On the Playlist: Bobby Nichols

February 1, 2022 • Geronimo "Geri" Valdriz • Steel Guitar History

"HAWAIIAN STEEL" is a weekly radio program that spotlights the Hawaiian steel guitar masters from the past to the present. "ON THE PLAYLIST" features the musicians heard on the program's playlist. This month we feature steel guitarist Bobby Nichols!

Robert "Bobby" Keolaokalani Nichols is one of the most influential steel guitarists from the early years of Kīkā Kila. He was a master of both the acoustic National tricone resonator, and the newly invented electric lap steel guitar.

Bobby Nichols was the steel guitarist for Bing Crosby on "Sweet Leilani," the Oscar winning Motion Picture Song of the year in 1937. In his day, Nichols was in high demand playing at night clubs, hotels, theatres, and in recording studios in both New York City and Los Angeles.

Bobby Nichols was born in Hawaii in 1907. Sadly, an extensive search on the internet and written material have resulted in little information about his early life and his death. A study of his recorded material gives us insight into his musical career.

In 1930 Lani McIntire and his Hawaiians recorded 6 sides with the "Singing Brakeman" Jimmie Rodgers. Bobby Nichols was the acoustic steel guitarist on these sessions. Many music historians believe that these early 78 rpm recordings are the bridge between Hawaiian and Country music.

In 1934 Nichols appears with his steel guitar on 16 sides of Hawaiian mele arranged and directed by Sol Ho‘opi‘i.

In 1935, Bobby Nichols recorded with Lani McIntire and his band in New York City. These classic sessions were produced from 1935 until 1938 and 40 sides were completed. His trademark wide, rapid vibrato appears on these songs, and huge full chord glissandos are played behind the brass and winds band. Nichols also jazzes up the music with a single string virtuosity and adds generous helpings of blue notes in his solos.

In 1937 the newly designed Hawaiian Room at the Lexington Hotel in New York City opened its doors. Three Hawaiian bands shared the stage including Andy Iona and his Hawaiians, with Andy Iona on the steel guitar; Ray Kinney and his Royal Ambassadors, with Tommy Castro on the steel guitar, and Lani McIntire and his Orchestra with Bobby Nichols on the steel guitar.

The bands rotated with one another and also shared its members like inter changeable parts. As such, Bobby Nichols substituted on steel guitar for the other bands whenever he was needed.

Also in 1937, the movie "Waikiki Wedding" was released. It had two important songs sung by Bing Crosby, "Blue Hawaii" and "Sweet Leilani." Crosby was backed by Lani McIntire and his Hawaiians with Bobby Nichols on the steel guitar. Sweet Leilani rose to number one on the U.S. popular radio charts and stayed in that position for 28 weeks. World-wide sales rocketed to millions of dollars.

Harry Owens, composer of "Sweet Leilani" was awarded an Oscar for song of the year in 1937. Thousands rushed to buy steel guitars in hopes of emulating Bobby Nichols.

In 1938 Bobby Nichols recorded 11 sides with Augie Goupil and his Royal Tahitians. The jazzy single note steel guitar licks blends nicely with Goupil's exciting arrangements of up tempo Tahitian folk songs!

In 1941 Lani McIntire's Hawaiians became the sole house band of the Hawaiian Room at the Lexington Hotel, with Nichols on the steel guitar. The band included Lani and Al McIntire, George Kainapau, and/or Danny Kuaana. Bobby Nichols remained with Lani McIntire in New York City until 1942 when he left the band and relocated to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles he settled down and played with the top West Coast Hawaiian musicians. This aggregation of musicians were called "The Polynesians" and they included Sam Ka‘apuni, Harry Baty, Freddie Tavares, Bernie Kaai Lewis, and others. These "first call" session musicians played the soundtrack for much of the Hawaiian themed movies that came out of Hollywood at the time.

The Polynesians recorded five LP albums for Crown Records. Bobby Nichols was the featured steel guitarists on two of these albums: "Hawaiian Memories" and "Hawaiian Sunset." The success of these original recordings led to an endless stream of restructured compilations later released by the record company.

"Hawaii Calling" LP Album Cover

"Lovely Hawaii" LP Album Cover

(Ed Note:Bobby is listed on the two album covers above although he is shown playing the ‘ukulele. The liner notes for "Hawaii Calling" credits him on the steel guitar.)

In the 1960s Bobby Nichols played on cruise ships crossing the Pacific Ocean and eventually landed back in Hawaii. Upon his return he played at casual gigs throughout Waikīkī, including the Hawaii Calls Program.

In 1976 Bobby Nichols died at age 69.

Today fans seek out the recordings of Bobby Nichols. He continues to inspire steel guitarist seeking to emulate his fluid Hawaiian style. His music is now available on CD and online to a new generation of fans who can appreciate this innovative and unique Hawaiian musician!

Finally, Bobby Nichols appears on the cover jacket of the recent book "Kīkā Kila: How the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Changed the Sound of Modern Music" by John Troutman. He is seen sitting down holding his National Tricone steel guitar together with Bing Crosby, Lani and Al McIntire, and George Kainapau.

On the Playlist of Hawaiian Steel: Bobby Nichols

"Hawaiian Steel" with Geri Valdriz is broadcast live every Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (HST) on Mana‘o Radio, Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i, KMNO, 91.7FM on the radio dial.

You can catch it on the air, or streaming live at www.manaoradio.com. Listeners can also access our online archives to enjoy previously recorded programs at your convenience. Just search "Listen on Demand" for past shows.