In addition Danny has toured and opened for many Top-acts including 

The Late O.C. Smith jazz singer in The Count Basie Band-Jazz, Pop Singer

The Beach Boys, my friend Mike Love (center) founder

Comedian Sheckie Green

     Headliner        

Danny headlined the "Origins"Luau in Kona, after having entertained for 13 1/2 very successful years at The Hale Koa Luau Show in Waikiki.  

He recently had  opened a new show on Oahu, which he owned and produced. Currently on Hiatus from this show after performing for 1 1/2 years.  He is currently performing  at Chai's Island Bistro  at the Aloha Tower, on Saturday evenings as well as many other private shows and engagements on and off Oahu.

However there is much more to his history in the music field. For instance **Danny was a spokesman for the Governor's Council for Literacy, and in 1987 starred in an award winning commercial promoting literacy for children. An extremely worthy cause.
 

So It Begins

  Prior to The Aliis, Danny had performed with, The Berne Halman Trio, at the Ala Moana Hotel ('72).
He also Recorded with GOOD TIME FRIENDS ('75) which is featured on this site. Playing drums and singing backup for  the group for an annual talent contest, Brown Bag To Stardom. They recorded a song entitled, Oh Akua. (Danny's first recording) Also performed with Kit Sampson, and Sound Advise as well, who also contributed an interview on our site.
 With Danny's debut with The Aliis in 1979 he helped the legendary group reinvent itself as a major local pop act power house, as the featured singer/drummer of the successful group. "The Alii's" with Frank Day as their producer won two "Hoku Awards" in 1982 for Contemporary Album of the Year '82 along with The Single of the Year; You are the Best of My Life.  The Album "The Aliis" sold more than 2.5 million copies and earned the group a Gold Record.  Each member was a musician as well as adding harmonizing vocals. The members being: Bobby King on bass (still doing so to date and bassist for Danny's current gigs) Joe Mundo on keyboard (performing to date in the Seattle region). Benny Chong lead guitar (now renown as an award winning, master ukulele performer) Carlos Barboza played keyboards as well as played percussion. (performs still in Waikiki) Danny Couch was seen seated behind the drum set, his first love, as well as being the lead singer. (to this day Danny is renown for his refined voice and self-taught instrumental excellence, especially with percussion, his first love) Danny sings lead on 7 of the 10 songs recorded on the All'is hit album. 6 of those singles became #1 hits all gold, if one more had made #1 they would have received a Platinum Record. This combination kicked off Danny's career as a solo artist shortly after joining the group, "the end of ’79 through to the early part of ’83."

Danny left the band to record his first solo album in 1983 "Here Are My Songs".  This album sold over 2.0 million copies.

However, Danny had been working in the music business for much longer.

Active as a professional drummer since the age of nine, (youngest Pro-Musician signed with the Union in Hawaii) with his first group, The Rolling Coconuts, ('68-'72)  First Song LaBamba. This group, Danny's "First Real Band" according to Danny, comprised of  family members including cousins, an Uncle and an Auntie.  I quote, "Had been gifted with more musical talent than Danny ever worked with other than The Aliis, till today".**   At the seasoned age of 12 after forming his first band, Danny wrote his first song "From My Heart" which won Song of the Year in 1985 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. This song was originally featured on Danny's "I Love Hawaii" CD (original version) Produced by Danny Couch and on his "The Magic of Hawaii" CD. Most recently a revised version was featured on one of Danny's newest releases "I Love Hawaii" The Journey.  He notes. "When I was 15, there was a song called 'Oh Akua' by John Kalani Lincoln and that won Brown Bags to Stardom (as a member of the Good Time Friends) and things took off, and then with The Allis we started winning Hokus."

Back in the early 70's, Prior to The Aliis in '79, Danny performed with Bernie Hallman Band, and later was found at the Kahala Hilton's Maile Lounge. Danny would pinch hit on drums in the Maile Lounge when the regular drummer couldn't make it.  A short time later he actually joined the band. Kit Samson ('77 or '78) who plays strictly by ear, was the band leader of Sound Advice. Kit, of course, featured Danny on several songs. It was here that members of The Ali'is heard him and convinced him to join their group in Waikiki.
Kit Samson, who was born to play the piano, has long endeared himself to Honolulu following his three-decades-long career as a versatile keyboarder and the mastermind of Kit Samson’s Sound Advice (a staple in the glorious days of the Kahala Hilton and still seen around town at various special events) and currently as a soloist at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Mahina Lounge.

Danny could also be found lighting up the night with his music at the famous Trappers Lounge,  on Sunday and Monday nights, at the Hyatt Regency, unquestionably the "In Place" in the '80s which closed in 1991. This was Danny's first stand up solo gig and played to sold out audiences. With the insistence, and assistance of Jimmy Borges, Danny performed for two straight weeks and then became a regular, filling Mr. Borges off nights.
   

