Dick Jensen

Entertainer, Christian evangelist

What is Dick Jensen known for?

Richard Hiram Jensen, also known as Dick Jensen, was a renowned entertainer born on April 19, 1942, in Kalihi, Hawaii. Notably, he was an alumnus of Farrington High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Over the years, Jensen made his mark as a live performer, particularly active in the music industry from 1960 to 2001. He lit up the stage with his performances in the genres of Rhythm and Blues, Soul, and Gospel, often drawing comparisons to the likes of Jackie Wilson due to his energetic dance moves.

Jensen's electrifying performances, described by some as "white hot soul," captivated audiences across various venues, including the Outrigger Waikiki, the Oceania Floating Restaurant, Hilton Hawaiian Dome, Reef Towers Polynesian Palace, and the Hula Hut. His talent was internationally acclaimed. By 1968, he had moved from being an opening act for the Rolling Stones to being a signed artist with Don Costa Productions. He often divided his career between the islands and Las Vegas, Nevada, earning the nickname "The Giant" due to his tall stature and matching talent.

Many compared his dynamic stage presence to the seemingly effortless glide of a professional ice skater. He graced the stages of the Century Plaza in New York City and the Copacabana nightclub, with his style compared to James Brown. Jensen also extended his talents into acting, guest-starring on popular television shows and appearing on The Mike Douglas Show when it was broadcast from Hawaii in 1982.

In his later years, Jensen became a born-again evangelical Christian minister. Sadly, he passed away on June 21, 2006, due to complications from Lou Gehrig's Disease, heart surgery, and a series of mini-strokes.

Over his career, Jensen released several albums and singles, including "White Hot Soul" in 1969, "Real Good Woman / Bird You Must Fly" in 1970, and "Going Up The Mountain" in 1973. His Television work includes The Islander in 1978, Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I. in 1986, Island Son, and Jake and the Fatman in 1989.

Jensen was honored posthumously for his contributions to the entertainment industry. On November 5, 2005, he received a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars, and in 2006, he was awarded the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts.

For more about his life and work, consider reading "Dick Jensen Calls it a Wrap" by Mary Young from Oahu Island News.