Blue Smoke - 78 record sung by Pixi Williams Upon its release in 1949, "Blue Smoke" became the first commercial record ever produced and recorded entirely in New Zealand, and the first record of the TANZA (To Assist New Zealand Artists) label. It marked a turning point in the NZ recording industry.

"Blue Smoke" (also known by its Maori name of "Kohu Auwahi") was written by Ruru Karaitiana and performed by Pixie Williams. Pixi became Aotearoa's first pop star and wahine Maori vocalist.

"Blue Smoke was arguably New Zealand's first pop song, and the first song wholly written, recorded and manufactured locally, then commercially released. Written in 1940 aboard the troopship Aquitania, the song is about the sadness of leaving loved ones behind when going to war. Upon its release it sold over 50,000 copies and in 2011 Pixie Costello (nee Williams), aged 83, was awarded a Triple Platinum Award in recognition of this achievement by the Recording Industry"

There is a large amount of info on the internet about the making of this recording - feel free to research.

This copy is in good condition for its age with no cracks. This 78 record is very rare but also very fragile (made from shellac which becomes brittle over time). Because of this I am NOT prepared to take any risk of damaging the recording by posting it. PICK UP ONLY.

Pickup is Waiuku, South Auck.