Israel Kamakawiwo: The Voice of Hawaiian Music

Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole was a beloved Hawaiian singer, musician, and activist whose gentle ukulele playing and warm, soaring vocals became synonymous with the sound of modern Hawai'i. His posthumous global fame was cemented by the enduring popularity of his medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which has achieved multi-platinum certifications and charted internationally years after its initial release.

Early career

Born in 1959 in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole began his musical journey as a teenager alongside his brother Skippy and friends Louis "Moon" Kauakahi and Jerome Koko. They formed the influential group Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, which became a cornerstone of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1970s and 80s. The group released a string of successful albums on the Poki and Sony Music labels, blending traditional Hawaiian styles with contemporary folk and establishing Iz as a powerful vocal talent within the islands.

Breakthrough

Kamakawiwo'ole's solo breakthrough came with his 1990 debut album, "Ka 'Ano'i," which earned several Na Hoku Hanohano Awards (Hawai'i's premier music awards), including Male Vocalist of the Year. His true international breakthrough, however, occurred posthumously after his passing in 1997. His 1993 recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was licensed for use in a 1998 television advertisement and the film "Meet Joe Black," propelling the song and his album "Facing Future" to unprecedented global attention.

Key tracks

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World — This iconic 1993 medley is his signature recording, driving the multi-platinum success of the "Facing Future" album worldwide.

Hawai'i '78 — A powerful and poignant anthem addressing the changes in Hawaiian society, it remains a staple in his live performances and a fan favorite.

White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i — This beautiful original composition showcases his songwriting skill and deep connection to the natural beauty of his homeland.

Ka Pua U'i — A classic Hawaiian love song that highlights the purity of his falsetto voice and his mastery of the ukulele.

Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man — A playful and energetic track that displays his charismatic personality and the joyful side of his music.

The album "Facing Future," initially released on the Big Boy record label, eventually became a historic commercial success. It is the only Hawaiian album to be certified Platinum by the RIAA and spent over 300 weeks on Billboard's World Music chart, peaking at number one. His music continued to find new audiences through placements in major films and television shows, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for Hawaiian music.

Listeners who appreciate the authentic sound of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole often enjoy other pillars of Hawaiian music. Keali'i Reichel is a revered kumu hula and singer known for his meticulous preservation of Hawaiian language and melody. The Makaha Sons features the group where Iz first rose to prominence, continuing their legacy of harmonious Hawaiian folk. Ziggy Marley shares a similar spirit of uplifting, socially conscious music rooted in island culture, though from a Jamaican reggae tradition. Jake Shimabukuro carries forward the instrumental virtuosity on ukulele, pushing the instrument into new genres much like Iz popularized it globally.

The timeless recordings of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole maintain heavy rotation on a wide variety of radio formats. His music is a fixture on dedicated Hawaiian and world music stations, adult contemporary FM channels seeking uplifting content, and numerous online radio streams that specialize in acoustic and folk genres, ensuring his voice reaches new generations of listeners daily.

You can hear the influential music of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole on radio stations featured across our network. Explore the diverse stations available on onairium.com to discover