Hino, Teruko (1945-2008)

Hawaiian singer Teruko Hino (real name, Teruko Ichinose) won the All-Japan Hawaiian contest in 1962 and became famous about three years later with the hit single, "Natsu no Hi no Omoide" (above).  Despite her death in 2008, her album, One Rainy Night in Tokyo, seems to never get old. 

Hino's voice is clean, rich and angelic.  The accompanying music is also prime sample material.  Listen to more favorites after the jump.