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Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole gained global fame for his heartfelt performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Mountain Apple CompanyFondly called IZ by his admirers, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole of Hawaii was a towering figure with a soothing voice. Born on May 20, 1959, this ukulele maestro and proud island native crafted a mesmerizing blend of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" that captured hearts across the globe. Even if his name isn't familiar, his music surely is.
Israel was the third-born to Evangeline Keale Kamakawiwo'ole, a full-blooded Hawaiian from Ni'ihau, and Henry "Tiny" Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwo'ole, a part-Hawaiian from Oahu. (The surname is pronounced Kah-MAH-kah-VEE-voh-OH-lay.) Their heritage is deeply rooted in Hawaiian history. IZ's mother's lineage traces back to Ni'ihau, known as the Forbidden Isle. To this day, access to Ni'ihau is restricted, requiring an invitation from a Native Hawaiian resident or participation in a special tour.
Israel's musical journey began in his childhood. During the late 1960s, his father worked as a bouncer, and his mother managed Steamboats, a Waikiki nightclub where the Sons of Hawaii performed traditional Hawaiian songs. As a 10-year-old, Israel often stood by the stage, ukulele in hand, and was occasionally invited to perform by his uncle, the renowned musician Moe Keale, or other Hawaiian music legends like Eddie Mamae and Gabby Pahinui.
His family relocated to the Wai'anae coast, much to his disappointment. However, it was there in the early 1970s that IZ and his brother Skippy befriended John Kapualani Koko, laying the foundation for the musical group the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau. The group released 21 albums and earned numerous Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts Awards, also known as Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
In 1993, IZ embarked on a solo career after leaving the Makaha Sons. His debut album, "Facing Future," featured his iconic rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," recorded in a single take around 3 a.m. in one flawless session. "Facing Future" became the best-selling Hawaiian music album globally, achieving gold certification in 2002 and platinum status (over 1 million units sold) in 2005. IZ's version of "Over the Rainbow" has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. In 2004, the song peaked at No. 12 on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks chart and has sold millions of digital copies.
Struggling with obesity throughout his adult life, IZ's life ended tragically on June 26, 1997, due to a heart attack, just as "Over the Rainbow" was gaining widespread recognition. At only 38, he was one of Hawaii's most cherished musicians. His body lay in state at Hawaii's Capitol building, with flags at half-mast and 10,000 mourners paying their respects. He was cremated, and his ashes were carried along Hawaii's coast in a traditional voyaging canoe, as people lined the roads, honking their car horns in his honor.
Special thanks to IZ's record label, Mountain Apple Company, for providing the main photo.
The Sons of Makaha played a pivotal role in the Hawaiian Renaissance, also referred to as the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance. This movement marked a revival of Hawaiian cultural identity, encompassing language, music, hula dance, and even traditional navigation and voyaging. Additionally, the Hawaiian Renaissance fueled political activism and awareness, particularly in safeguarding sacred spaces.
