Palani Vaughan, a Hawaiian music legend and authority on King Kalakaua, has died. He was 72.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Vaughan was discovered unresponsive inside a sauna at the Honolulu Club about 5 p.m. Thursday.
Vaughan was a graduate of Kamehameha Schools and got his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii.
Among his most popular recordings: “Ipo Lei Manu,” “Ka Mamakakaua,” and “He Pua Wehiwa.”
Kumu Vicky Holt Takamine saw Vaughan frequently, the last time less than a month ago.
“We did a function for the Friends of Iolani Palace,” she said. “And my son was at his daughter’s ho’ike at McKinley High School, and he sang. And he looked fine.”
Vaughan was a performer and composer, and was perhaps best known for his King Kalakaua tributes. Vaughan was also widely known as a historian, and had spent years studying the monarch’s life.
In 2008, Vaughan was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
And five years later, in an interview with the Maui News, he explained why he’d dropped out of the spotlight in his later years.
“Since 1999 until May of 2012, I’ve been taking care of my parents’ needs. That’s why I dropped out of music. I’ve been getting re-involved and part of that process involves writing new music. I didn’t drop out entirely, as I’ve been involved with the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.”
In 2013, he was the first among several Hawaiian musicians from around the state who appeared in the Project Kuleana video of “Kaulana Na Pua,” a mele of opposition to the U.S. annexation of Hawaii.
“He’s contributed so much to the Hawaiian music scene, with his compositions and his songs,” said Takamine. “He’s really going to be missed.”
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He Aloha no ia I ke Vaughan ‘Ohana in this time of sadness and his untimely passing. He wore his ‘Uhane Kihei Pua with the reverence of a Chief. Na Aloha Aina of Hawaii will miss this Champion of our Lahui, his selfless efforts, contributions and kokua for the cause of our Freedom and National Restoration. He mai poina oe I makou a me kau I ka hano haweo ia oe. Mahalo nui loa.