Songs of C&K
Bio
“Cecilio and Kapono were Hawaii’s answer to Simon and Garfunkel…for several generations of listeners, those songs embody the sound of Hawaiߵi...” —New York Times
Grammy-nominated, twenty-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award Winner, and 2021 Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Henry Kapono features THE SONGS OF C&K at the Home in the Islands, Henry & Friends Concert. Celebrate the laid-back island rock of Cecilio & Kapono (affectionately known as C&K), the group that rocketed into fame in the '70s and remains influential in Hawaiߵi’s music scene. Henry will be performing the songs with Special Guests, Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winners; Alx Kawakami, Johnny Valentine, Gaylord Holomalia, and the Kapono band; Matt Krahula on Bass, Wendell Ching on Drums, Lopaka Colon on Percussions, and Ethan Capone on Keyboards.
Henry Kapono and the Songs of C&K at the 2017 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
Courtesy of: the Hawaii Academy Recording Arts
About C&K
C&K was founded in 1973 by Henry Kapono Kaߵaihue (known as Henry Kapono) of Kapahulu, Hawaii, and Cecilio David Rodriguez (Cee) of Santa Barbara, California. Together, the duo released nine albums over two decades. They incorporated various genres such as; Top 40 pop, modern soul, funk, disco, rock, and traditional Hawaiian in their own, distinct hook-based music which allowed both voices to weave countermelodies around a catchy tune and a strong beat. An island-inspired template that is followed by many island artists today.
They quickly became well-loved with pop audiences, and an iconic part of the island music scene in Hawaiߵi. Their popularity lead them to a contract with Columbia Records, where they catapulted to the forefront of the folk-rock renaissance with artists Crosby Stills & Nash, Bob Dylan, Loggins & Messina, Hall & Oats, James Taylor…with their first three albums: Cecilio & Kapono (affectionately known as the Green Shirt Album), Elua and Night Music. “Those songs reflected a time in our life when we were living what we wrote. Living it with friends and family in the islands.” Henry reflects, “I listen to them every so often and they still rock my soul.” Honored recipients of multiple Hawaiߵi Academy of Recording Arts Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for their work as a duo, their music has transcended generations for 49 years and remains in the heart of Hawaiߵi’s people. The music of Cecilio & Kapono continues to be a relevant folk-rock phenomenon enchanting listeners around the globe.
Henry Kapono
Henry Kapono
"Henry Kapono has clearly become the most prolific and profound island entertainer of his era – and there’s no stopping him." - Wayne Harada, July 22, 2021
2021 Favorite Entertainer of the year, Henry Kapono is a performer who has it all – vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, composer, thrilling performer, audience favorite—and multiple honors and awards, including a Grammy nomination. He has taken home 20 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy”) including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best EP, Compilation of the Year, and is the recipient of the 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Favorite Entertainer of the Year, for Henry’s House. Henry is also known for his legendary “Dukes on Sunday” afternoon Beach concerts on Waikiki beach. Over 2 decades strong, Dukes on Sunday is also streamed live to tens of thousands of people worldwide each Sunday from 5p to 6p HST on the Henry Kapono Facebook Page.
Gaylor Holomalia
Gaylord Holomalia
Award–Winning Musician, Producer, Engineer, Songwriter and Studio Manager, Gaylord Holomalia started out as a member of the seminal 70s band Country Comfort and currently the keyboardist of the ground breaking band Kalapana. Highly sought after for his musical ability, he has recorded and performed with C&K, Brother Noland, Olomana, Henry Kapono and the Mackey Feary Band. Beginning in 1983, Gaylord added “Recording Engineer” to his resume. Working with Hawaii’s top recording artists including Don Ho, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, Genoa Keawe, The Makaha Sons, Eddie Kamae, Keali‘i Reichel, C&K, Na Leo, the Kamehameha Elementary School Choir and many others. Gaylord has won numerous Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawaii’s Grammy’s) and in 1997 he won the Album of the Year for producing “In Dis Life” with Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole. Gaylord has also worked on projects for international artists, including Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Eddie Vedder, JayZ, Beyonce, Tetsuya Komuro, Justin Beiber, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Marvin Gaye, and Globe, Tube, Kiyotaka Sugiyama from Japan. He has also earned gold and platinum albums for Crosby, Stills and Nash’s “Daylight Again” album.
Johnny Valentine
Johnny Valentine
This 2018 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner for Hawai'i's Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Johnny Valentine has spent his life focused on making people happy through the power of music and constantly sharing his talent across the state at a variety of venues. As he continues his prestigious solo career, Johnny is known as one of Hawaiߵi’s hardest working musicians and is highly sought after to perform with many local, national, and international musicians. While he loves entertaining, Johnny is equally passionate about working in the recording studio as a producer and has produced 22 CDs to date. Johnny is honored and excited to share the stage with the legendary Henry Kapono. Teaming up with Henry and these other great musicians is an incredible opportunity to share the classic music of C&K.
Alx Kawakami
Alx Kawakami
Alx has made a name for himself with his songwriting and energetic live performances. His ability to compose and sing catchy jingles and theme songs for companies locally and in Japan and has garnered him several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. When working with Producer Ken Caillat (of Fleetwood Mac), he likened Alx’s voice to that of a national legend, and began to call him the “Hawaiian James Taylor.” Along with Taylor, Alx’s music has been associated with the musical style of John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Crosby Stills and Nash, and the Eagles. Having been raised in a musical family, he was mentored by his father Lloyd, who was a professional musician, and a member of the original C&K band. Growing up listening and singing the iconic duo’s music, Alx’s unique, uplifting style complements the songs of C&K and he is honored to be included in this tribute to C&K. In a way, it is bringing his family’s musical career full circle.