Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, affectionately known as "Bruddah Iz," was a beloved Hawaiian musician who left an indelible mark on the music world with his soulful voice and ukulele skills. Born on May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Israel grew up surrounded by the rich musical traditions of the islands.

One fateful evening, as the sun began its descent into the Pacific Ocean, Israel found himself on a secluded beach, seeking solace and inspiration. The soft sand caressed his bare feet, and the rhythmic waves provided a soothing backdrop. With his trusty ukulele in hand, he strummed gently, allowing the melodies to flow from his heart.

As he played, a gentle breeze whispered through the palm trees, as if nature itself was drawn to his soul-stirring music. It was during this magical moment that an extraordinary incident unfolded. A vibrant rainbow emerged, stretching across the horizon, its colors blending harmoniously with the hues of the setting sun.

Captivated by this ethereal sight, Israel felt an overwhelming surge of inspiration. He paused, his fingers lingering on the strings of his ukulele. Suddenly, an idea struck him—a medley that would fuse two iconic songs, "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World," encapsulating the beauty and serenity he witnessed in that very moment.

Days turned into nights as Israel poured his heart and soul into perfecting the arrangement. He wanted to capture the essence of the rainbow, its enchanting allure, and the sense of wonder it evoked. With each strum, he breathed life into the melodies, infusing them with his gentle yet powerful voice.

Finally, the day arrived when Israel would share his creation with the world. He stepped into the recording studio, his ukulele cradled in his arms like a cherished treasure. As he began to sing, his voice resonated with a depth and sincerity that could only be born from a profound connection to his homeland and its people.

The medley, which became known as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," captivated listeners from the first note. Israel's voice soared, effortlessly carrying the hopes and dreams of a generation. The simplicity of the ukulele harmonized perfectly with his soulful delivery, creating a transcendent experience.

The song quickly spread like wildfire, capturing the hearts of people across continents. It became an anthem of hope, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world despite its imperfections. It was a musical embrace that brought comfort and solace to those in need, acting as a beacon of light in times of darkness.

Tragically, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's life was cut short on June 26, 1997, when he passed away at the age of 38 due to respiratory complications. However, his music continues to live on, touching the hearts of generations to come. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" remains a cherished song, a timeless reminder of the power of music to unite, heal, and transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's rendition of the medley reflects his deep love for his native Hawaii, its natural beauty, and his desire for peace and harmony. His music continues to inspire and bring joy to people worldwide, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, a simple melody can ignite hope and change the world.

Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole's Platinum selling hit "Over the Rainbow" OFFICIAL video. Loved all through the world, IZ's version of "Over the Rainbow" has touched millions.

With each passing year, IZ’s presence in the music industry and the sales of his recordings continue to grow despite the trends that surround the industry. An amazing story about an amazing man, the man referred to by some as the “Hawaiian Suppaman”. While IZ has always been revered in Hawai‘i, his worldwide influence came later. IZ’s music first gained national attention in the mid-1990s. Produced by Jon de Mello for The Mountain Apple Company • Hawai'i

Lyrics:

Ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true
Someday, I wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dare to
Oh why, oh why can't I?
Well, I see trees of green and red roses too
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Well, I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
And also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do?
They're really saying I, I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more then we'll know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
World
Someday I wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dare to
Why oh, why can't I?
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh

Kamakawiwoʻole achieved commercial success outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993. His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was released on his albums Ka ʻAnoʻi and Facing Future, and was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and television commercials. The song has had 358 weeks on top of the World Digital Songs chart, making it the longest-leading number-one hit on any of the Billboard song charts.

Along with his ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres, such as jazz and reggae, Kamakawiwoʻole remains influential in Hawaiian music and is seen by many as the greatest Hawaiian musician of all time. He was named "The Voice of Hawai‘i" by NPR in 2010