Rhonda Bryers
Rhonda Bryers was a New Zealand singer of Maori descent. At one stage she was regarded as New Zealand's top entertainer.
Background
Bryers was born in Taumarunui to famous Maori rugby player Ron Bryers and Betty. Her first husband was professional wrestler Jock Ruddock.[1]
She achieved a similar level of popularity as Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles and Frankie Stevens.[2]
She died in Honolulu in 2007 of a suspected heart attack. At the time she was suffering from a flu related virus. She was aged 55.[3]
Career
Her version of "Pokarekare Ana" appears on the 1981 CBS various artists album The Mauri Hikitia, which also featured Deane Waretini, Ken Kincaid, the Lightwood family, and the Tri Lites.[4][5] She migrated to Hawaii and in 1989 she debuted at the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. She had a three-week engagement there. She also achieved a good level of fame in Hawaii. Another venue she did well at was the Dole Cannery Ballroom at Iwilei.[6]
Discography
Title | Release info | Year | F | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Voice of New Zealand | CBS SBP 237551 | 1980 | LP[7] | |
From New Zealand With Love - A Collection Of The Finest Maori Songs | Philips LP 6456 012 | 1980 | LP | |
Pearls | RCA VPL1 0489 | 1983 | LP[8] | |
Title | Release info | Year | Track(s) | F | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Mauri Hikitia | CBS | 1981 | "Pokarekare Ana" | LP[9] | |
Kiwi Country | Music World CD-PLAT-442 | 2010 | New Zealand Trilogy: "Pokarekare Ana" / "Now Is The Hour" / "God Defend New Zealand" |
CD[10] | |
References
- ↑ The Dominion Post, 05/10/2007 Show-stopping 'Queen of the South Pacific' dies
- ↑ Manawa - Pacific Heartbeat: A Celebration of Contemporary Maori and Northwest Coast Art, Nigel Reading, Gary Wyatt Page 16
- ↑ Stuff, 04/10/2007 NZ singer Rhonda Bryers dies in Hawaii
- ↑ National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.
- ↑ Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (New Zealand's Sound & Vision Archive) The Mauri Hikitia album / various artists
- ↑ The Honolulu Advertiser, October 3, 2007 Obituaries, Entertainer Rhonda was 'an incredible talent'
- ↑ National Library of New Zealand The voice of New Zealand / Rhonda
- ↑ Discogs Rhonda Bryers
- ↑ National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.
- ↑ Discogs Various – Kiwi Country