Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, a Hawaiian musician, gained popularity while a member of the band, Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau during 1976-1980’s. The band released 15 successful albums.
In 1990, IZ as his fans knew him by, released the album, Facing Future. His renditions of Somewhere Over The Rainbow and What A Wonderful World helped the album go platinum and become the best selling album of all time by a Hawaiian artist.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole died much too soon at the age of 38. Severe obesity led to respiratory insufficiency.
More about this extraordinary man can be found in the book, IZ: Voice of the People (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) by Rick Carrol.
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~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
Love these. Will be checking you out on Mondays for sure. He had a beautiful voice.
Thank you! I agree, I think he had an exceptional voice.
Such an incredible voice. He makes singing sound so easy.
From what I have read the people of Hawaii really loved him.
Wonderful musician – set the bar for Hawaiian music.
He sure did!