living symbol of island hospitality, joy, and aloha.

His shows were more than concerts—they were gatherings filled with laughter, sing-alongs, kisses on the cheek, and post-show hugs. Fans felt like 'ohana.

He starred in The Don Ho Show (1976–77) and made guest appearances on Hawaiian episodes of The Brady Bunch, Batman, I Dream of Jeannie, and Sanford and Son, often playing his cheerful self.

Named one of the “50 Coolest Guys Ever” by Maxim magazine, Ho began and ended each show with his signature tune, "Tiny Bubbles" (1966). In later years, he toasted audiences with pineapple juice or water instead of whiskey—still bubbling with joy.

Other hits included Kui Lee’s “I’ll Remember You,” “Ain’t No Big Thing,” “With All My Love,” and the “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” famously sung by Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii.

In 2005, he traveled to Thailand for experimental stem cell treatment to strengthen his heart—and soon returned to Waikiki, back where he belonged, sharing his voice.

“The audience will let me know when to quit,” he said. “We keep grooming the youngsters, stay in touch with the healthy aspects of life. When you work with young people, it keeps you feeling younger.”