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ALAN “THE HITMAN” HIRANO . . . THE SAMURAI HAS GONE!
October 28, 1956 – January 14, 2009
By: Dee Miyamura


Alan Hirano
Alan Hirano, passed away in his sleep on January 14, 2009, after a long battle with ill health. The details I am not privy to. We had not been in contact prior to his passing, I am sad to say. Rev. Carl Roberts, our mutual friend, had sent an email with the say news.

It was on a lovely Sunday in March, approximately four years ago, I met Alan Hirano. My friend Mary (L. Hines, photo-artist of Proud Dog Productions) and I had gone down to the Santa Monica Pier. The Friday before, we had been invited to come down by Rev. Carl.

The soul cover band, Samurai Homeboys, was performing live on the Pier! Rev. Carl was the lead singer, Alan was on bass, and guest guitarist and guest drummer were Bob Boulding, and Dave Ingraham from the Celtic Rock Band, The Young Dubliners! I believe that day Walt Thompson was on keys and Norm Cowen on trumpet and Tom Fleming on saxophone. The band was great fun!! Mary took photos and I danced by the stage (a common place to find me!).

From that day on, Mary and I made it a habit to catch Samurai Homeboys on a regular basis. The band was performing once a month at O’Briens on Main Street in Santa Monica. Alan and Carl remained the same, but sometimes the rest of the band had guest appearances. Alan was always funny, warm, friendly, and always willing to talk to me (and Mary).

I learned that Mr. Hirano had many talents! A Record Producer. Live Sound engineer. I was amazed to run into him at a Young Dubliners show in Newport Beach at Muldoon’s! Sometime after, I learned Alan would work that show on a regular basis.

Alan Hirano was blessed with a long career. Beginning with a professional recording gig at the age of 16 for Capitol Records! Hirano played with music icons like Billy Preston, Isaac Hayes, and BB King.

A beautiful Funeral Service was given for Alan on Saturday, February 21, 2009, at the West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple. Mary and I joined his family, friends, and colleagues in saying farewell.

The Great Samurai Warrior has left us! Welding his sword, in this case is a bass guitar, in battle once again. Not for us mere mortals!






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