Honoring Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole, the Resounding Symbol of Hawaii's Music
In the heart of Honolulu, on May 20, 1959, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, affectionately known as "Braddah IZ," was born to Evangeline Keale Kamakawiwo'ole and Henry "Tiny" Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwo'ole. IZ's life was a testament to the power of music and its ability to transcend borders[1].
Growing up, IZ's exposure to music was profound. He watched his uncle Moe Keale and other big names in Hawaiian music perform at a nightclub called Steamboats in Waikiki[1]. This early immersion in music laid the foundation for his future career.
In his teenage years, IZ's family moved to the Wai'anae coast, a move that was against his will. However, this relocation proved to be fortuitous as it brought him and his brother Skippy together with John Kapualani Koko, forming a friendship that would lead to the formation of the musical group the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau[2].
The Makaha Sons were at the forefront of the Hawaiian Renaissance, or the Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance, modernizing Hawaiian music and bringing it to a wider audience[3]. The band recorded 21 albums and won countless Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts Awards (also known as Na Hoku Hanohano Awards)[3].
However, it was IZ's solo career that truly catapulted him to international fame. His 1993 album, Facing Future, became the top-selling Hawaiian music album in the world, with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" becoming his most iconic piece[4]. This medley, recorded in one take, has sold millions of digital copies and has been used in countless films, television shows, and ad campaigns[5].
IZ's lilting version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" became beloved worldwide, introducing Hawaiian music to a global audience and promoting Hawaiian cultural pride[1]. His music played a vital role in the Hawaiian Renaissance by promoting Hawaiian identity, language, and cultural heritage during a period of renewed pride and awareness in native traditions[1][3].
Tragically, IZ died from a heart attack in 1997 at the age of 38, just as "Over the Rainbow" was becoming successful[6]. Thousands of people paid their respects to IZ at Hawaii's Capitol building, and his body was cremated, with his ashes taken by traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe down the coast of Hawaii[7].
Today, IZ's legacy continues to inspire. His album, Facing Future, was certified gold in 2002 and platinum (selling more than 1 million units) in 2005[8]. In 2004, "Over the Rainbow" reached No. 12 on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks chart[9].
IZ, a ukulele-playing native of the Hawaiian islands, will forever be remembered as a cultural and musical ambassador for Hawaii, bridging the gap between traditional Hawaiian music and the modern world[1].
[1] Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole [2] Honolulu Magazine - The Life and Legacy of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole [3] University of Hawaii - The Hawaiian Renaissance [4] Billboard - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Facing Future' Album Sells 1 Million Copies [5] Rolling Stone - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Over the Rainbow' Hits 1 Million in Digital Sales [6] The Guardian - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: the Hawaiian musician who melted hearts [7] Honolulu Star-Advertiser - IZ Kamakawiwo'ole's ashes taken to sea in traditional canoe [8] Billboard - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Facing Future' Album Certified Platinum [9] Billboard - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's 'Over the Rainbow' Hits Top 20 on Digital Chart
Celebrated worldwide for his lilting version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," IZ's music, anchored in the Hawaiian Renaissance, sought to promote his native culture's identity, language, and heritage. His interaction with big names in Hawaiian music at Steamboats nightclub in his youth and his subsequent formation of the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau demonstrate his close connection with the entertainment industry and its celebrities, especially in the realm of music.
