The performer Howard Morrison – who died in Rotorua on 24 September 2009 – was one of the legends of New Zealand show business. Known as ‘The Sinatra of New Zealand’ and ‘Ol' Brown Eyes’, he first came to prominence with the Howard Morrison Quartet, formed in 1956 with his brother Laurie, cousin John and Gerry Merito. They had a string of hit-singles in New Zealand and established a reputation as a highly polished live act combining great natural harmonies with humour. They were also regular and popular performers across the Tasman.
Maori songs have rarely hit the charts in New Zealand. That all changed in 1984 when the hit ‘Poi E’ blitzed the charts for 22 weeks, including four weeks at number one.
