Dick Jensen

Hawaiian Soul Singer and Dynamic Performer

Dick Jensen born in April 9, 1942, died at the age of 64 on June 21. 2006 Dick Jensen seems to have had a strange recording career. From Hawaii, Jensen cut there plus in LA, NY, Philly, etc for the likes of Mercury, Epic, Philly International and others. He cut loads of covers: "Mr Pitiful", "Since I Fell For You" & "I Don't Want to Cry". Known as "The Giant" (he was over 6 foot tall) + "Slugger" and famous for both his singing and dancing he died in June 2006 at the age of 64. Born Richard Hiram Jensen, he became a powerful presence on the Hawaiian teen music scene using the stage name Lance Curtis before moving to the US mainland and establishing himself as a recording artist. He made an early appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and was a regular performer in Vegas from the 1960's through to the 80's. Here he became a Tom Jones clone, I guess to appeal more to the Vegas audiences (but he also kept a touch of James Brown influence in his act). He returned to Honolulu in the mid-1970s and played local showrooms there. He also recorded a single for local Tom Moffatt's Bluewater label and released an album on his own label. His career took an unexpected turn in 1983 when he was arrested on drug distribution charges. He pleaded guilty to a cocaine charge and received five years' probation. Jensen subsequently dedicated his life and musical talents to the church.