HAWAII KAI, HI (KHON2) — As Los Angeles cleans up from the devastating wildfires, a powerful new anthem is emerging from Hawaii.
Music producer Damon Elliott, son of legendary singer Dionne Warwick, lost his Los Angeles home in the flames.
Now, the part-time Hawaii resident is channeling his grief into music, hoping to bring solace to others affected by the devastation.
Elliott’s latest song, “California Morning,” was initially inspired by the beauty of the Golden State.
However, after losing his home, the track evolved into something deeper—a tribute to resilience and healing.
“The craziest thing is when LA was on fire and it was coming up the coast towards my home, life got real simple,” Elliott said. “You didn’t think about all the complications of life. You just thought about survival.”
The song, co-written with Lani, a Hawaii Kai native with deep California roots, was recorded at Island Sound Studios in Hawaii.
Executive Producer Damon Hudson and country singer Eric Paslay also contributed their talents to the project.
The emotional weight of California Morning is deeply personal for Elliott, who had proposed to his fiancée in their home just days before it burned down.
Family heirlooms, Grammy awards and irreplaceable mementos were lost in the flames.
“This song helped me in so many ways, because it helped me to really cry, like really cry,” Elliott said.
“I’ve watched my mom, who happens to be Dionne Warwick, help people get through so many tough times with ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ and ‘What the World Needs Now.’”
He continued, “But I feel like we have one now. I feel like we have a song truly for healing, truly for mourning.”
“California Morning” is now available for streaming on iTunes and Spotify.