Nine days to go until I depart my home in Hawaii. I begin my journey into the next chapter in my life with saying goodbyes in the form of making music… Hawaiian style. My friend Charles arranged for Sonny Lim and his brother-in-law Wailau Ryder to play slack-key guitar and ukulele for me. I chose to sing, as my farewell song for living in Hawaii, “Loving You”, written by Leiber and Stoller in 1957 and sung by Elvis Presley. I am including this amazing experience for your listening pleasure in a short music sample: Loving You. “Donna Does Elvis in Hawaii” may very well become an EP (no pun intended) with three more Elvis songs I have interpreted: “One Night” was recorded with James Burton and the Elvis Band during my 80’s Amigo Studios sessions; “Merry Christmas Baby” will be released as a single this Christmas; and then there will be a surprise!
The ocean and sand of Mauna Kea Beach are embedded into my memory. I will be forever grateful for the healing received and the lessons learned. “Until we meet again” is how I have always felt about Hawaii. My friend Sherri in Kohala said it to me first as my process began the weekend of July 4th. Saying goodbye to friends is my mission and moving to L.A. is my destiny. These are all connections I have on Planet Earth, like so may who leave their hearts in Paris or San Francisco or Sedona. I am a global citizen and feel the core of the Earth as my umbilical cord, reaching out wherever I go.
P.S. I’d love your feedback on “Loving You”, Hawaiian Style.
Places have always held special importance for you in your music, Donna. And this aloha to Hawaii is no exception. A personal letter to your home, and what a gift for us. The song is all the more beautiful with the Hawaiian instruments, and you sound just amazing – what emotion.
I wish you all the best as you start a new chapter in your life. I loved your song and as always your voice is stronger then ever. I predict much success for you Donna, because you have so much talent.