Hawaiian entertainer Don Ho dies at 76

HONOLULU, April 14 (UPI) -- Don Ho, the biggest headliner in the resort hotels of Honolulu since the 1960s, died Saturday of heart failure at 76.

Donna Jung, Ho's spokeswoman, confirmed his death to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, and said his family wanted privacy. She said funeral arrangements had not been completed.

Ho's parents owned a neighborhood bar, Honey's, in Honolulu, and he grew up listening to the jukebox. But he did not begin performing until he graduated from the University of Hawaii and served in the Air Force.

Ho got his start playing the electric organ and singing during slow times at the bar and then formed a group. He then hooked up with the Aliis, a group of Hawaiian musicians who had played together in the U.S. Air Force band.

In spite of heart problems in recent years, Ho continued to perform twice a week at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber.

Ho was known for his recordings of songs like "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You."