Inspired by Lena Machado, Hawaii’s Songbird, a fresh young island female voice would speak to a new generation of fans in the latter half of the 20th century, and quickly earn her own place in Hawaiian music history.

Today, Linda Dela Cruz is remembered fondly as, Hawaii’s Canary, for her incomparable presentation—a precarious balance struck between strength and fragility.

As quickly as Linda could unleash her stormy bluesy power, she could also caress with her gentle and subtle teasing. Her voice could climb to the loftiest peaks of the soprano register in one moment, and descend to the deep guttural chants of her Hawaiian ancestors in the next. All done with a sweet angelic smile on her lips, and a naughty twinkle in her eye.There will never again be anyone like Linda Dela Cruz.