Entertainer freely shared love of Hawaiian music

Boyce Rodrigues — an entrepreneur, singer, musician and recording artist who got his start on "Hawaii Calls" — died Saturday in Hono­lulu. He was 78.

Hoku Award-winning recording artist Aaron J. Sala recalled Rodrigues as "one of the most important voices of the golden age of Hawaiian music."

"His work in Waikiki as a part of the cast of the ‘Hawaii Calls’ radio show, and his performing throughout Hawaii and abroad, brought a touch of class to the world in the form of his sultry bass/baritone voice," Sala said in an email early Monday,

Born Lawrence Kaihi­ihi­kapu­oka­lani Rodrigues on March 12, 1934, to Clarence and Vickie Ii Rodrigues but known for decades as Boyce, he grew up immersed in Hawaiian music. His mother was a native speaker; her family’s involvement in Hawaiian music went back several generations to the monarchy.

Rodrigues’ career as a professional entertainer began in 1962 when he joined his sisters, Lorraine Keaoululani "Lani" Rodrigues Custino and Katherine "Nina" Keali‘i­waha­mana Rodrigues Rapozo (known professionally as Nina Keali‘i­waha­mana), as a member of the cast of Webley Edwards’ internationally syndicated radio show, "Hawaii Calls." From that point on, Rodrigues was an important figure in Hawaiian music.

Harry B. Soria Jr., a hapa haole music specialist and producer-host of the "Territorial Airwaves" radio show, described Rodrigues as an all-around entertainer.

"In 2004 we re-created the ‘Hawaii Calls’ sound at Carnegie Hall with a veteran cast including Nina (Keali‘i­waha­mana) and Boyce, Iwalani Kahale­wai and Bev Noa. Boyce displayed all his talents as he sang, danced hula and emceed. To be that strong of an emcee in addition to (being) an excellent song and dance man, set him apart in Hawaii entertainment."

Rodrigues’ success as the headliner at the newly opened Primo Gardens in 1970 whetted his interest in the business side of the music industry. In 1978 he became the proprietor of Watertown, a restaurant and bar in the 1600 block of Ala Moana Boulevard in Waikiki. Rodrigues led an all-star "house band" that made Watertown the place that Hawaiian entertainers went to kani­ka­pila (make music) when they got off work.

Marlene Sai remembered him as a mentor and "always a positive friend."

"I was a new young artist in the business that Boyce befriended, and (he) took me under his wings in my early years. Boyce’s beautiful, warm baritone voice and his delivery of many favorite Hawaiian songs was definitely a treat, especially ‘Tewe Tewe,’ a family composition … (and) he was generous in sharing songs with those interesting in learning. He loved life and had a lot of fun in it. A hui hou e Boyce. Me ke aloha pau­ole."

Rodrigues recorded two albums, "Na Mele Ohana" and "Auntie Vickie Sings," with his mother and siblings — Lani, Nina, Rachel Kaneikolia Rodrigues (known as "Lahela" and "Mackie") and John James "Ioane" Rodrigues — for Hula Records in the 1960s. He recorded a solo album, "Happy Me," for Tourecords, in 1975.

He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School.

Rodrigues continued to be active in Hawaiian music through the first years of the 21st century. He was featured in filmmaker Edgy Lee’s 2001 documentary "Waikiki, in the Wake of Dreams" and received the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

He is survived by sister Nina and brother John.

Memorial arrangements are pending.