Engaging, Humorous, Sentimental

Hearing Ho?s version of ?Tiny Bubbles? has heretofore been the limit of my Don Ho experience. No more. I am not about to rush out and buy Don Ho?s greatest hits, mind you, but this smoothly produced hour gave me a genuine appreciation for why his audience loved him. I?d never realized how truly beautiful his pipes were.

The program host has a slightly old school style, but it works well in this piece and feels refreshingly different from current NPR voicing. The sound of waves in the background during the warm and relaxed interview is perfect; interview material nicely paced, interspersed with song.

Ho is Jimmy Buffet-like in his good time vibe, and while country music is Ho?s favorite, he knows for his audience he represents a certain spirit and he?s happy to oblige. Spirit is a word that comes up a lot in the interview, conducted a year after a stem cell transplant and heart surgery, and close to a year before he died.

Self-promotion is great, but insert 12 minutes in asking if I?m enjoying the program, urging me to let my public radio station know, falls like a thud. The pledge spot that follows also feels like an annoying interruption. I know, I know, it has to be that way smetimes. But In this piece, being pulled away from the waves is a jolt. Otherwise, really enjoyed this audio altar to the warm heart and generous spirit of Don Ho.

Sydney Lewis , Atlantic Public Media
April 21, 2008

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