Most people don’t know who sang it, but you’ll definitely recognize the song

His name was as formidable as his stature – and Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole lived accordingly.

Kamakawiwoʻole is the singer-songwriter of the classic ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World’, an inspired blend of the smooth, peaceful rhythms of island life.

The song, released in 1993 as ‘Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World’, is featured on Kamakawiwo’ole’s ‘Facing Future’ album and featured in several TV shows and commercials; it was also included in the musical scores for the films ‘Meet Joe Black’ and ‘Son of the Mask’

For Kamakawiwo’ole – popularly known as Iz, Big Iz or The Gentle Giant – the entrance was much more than a bed of music. His sweet tenor ukulele and Iz’s beautiful falsetto marked his music as an expression of Hawaiian culture which he felt was losing its influence in the travel industry.

Indeed, Iz recognized from the age of 11 that modern Hawaiian music was anything but traditionally Hawaiian. Four studio albums and four compilations followed, with ‘Facing Future’, his most popular album, achieving double platinum status.

All are steeped in the sunny, meditative ukulele that fuels stories and anecdotes of island life as reflected in the state motto. “The life of the earth,” it is said, “continues in righteousness

Obesity would have detrimental consequences on Iz’s health; he weighed nearly 453 kg when he died in June 1997 at the age of 38.

Iz once told Jon De Mello:

I guess this is going to sound weird, but I’m not afraid to die, because I believe all these places are temporary. It’s just a shell, because we Hawaiians live in both worlds. It’s in our veins

About 10,000 people attended Iz’s memorial services and cremation. He is the only Hawaiian non-governmental figure whose body has been laid in state at the capital. Though his life was colossally short, his memory fuels musical distinction within Hawaiian culture today.

Are you still a fan of Iz? Which of his songs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments – and don’t forget to pass it along to your friends and family to continue his legacy!

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