Facts about Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
4 Good Links
Iz
The official site, with a bio and discographyBruddah Iz
Tribute in memoriam, with many links'Iz' Will Always Be
His obituary from the Honolulu Star-BulletinThe Music of Iz
Merchandise from the Mountain Apple CompanyShare this:
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Biography
Known as “Bruddah Iz,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was a beloved figure in Hawaiian music during the 1990s. His pure, light tenor was as famous as his sumo-sized physique; at one point he weighed over 750 pounds. Kamakawiwo’ole co-founded the popular musical group the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau with his brother Skippy, who died of a heart attack in 1982. Israel began a solo career in 1993, and his 1996 album ‘N Dis Life won Hawaiian music awards for album of the year, island contemporary album of the year and best male vocalist. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s popularity in Hawaii was such that after his death, his body lay in the state capitol building.
Extra credit
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and his wife Marlene had one daughter, Ceslieanne, known as “Wehi” (b. 1982)… His version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a tune first made famous by Judy Garland, became particularly famous after his death.