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Witt Shingle, 49,
More obituaries By Harold Morse
promoted Hawaiian
music renaissance
Star-BulletinWitt Shingle, 49, a Honolulu-born Hawaiian music record producer who was noted for his promotion of Gabby Pahinui and other artists, died May 2.
One of Shingle's career highlights occurred in 1971 when he, Steve Siegfried and Lawrence Brown produced a "Sons of Hawaii" release often known as the "red album" because of its colorful packaging.
Dubbed the "folk music of Hawaii," it spotlighted Eddie Kamae, Gabby Pahinui, Moe Keale, Joe Marshall and David Rogers. It was reissued in 1998 on Panini Records, Shingle's label, as a compact disc, featuring songs "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," "Kanaka Waiwai, "I Love Christmas," "Kuu Pete," "Waikiki Hula" and "Aloha Chant."
The original 1971 release coincided with the Hawaiian Renaissance, a golden era of Hawaiian music. Pahinui was at that time a legendary stylist who defined a genre of grass-roots ethnic Hawaiian melodies.
Other Panini releases showcased Sunday Manoa and the Peter Moon Band.
Peter Moon described Shingle as a very nice, quiet and gentle person.
"He was very much of a gentleman," Moon said, adding he was saddened at Shingle's death.
Moon credited Shingle with helping bring about the Hawaiian Renaissance of the early 1970s.
"He was part of a team that recorded and cared for Gabby Pahinui," Moon said.
Witt is survived by wife Susan Tanabe; father James, and sister A.K. Shingle.
Memorial services and a scattering of ashes are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at the Shingle home in Laie. Casual attire. Donations may be made to Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Waimea.
