Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole known as “IZ” by most, came into the world from parents, Evangeline Keale Kamakawiwo’ole and Henry “Tiny” Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwo’ole, on May 20th 1959 in Honolulu, Hawii.
The early years
At the tender age of 10, IZ began playing his ukulele in a pickup band with his brother Skippy and his cousin Allen. Israel was often invited onto the stage at the Steamboats bar at Waikiki beach (where his parents worked) to play with the Sons of Hawai’i, led by legendary slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinu and vocalist Eddie Kamae.
Dropping out of school in his teens, his family moved to Oahu’s Waianae Coast, where IZ and his brother Skippy would form the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau band. Together with Louis “Moon” Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko, they released a staggering 21 albums between 1976 and 1991.
Sadly his brother Skippy Kamakawiwo’ole died in 1982 of heart-attach, the same year IZ would marry his long standing sweetheart Marlene Ku’upua Kamakawiwo’ole. They had one daughter, Ceslie-Ann, who was called “Wehi.”
In 1988, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole would record “somewhere over the rainbow” a combination of 2 songs, the other “what a wonderful world”. This beautiful rendition showcases IZ’s vocals as well as his love of the ukulele. The song would not be released for another five years.
Solo Career
IZ’s first solo album was released in 1990, Ka ʻAnoʻi, and between his work with the Makaha Sons and his solo career he was popular in Hawaii. His popularity gave him a great standing when he broke through onto the world music stage in 1993 with his second solo album Facing Future.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
The album Facing Future, shot to No. 1 on the Billboard World Music charts. By 2002, the Album had sold 500,000 copies—the first Hawaiian-produced album to achieve gold and was certified platinum, and selling over 1 million copies by 2005.
In Hawaii, Kamakawiwo’ole became a legend. Facing Future contained the song that would eventually become IZ’s signature tune: his medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What A Wonderful World.”
Israel released two more albums before his death, and three were released posthumously: “Ala E” (1995), “N Dis Life” (1996), “IZ In Concert: The Man and His Music” (1998), “Alone In IZ World” (2001), and “Wonderful World” (2007). “Facing Future” remains the top-selling Hawaiian music album in the world.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole suffered from morbid obesity all his life and at his heaviest weighed in at 750 pounds. Sadly, in the middle of the night on 26th June 1997, Iz suffered respiratory failure and died. He was 38, and died before knowing of his huge popularity and success.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was laid out in honour at Hawaii’s Capitol building, and his ashes were later scattered into the Pacific Ocean with 10,000 people attending in Hawaiian style. He left behind his wife and teenage daughter.
What A Wonderful World
You may not like this type of music, but you can certainly appreciate it- from a huge man with a heart and personality to match, he will always live on through his music.
When I listen to Somewhere Over The Rainbow/ What A Wonderful World, it always makes me believe in a better world and takes me somewhere else… I love it!
Thank you for stopping by.
Take care of you and yours,
Sue x
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