The Ames Brothers got their beginning in Malden, where all four were born. The act consisted of Joe (born 3 May 1921), Gene (born 13 February 1923), Vic (born 20 May 1925 - died 23 January 1978) and Ed (born 9 July 1927).
Born into a non-professional but musical family, the boys were brought up on classical and operatic music. Their parents, David and Sarah Urick, were Russian Jewish immigrants from the Ukraine who read Shakespeare and semi-classics to their nine children from the time they were old enough to listen.
The brothers formed a quartet with a cousin Lennie, and had been touring United States Army and Navy bases entertaining the troops and were offered a job at the Foxs and Hounds nightclub, one of the fanciest clubs in Boston. This one week engagement turned into several months when the word got around of their appearance. At the time, they were going by the name of the Amory Brothers, a name taken from Vic's middle name and they were becoming quite popular in the area. It was at this time that Joe decided to rejoin the group. He said they were just having too much fun together for him to miss out. Taking their act to New York they got a job with bandleader Art Mooney. One day while at Leeds Publishing Company in search of a song called "Should I" that their mother had asked them to sing, Milt Gabler of Decca Records heard them singing it and had them cut a few sides for Decca Records just before the ban which started in January, 1948.
A year later when the ban was lifted, the Ames Brothers were the first artists to record for Coral Records. The name Amory was shortened to Ames. They were swept into national top billing with their first hit record, "Rag Mop," in January, 1950. Doing radio shows for free at times just for the experience, they later became regulars on such shows as The Arthur Godfrey Hour. One of the first acts to appear on the original Ed Sullivan Show when it was known as Toast of the Town, they made their debut with him when the show was telecast live from Wanamaker's Department Store.
Soon, they were the top paid group in nightclubs and supperclubs everywhere and their popularity on television was nationwide. In 1956 they starred in their own show, The Ames Brothers Show, which was seen on Friday nights. It was the first syndicated television show to be shown in foreign countries.
Over their fifteen year career the prolific Brothers notched up 50 U.S. chart entries, 21 of them on the Coral label before signing with RCA Victor. The group disbanded in the 1960s but Ed Ames went on with a successful singing and acting career, including playing Daniel Boone's sidekick, Mingo, on the successful Daniel Boone television series (1964-1970).
They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998.
hawaiian war chant (ta-hu-wa-h
The Ames Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
Soon the other little natives started singing it
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Though it started on an island down Hawaii way
It's as popular in Tennessee or Ioway
If you wander into any cabaret
You will hear this gay Hawaiian chant
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Au we atuala
Au we atuala
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
Soon the other little natives started singing it
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Au we ta huala
Au we ta huala
Au we atuala
Au we
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The Ames Brothers' song "Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)" is a playful and upbeat tune that celebrates the culture and music of Hawaii. The song starts by describing a melody that was first created by a native from Waikiki, Hawaii. The melody was so catchy that it would draw in a crowd by the sea whenever it was played. Soon, other natives began to sing and dance to the tune, including the hula hula maidens, who would swing and sway like a tropical storm. The chant is described as being gay, which in this context means happy and full of life.
The lyrics go on to explain that despite its origins in Hawaii, the song has become popular all over the United States. The song has found its way into cabarets and other venues in Tennessee and Iowa, where audiences love to hear the "funny little gay Hawaiian chant." The chorus of the song features the words "Au we ta huala/Au we atuala," which are repeated several times like a call and response pattern.
One interesting aspect of this song is that it is not actually a traditional Hawaiian chant. The melody was written by Johnny Noble, a popular Hawaiian musician and bandleader in the early 20th century. Noble composed the tune in 1929, and it became a hit in Hawaii and beyond. The lyrics for the song were later written by Leonard McKenzie, a songwriter who was known for incorporating Hawaiian themes into his music.
Another interesting fact about this song is that it has been covered by many artists over the years. The most famous version may be the 1936 recording by Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra, which featured vocals by a young Frank Sinatra. Other notable covers include versions by Martin Denny, Elvis Presley, and even the Muppets.
In terms of the song's chords, "Hawaiian War Chant" is typically played in the key of E-flat major. The chord progression for the chorus is E-flat, B-flat, E-flat, B-flat, A-flat, B-flat, and E-flat. The verse features a similar progression, but with some minor variations.
In summary, The Ames Brothers' "Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)" is a lively and infectious homage to the music of Hawaii. The lyrics describe a happy and carefree tune that has captured the hearts of people all over the United States. Despite its popularity, the song has retained its Hawaiian roots and continues to be a beloved staple of Hawaiian music to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
This song has a lighthearted and upbeat melody.
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
The origin of this song can be traced back to a native musician in Waikiki.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The musician would attract an audience near the ocean to perform his song.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
The musician's catchy tune quickly became known as the 'gay Hawaiian chant'.
Soon the other little natives started singing it
The song quickly caught on and other native Hawaiians began singing it as well.
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
The hula dancers began incorporating the song into their performances and dancing to it.
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
Just like a tropical storm, this song spread rapidly and gained widespread popularity.
Au we ta huala
This phrase is not translatable and is likely a traditional Hawaiian chant that was included in the song.
Though it started on an island down Hawaii way
Despite its origins in Hawaii, this song has become popular in other states such as Tennessee and Iowa.
If you wander into any cabaret
This song can be heard in any nightclub or entertainment venue.
You will hear this gay Hawaiian chant
This song has become so pervasive that it is likely to be played wherever there is music.
Au we atuala
This phrase is not translatable and is likely a traditional Hawaiian chant that was included in the song.
There's a sunny little, funny little melody
The song repeats its cheery melody and theme throughout.
It was started by a native down in Waikiki
The origin of this song is again referenced to the Hawaiian island of Waikiki.
He would gather a crowd down beside the sea
The singer performed near the ocean probably for an acoustically pleasing effect.
And they'd play his gay Hawaiian Chant
The song, now renamed the 'gay Hawaiian chant', continues to spread in popularity.
Soon the other little natives started singing it
More and more native Hawaiians learn the song and start singing it, adding to its fame and recognition.
And the hula hula maidens starting swinging it
The dancers continue to adapt their routines to the catchy, upbeat song, furthering its popularity.
Like a tropical storm, that's the way it hit
The song is like a storm in its power and reach, being recognized across cultures and borders.
Au we ta huala
This chant is repeated once again, emphasizing its cultural influence on the song.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The song repeats its name, cementing itself as a classic Hawaiian tune.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
Once again, the song's name is echoed, highlighting its popularity and catchy appeal.
Funny little gay Hawaiian chant
The song's repeated refrain reinforces its connection as a beloved classic Hawaiian tune.
Lyrics 漏 Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LELEIOHAKU, JOHNNY NOBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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