  Danny's First Recording "Oh Akua," by the group Na Hoapili (Good Time Friends) was on the Vinyl LP "Home Grown"  Good Time Friends did this selection for the annual talent contest, Brown Bag To Stardom.  Oh Akua is available for you to hear on our page only.  Danny sings the backup on this song, if you listen you can pick out his voice, Danny's gift for harmony was evident even early on.  Mel Cabang hired him and various venues were in store for the group.

Music was much a part of young Danny’s life. Having been born with the gift of musical talent, and realizing this at an early age, both Danny's mother, Margaret Leilani Hauoli and father Charles G. Couch supported and encouraged his love of music when he was much younger. His father was born in Albany, Georgia of Irish–English-Scottish ancestry;  it is he who introduced many music varieties to Danny when he was very young.  His mother is pure Hawaiian. Pure Hawaiian's are very rare to find. Danny himself "only knows Four of Pure Hawaiian blood." Danny also sings several "Traditional" Hawaiian songs taught to him by his mother. 

He’s a "Local Boy" born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Danny credits his father for instilling in him, "his love of music," and from his mother he claims his wonderful voice. "She has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard, to this day" Danny states.

        Danny is a "Navy Brat" a term of affection given to youngsters whose parents have served a career in the Navy. He spent his formative first four years of life traveling the mainland. When he returned to Hawaii, he lived two years in Pearl City. From there, moved to Nanakuli, on the Leeward side of Oahu. The area must have been conducive to developing exceptional vocal chords, as several renown artists are from the immediate area, neighbors if you will.. including classmates in school The Makaha Sons, the late, Mackey Feary Jr. 1955-1999  (guitarist and lead singer for the group Kalapana who still has one of the most popular selling albums after over 25+ years.)  Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole (Bruddah IZ), who's smooth voice, gentle spirit, and `ukulele mastery touched many, and his Uncle Moe Keal'e  lived "down the street". Their music and memory aided in spurring Danny to compose his Tribute song "When Hawaiian's Fall" in their honor. Danny calls the western shore or leeward coast of Oahu, home. He states "My life has been centered around Nanakuli, Maile, Waianae and from Makaha to Makua." "Let's Go Back To The Country" and a visit to home explains his love for the area.

The Greatest Hits...So Far

                  Originally the Almost Paradise CD was going to be titled after his original composition "THESE ISLANDS" and was to have a different cover. Danny renamed the album shortly before it's release and changed the cover.

< Now Almost Paradise has been given yet a second new cover Oct '07

In the past few years, Danny (an Independent Artist) has composed and produced songs that have brought him the honor of being presented the coveted "Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Na Hoku Hanohano" award on several occasions. Here after called the "Hoku" award.  In Hawaii, this award is equivalent to the prestigious Mainland Grammy.  His first having been for Song of the Year '82 "You Are the Best of My Life" as stated earlier, second for his "From My Heart" in 1985. 

Theme Song from Paradise

 His  (year 2000) award winning Single of the Year; "These Islands" 1997 release, sometimes known by it's verse. Have You Seen These Islands  or "This is Aloha" a well-written ode to Hawaii, is currently still found at the top of the charts, and among the most requested songs both in the islands and with those island music lovers here on the mainland, as well as heard around the world. His music is fast becoming legendary, inspiring  individuals worldwide,  to the beauty of not only his own but Hawaiian music in general. This song  was the basis for the name of his show In Waikiki entitled "Danny Couch, The Voice of These Islands" and following him in his current endeavors. The original song is featured on his CD "Almost Paradise".

Added Aug 7,09 Al Masini~ I want to send a special Mahalo to Robyn for sending me this email. She wrote "I just caught the last half of this and the closing was the video of Danny's "These Islands" was so beautiful. They showed the entire video and after that they had the credits and the last thing they had was "Special thanks to Danny Couch for These Islands, and Al Masini and his wife," (her name is April, Robyn) I wish they would post this…but alas, I think not… http://www.kitv.com/statehood/19827513/detail.html# "
Info on Al Masini
http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/05/31/features/story3.html    http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/06/04/features/story1.html    http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Masini_Al_17563334.aspx    http://www.filmstew.com/ShowArticle.aspx?ContentID=12297
Al Masini Credits
Actor * The 24th Annual Mrs. America Pageant Judge

Executive; * The Rich and Famous 1993 World's Best; Executive in Charge of Production; * Lifestyles With Robin Leach and Shari Belafonte
Executive in Charge of Production; * Ed McMahon's Star Search Production Executive; * Star Search Production Executive (Telerep)
Other * Triple Threat; * The Rich and Famous 1993 World's Best; * You Write the Songs; * International Star Search; * Destination Stardom; * Runaway With the Rich and Famous; * Rich and Famous 1987 World's Best; * The American Athlete

