Edward Albert Kamanaloha Kenney, Jr.
Edward Albert Kamanaloha Kenney Jr. passed away on October 5, 2018 on Kauai. Born August 8, 1933 to Edward Albert Kenney and Kaleialoha Williams. Ed was raised in Honolulu where he attended Punahou School on a piano scholarship and he starred in many school stage productions. He continued his education at the University of Oregon where he performed in "Brigadoon" and "Paint Your Wagon" and other productions. In 1955, Ed went to Broadway and appeared in "Shan-gri-La" and originated the role of Wang Ta in "Flower Drum Song" and sings "You Are Beautiful" on the original cast recording. Shortly after that, he starred in Eaton "Bob" Magoon Jr.'s 1961 production of "13 Daughters". Together with Magoon and Gordon Phelps, he co-wrote the island Christmas hit, "Numba One Day of Christmas". With his remarkable voice and charismatic stage appeal, Ed recorded and released seven albums and was the Headliner in many showrooms in Waikiki such as Duke Kahanumoku's, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Halekulani where he performed with his first wife and renowned hula dancer, Beverly Noa. In 1994, Ed received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his life, he always had a song to sing and music in his heart. He is survived by his wife, Judy Bailey, sister, Kalei Cadinha (Harlan), daughter, Erin Montalbo, son, Edward Kenney III (Kristen), son, Freddie Noa Jr. (Ginger), and grandchildren Celia and Duke Kenney, Paige Montalbo Wilshusen (Caleb) and Login Montalbo, and great grandchildren, August and London Wilshusen. A Family Service was held at Koolau Huiia Church in Anahola, Kauai. Memorial donations in memory of Edward Albert Kenney, Jr. may be made to the Hula Preservation Society, P.O. Box 6274, Kaneohe, Hawaii 69744.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased