Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole was a beloved Hawaiian singer, musician, and activist whose gentle voice and ukulele playing brought traditional island music to a global audience. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, his posthumous album "Alone in Iz World" and the ubiquitous medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" achieved multi-platinum certifications and chart success around the world.
Born in 1959 in Honolulu, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole began his musical journey as a teenager. He first gained local fame as a member of the influential Hawaiian group Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, with whom he recorded numerous albums starting in the 1970s, helping to revitalize traditional Hawaiian sounds.
Iz's solo breakthrough came with his 1993 album "Facing Future," released on the Big Boy record label. The album became a landmark, eventually reaching the Billboard 200 chart and earning a Diamond certification in the United States for sales exceeding ten million copies, fueled by its standout track.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World — This iconic 1990 medley, recorded in a single late-night session, became a global phenomenon after his death, appearing in major films and commercials.
Hawaiʻi 78 — A powerful anthem addressing the social and cultural changes in Hawaii, it remains a staple and a profound statement of his cultural advocacy.
White Sandy Beach of Hawaiʻi — This beautiful original composition showcases his skill as a songwriter and his deep, emotive vocal delivery.
Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man — A playful and upbeat track that highlights Iz's charismatic personality and his connection to local Hawaiian culture.
Ka Pua Uʻi — Featured on "Facing Future," this track is a prime example of his mastery over classic Hawaiian musical styles.
Despite struggling with health issues related to his weight, Iz continued to record and perform, releasing albums like "E Ala E" (1995) and "N Dis Life" (1996), the latter earning him a posthumous Grammy nomination. His music consistently championed Hawaiian sovereignty and environmental preservation.
For fans of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's authentic Hawaiian sound, explore similar artists like Keali'i Reichel, a revered kumu hula and musician known for his pristine Hawaiian language recordings. Discover the harmonious family traditions with The Brothers Cazimero, who were instrumental in the Hawaiian Renaissance. Listen to the contemporary island rhythms of Jake Shimabukuro, a ukulele virtuoso who pushes the instrument's boundaries. The smooth, melodic style of Ziggy Marley shares a similar spiritual and uplifting reggae-influenced approach.
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's timeless recordings are a fixture on radio stations dedicated to world music, acoustic folk, and relaxation formats. His songs provide a serene soundtrack on adult contemporary and specialty Hawaiian music streams across our network.
Listeners can hear the enduring music of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole on radio stations featured across onairium.com, where his voice continues to define the sound of Hawaiian music for audiences worldwide.