Producer; * The 47th Miss Universe Pageant, Segment Producer (Hawaii); * Supermodel of the World, Executive Producer
* Ed McMahon's Star Search, Executive Producer; * International Star Search, Executive Producer; * First Look, Executive Producer;
* Triple Threat, Executive Producer; * International Star Search, Executive Producer; * The Songwriters Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary... The Magic of Music, Executive Producer; * Rich and Famous: 1990 World's Best, Executive Producer; * Supermodel of the World: 1993, Executive Producer; * Supermodel of the World, Executive Producer; * Destination Stardom, Executive Producer; * Exciting People, Exotic Places, Executive Producer; * On Top All Over the World, Executive Producer; * Supermodel of the World, Co-Executive Producer; * First Look, Producer; * Preview: The Best of the New, Producer; * Fame, Fortune & Romance,
Producer

Writer; * Preview: The Best of the New, Creator; * First Look, Creator; * The Songwriters Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary... The Magic of Music, Creator; * Star Search
Creator; * Destination Stardom, Creator; * Lifestyles With Robin Leach and Shari Belafonte, Creator; * Fame, Fortune & Romance, Creator; * Ed McMahon's Star Search, Creator; * Entertainment Tonight, Creator; 2007-2008, * The Insider; Creator (ET), 2008-2009; * John Ritter Remembered, Creator ( Entertainment Tonight ); * John Ritter Remembered, Creator ("Entertainment Tonight")

The video she is referring to is Danny's full 1/2 hour version of his infamous "These Islands" which was produced by mega producer Al Mancini. Danny had worked extensively with Al Masini throughout his career since Star Search, but notably during the Live presentation of the 47th Miss Universe Pageant, of which the
theme was "These Islands" broadcast from Honolulu, Hawaii. This video was featured by a travel company for several years during our start of Fanaddicts
and very popular. At one time they removed the video and reinstated due to requests sent in by us, Danny's fans here at our site. It's been again removed
and stated it will not be broadcast again. DARN
I spoke to Danny  and he asked "did you watch chanel 6 .. On the last 50 years of statehood?" Unfortunately, I didn't since I wasn't home. (wish I
knew about it I would have had someone record it) He went on to tell me "these Islands was the song they used as the best song in the last 50 years!" He told
me he was glowing with pride!
***

Here at Fanaddicts I have heard personally from individuals from Japan, China, Taiwan, Beirut, Oman, Finland, Sweden, Mexico, France, Argentina, The Netherlands, Russia, Czech Republic and many more countries, all praising this song.

At the 2nd annual Hawaii Music Awards taking place at The Hawaii Theatre Monday, April 27, 1998 Danny was presented the Award for Male vocalist of the Year,  for "Almost Paradise". The Award for Contemporary Album of the Year:  Also went to Danny Couch "Almost Paradise" Best Song "These Islands".  The three, Best Song, Best Singer and Best Album of the Year was a sure sign of the future success and longevity of this album and single.  Since.. he has been blessed with "These Islands" reaching pinnacle heights.

The inspired Danny wrote the song "These Islands" while sitting in traffic one day, able to take a moment to reflect, this song came to him in "about 20 minutes" he says, with nothing to write down the inspired lyrics with, they were kept with-in his head until he was able to jot down the lyrics. The song can be found on his self-produced studio album, Almost Paradise, "a collection of some of Danny's favorite songs" which was released in 1997 under the ©Danny Couch Record label. Danny says this was inspired by his mother who wanted Danny to reflect on his heritage. This special gift was one reflecting his mother's inspiration.

This beautiful ballad as it relates to "Mana" was used as the Theme Song for the '98 Miss Universe Pageant in Honolulu.

What is Mana?  It is the Hawaiian word for vital life force energy.
 "Mana" Supernatural or divine power, miraculous power, spiritual. That's the way this song came to Danny. The song was more than two years old when Danny re-released it as single but HARA considered it "new." The vocals done by Danny on this song are the original skeleton first-takes, no changes were ever done to the lyrics, music, key. This song recorded the same day as Danny composed it and recorded as it was spiritually laid out to him, by what he calls "Mana".
It is still and always will be a beautiful ode to Hawaii. One of Danny's most magical, cherished and beloved scores.

It was purchased by the State of Hawaii    commercials/video campaign  airing on television worldwide, as well as the State of Hawaii incorporating it as it's "Anthem of Tourism/Theme Song." For six years, the Hawaii Visitors Bureau used the song  in a worldwide campaign promoting "The Land of Hawaii."  Currently, the Beautiful Hawaii Convention Center is using this song to promote and entice major conventions to "The Islands of Aloha" ~ the State of Hawaii.
 

Used in worldwide Commercial for Hawaii Visitors and Tourist Bureau

Single of the Year '2000- "These Islands", Na Hoku Hanohano Awards