Webley Edwards was an instrumental figure in the popularization of Hawaiian music on the global stage. Born on this day November 11, 1902, Edwards was a broadcast journalist who worked in Hawaii for many years, but he is most widely recognized for his contributions to the world of music. He was fascinated by the rich musical traditions of Hawaii and spent a significant portion of his career working to promote and share these unique sounds with the rest of the world.
Edwards’ love affair with Hawaiian music began when he moved to the islands in the 1930s. He quickly became enamored with the unique rhythms, melodies, and instruments that characterized traditional Hawaiian music. In 1936, he launched a radio show called “Hawaii Calls,” which served as an auditory postcard from the islands, featuring live performances of Hawaiian music. The show was broadcasted around the world and became a hit, introducing millions of listeners to the distinctive sounds of Hawaii.
The popularity of “Hawaii Calls” led to Edwards being offered a recording contract by Capitol Records in the 1950s. Over the next two decades, he produced a series of albums known as “Exotic Sounds from Hawaii,” which further increased the global exposure of Hawaiian music.
Webley Edwards’ efforts were instrumental in bringing Hawaiian music to a wider audience. His radio show and subsequent records not only introduced the world to the unique sounds of Hawaii, but also helped to create a new wave of interest in Hawaiian culture as a whole. Thanks to his tireless promotion and passion for these musical traditions, Edwards played a pivotal role in ensuring that Hawaiian music found its place on the global stage. Today, his legacy lives on in the enduring popularity and influence of Hawaiian music worldwide.
