The Honolulu Skylark. Great radio name--and it fits. The monicker belongs to Jacqueline Rossetti, who indeed has a melodious voice. (You might think she was recruited into radio for her voice, but no, she got into radio after being trained as an FCC-approved radio engineer!)
You'll get to hear--and SEE--Skylark on Tues. Aug. 12 at 7:30pm on PBS Hawaii's LONG STORY SHORT. (The show repeats at 2:30pm the following Sunday.)
She's a longtime beloved figure in Hawaii's broadcast and music industries. And she's played an influential role. Hard to believe, but there was no radio format playing traditional Hawaiian music until Skylark made it happen in the 1990s. Skylark likes to call it the "second Hawaiian renaissance," after the 1970s brought a re-awakening of Hawaiian music and culture.
Skylark, now a Hilo resident, is also known for personally researching the background of the songs--going out and talking with singers/songwriters/families, finding out the origins of the lyrics and music, and sharing the stories with her listeners.
I asked her to "drop names" of entertainers she's gotten to know, and she does that--and much--more in our LONG STORY SHORT conversation.
Aloha Jackie, It's been such along time since we sat outside of your house eating your mom's "ice cups", she made the best! Guess who? My name is Nani Cohen-1577 Haloa Dr. Ring a bell? I am now Nani Parker, I live in Minnesota, and have for the last 35 yrs. I make trips home once or twice a year. I Talked with you about 15 yrs. ago, but we were unable to get together. I am returning in Feb. I think I will be only on Oahu. If by chance you are visiting it would be great to catch up, talk stories of the old days, learn whats new with family. I also have some GREAT pictures of you and your mom, my mom, Sissy, and the Duhey's. Do you remember Momi? All of you are done up so beautiful in your Hula outfits matching mother with daughter. Hope you get this, and am looking forward to hearing from you. All my Aloha, Nani
Posted by: nani cohen | December 16, 2008 at 05:27 AM
Aloha Jackie
It has been a real longtime since I heard from you maybe because I not in da Aina? Wow I hope too you get dis I was listneng to Hawaiian Music to Star of Gladness made tink of you funny no? wel anyways it has been a longtime and was wondering about my bruddah Carl wot he up to Kden let me close fo now until I hea from u.
Much Love & Aloha A Hui Hou
Richard Valdez
Posted by: Richard Valdez | April 28, 2012 at 10:27 AM