Prince William Pitt Leleiohoku II (1854–1877), was a poet and composer of many Hawaiian mele (songs),[1] mostly love songs. He was the youngest of the Na Lani ʻEhā ("Royal Four"), which included his sisters Queen Liliʻuokalani (1838–1917) and Princess Miriam Likelike (1851–1887) and his brother King David Kalākaua (1836–1891). Leleiohoku and his siblings are credited with the musical revival enjoyed by Hawaiians during the last half of the 19th century. Many of his compositions adapted folk tunes of visiting merchants, sailors, and foreign settlers.[2]
Liliʻuokalani said that Leleiohoku had a talent for composition "really in advance" of herself and Likelike. He founded the Kawaihau Singing Club and soon he and his colleagues were winning most of the royal song club competitions. Many claimed that he had one of the best male voices among native Hawaiians.[2]
- ^ Epilimai Royal Weddings Hawaii. "Leleiohoku Package / Hawaii Epilimai Royal Weddings". Epilimai-royalweddings.com. Retrieved 2011-12-09.
- ^ a b "William Pitt Leleiohoku". Honorees. Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2009-12-17.