When “Dalai Nene” was released in 1968 by Johnny Sablan, it was historical on many levels. It was the first commercially released CHamoru language musical album.
Bevacqua: Johnny Sablan helped perpetuate kåntan CHamorita
By Michael Lujan Bevacqua
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Over the past two weeks I’ve discussed musicians like The Charfauros Brothers and J.D. Crutch and their impact on CHamoru language and music.
Another name that must be added to this list is Johnny Sablan. In the late 1960s and 1970s, his contributions brought new influences to CHamoru music, while also recording traditional songs and keeping them from being forgotten.
Johnny Sablan grew up in postwar Hågat, surrounded by musicians and he developed, from an early age, a love for singing and music. He sang at the hospital for patients, at parties and even on shows like “The Alan Sekt Talent Show” on KUAM. But, like most of his generation, he performed American songs or some of his own songs but written in English.