Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: The Voice of Hawaiian Music

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was a beloved Hawaiian singer, musician, and activist known for his gentle, soulful voice and masterful ukulele playing. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, his posthumous fame skyrocketed globally due to the enduring popularity of his medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World."

Early career

Born in 1959 in Honolulu, Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole began his musical journey as a teenager. He first gained local recognition in the 1970s as a member of the influential Hawaiian musical group The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, with whom he recorded several albums that helped revitalize traditional Hawaiian music.

Breakthrough

Kamakawiwo'ole's solo breakthrough came with his 1993 album "Facing Future," released on the Big Boy record label. The album became the first from Hawaii to be certified platinum by the RIAA and achieved chart success long after its initial release, fueled by the inclusion of his "Over the Rainbow" medley in films and television shows.

Key tracks

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World - This iconic medley, recorded in a single take in 1988, became his signature song and a global phenomenon posthumously.

Hawai'i '78 - A powerful rendition of a classic song that showcases his deep cultural reverence and vocal prowess, often considered a Hawaiian anthem.

White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i - A beautiful original composition that highlights his skill as a songwriter and his ability to evoke the islands' natural beauty.

Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man - This track from "Facing Future" displays the more playful and contemporary side of his musical style.

His music continues to define the sound of modern Hawaiian music for audiences worldwide. Despite his passing in 1997, Iz's legacy endures through his recordings, which consistently introduce new generations to the spirit of aloha.

Fans of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's uplifting and culturally rich sound often appreciate the work of Jake Shimabukuro, a ukulele virtuoso known for his innovative techniques. The traditional harmonies of The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau provide the foundation from which Iz launched his career. The contemporary island rhythms of John Cruz also resonate with a similar blend of local authenticity and broad appeal. For those drawn to the pure vocal tradition, the work of Keali'i Reichel offers another pillar of modern Hawaiian music.