Rhonda Bryers

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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