Since today is the 50th anniversary of Hawaiian statehood, I'd like to list — from a show biz perspective — 50 Islanders who've left an entertainment imprint and made a difference since Hawai'i became a state.

Most are names you know; a few are behind-the-sceners who helped shape the Island scene, sound and style, here and abroad; some are couples or groups counting as one in the tally.

Many have transited to eternal gigs in the heavens.

The common ground: I've had the privilege to meet, know, interview, review and befriend everyone on this list during my 44-year tenure at The Advertiser.

All have my respect, applause and heartfelt mahalo for shaping and defining the climate — with that genuine dosage of aloha — of Island entertainment.

WAIKIKI

1. Don Ho, Mr. Waikiki

2. Hilo Hattie, iconic singer-comedienne

3. Society of Seven, showroom stars

4. Jack and Cha Thompson, Polynesian show producers

5. Jim Nabors, legendary crooner and overall nice guy

6. Jack Cione, show impresario

MUSIC/COMEDY

7. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, singer-'ukulele strummer

8. Gabby Pahinui, pace-setting slack-key guitarist

9. Genoa Keawe, falsetto singer

10. Keali'i Reichel, kumu hula-concert singer

11. Jake Shimabukuro, new-generation uke strummer

12. Eddie Kamae & the Sons of Hawai'i, classic Hawaiian entertainers

13. Cecilio & Kapono, contemporary singers composers

14. Keola & Kapono Beamer, trendsetting brother duo

15. Rap Reiplinger, groundbreaking comic-actor

16. Roy Sakuma, visionary 'ukulele player

17. The Brothers Cazimero, contemporary Island entertainers

18. Amy Hanaiali'i, Island songbird

19. The Makaha Sons (formerly The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau), concert-recording trio

20. Jimmy Borges, foremost jazz singer

21. Frank DeLima, comedian

STAGE

22. Ronald Bright, inspirational director

23. Loretta Ables Sayre, Tony nominee

24. Jason Tam, Broadway star

25. Jim Hutchison, longtime director

26. Tommy Aguilar, inspirational director

27. Lee Cataluna, playwright

28. Lisa Matsumoto, playwright

FILMS/TV:

29. Jack Lord, "Hawaii Five-O"

30. Tom Selleck, "Magnum, P.I."

31. Jasmine Trias, "American Idol"

32. Bette Midler, mainstream superstar

33. Phil Arnone, TV producer

34. Carole Kai, "Hawaii Stars" founder

DINING

35. Roy Yamaguchi, Roy's Restaurant

36. Alan Wong, Alan Wong's

37. George Mavrothalassitis, Chef Mavro's

38. Keo Sananikone, Keo's Thai Cuisine

BROADCASTING

39. Hal Lewis, aka J. Akuhead Pupule, deejay

40. Tom Moffatt, deejay-show presenter

41. Michael W. Perry & Larry Price, the kings of morning drive

42. Bob Sevey, iconic TV anchor

43. Joe Moore, top-rated TV anchor

44. Emme Tomimbang, TV producer-host

OTHERS

45. Dottie Thompson and George Naope, Merrie Monarch Festival founders

46. Nona Beamer, beloved Hawaiiana aunty

47. Kui Lee, composer

48. Jon de Mello, recording producer

49. Kimo McVay, entrepreneur-manager

50. Eddie Sherman, three-dot columnist

Who's on your list but not on mine? Share your thoughts. ...

Reach Wayne Harada at 266-0926. Read his Show Biz column Sundays in Island Life. Read his blog at http://showandtellhawaii.honadvblogs.com.