Rhonda Bryers

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Rhonda Bryers (1952[1]-2007) 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.[2]

She achieved a similar level of popularity as Sir Howard Morrison, John Rowles and Frankie Stevens.[3]

She died in Honolulu in September 2007 of a suspected heart attack. At the time she was suffering from a flu related virus. She was aged 55.

Survived by her two sons Scott and John “Junior John” Ruddock. 3 grandchildren Hohepa, Peatarangi, Ihaia Ruddock [4]

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.[5][6] 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.[7]

Discography[]

Albums
Title Release info Year F Notes
The Voice of New Zealand CBS SBP 237551 1980 LP[8]
From New Zealand With Love - A Collection Of The Finest Maori Songs Philips LP 6456 012 1980 LP
Pearls RCA VPL1 0489 1983 LP[9]
Various artist compilation appearances
Title Release info Year Track(s) F Notes
The Mauri Hikitia CBS 1981 "Pokarekare Ana" LP[10]
Kiwi Country Music World CD-PLAT-442 2010 New Zealand Trilogy:
"Pokarekare Ana" / "Now Is The Hour" / "God Defend New Zealand"
CD[11]

References[]

  1. ^ "Rhonda Bryers".
  2. ^ The Dominion Post, 05/10/2007 Show-stopping 'Queen of the South Pacific' dies
  3. ^ Manawa - Pacific Heartbeat: A Celebration of Contemporary Maori and Northwest Coast Art, Nigel Reading, Gary Wyatt Page 16
  4. ^ Stuff, 04/10/2007 NZ singer Rhonda Bryers dies in Hawaii
  5. ^ National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.
  6. ^ Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (New Zealand's Sound & Vision Archive) The Mauri Hikitia album / various artists
  7. ^ The Honolulu Advertiser, October 3, 2007 Obituaries, Entertainer Rhonda was 'an incredible talent'
  8. ^ National Library of New Zealand The voice of New Zealand / Rhonda
  9. ^ Discogs Rhonda Bryers
  10. ^ National Library of New Zealand The Mauri Hikitia album (sound recording) / various artists.
  11. ^ Discogs Various – Kiwi Country


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