Dennis Kamakahi

Dennis Kamakahi grew up on Kauai, where his grandfather Solomon Kamakahi was a ukulele maker and musician. He sang in the church choir as a boy, which helped shape his vocal style. In the early 1960s, he formed a band with his cousin Cyril Pahinui, and their 1964 album "Dennis & Cyril" became a classic in Hawaiian music circles.

Kamakahi's voice found its most enduring expression in the song "Always," a Cyndi Lauper composition he recorded in 1985. The ballad's themes of longing and connection resonated widely, becoming something of an anthem in Hawaii and beyond. He also recorded "Wahine 'Ilikea," another song that showcases his approach to Hawaiian music.

His career included some personal challenges in the 1970s, but he continued making music with support from family and community. The 1964 album with Cyril Pahinui and his 1985 recording of "Always" remain touchstones for listeners who appreciate his particular blend of traditional Hawaiian feeling and contemporary expression.