Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole also known as Iz, Big Iz, or The Gentle Giant, was a singer who left a lasting impact on Hawaiian music.
One of his most iconic songs, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” was released in 1993 as part of his album “Facing Future.” This medley beautifully captures the essence of island life with its peaceful and genteel rhythms.
Not only did the song become immensely popular, but it also found its way into various TV programs, commercials, and movie soundtracks, including “Meet Joe Black” and “Son of the Mask.” However, for Kamakawiwoʻole, the significance of this song went beyond its commercial success.
Through the gentle strumming of the tenor ukulele and Iz’s enchanting falsetto, he sought to preserve and revive the native Hawaiian culture that he believed was being overshadowed by the travel industry. This medley served as a heartfelt expression of his love for his homeland and a reminder of the beauty and tranquility of Hawaiian life.
A YouTube channel re-uploaded Iz’s rendition of “Over The Rainbow” and garnered 9.2 million views. Plenty of viewers shared that they couldn’t hold tears whenever listeining this song.
One wrote, “I can’t watch this without crying. It’s like watching a living funeral as a dying man gives a shout out to the world he is leaving behind. He was such a beautiful soul who suffered so much but chose to give as much of himself as he could one last time.”
Another commented, “Tears in my eyes. This should be an example for all. Unity, compassion, respect and most importantly, love one another.”
Even more than 20 years after his untimely death, Kamakawiwoʻole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” remains a timeless classic, cherished by many as a symbol of the Hawaiian spirit.