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Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is the Hawaiian artist whose solo career brought him national notoriety. His dreamy renditions of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” has been heard of in movies like: Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, and 50 First Dates. His music career began when he and his brother Skippy formed the music band the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau where this Hawaiian contemporary band gained popularity, toured Hawai’i and the continental United States and released 10 successful albums. His launched his solo career with the album Ka’ano’i, but his album Facing Future released in 1993 was considered by many his “best” album, featuring the popular medley “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” in company with “White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i”, “Maui Hawaiian Sup’pa Man”, and Hawai’i 78”. The entertainer was a strong advocate of Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian independence, promoting his beliefs through his music and his life. A great singer and composer, “Iz” became one of the bestselling Hawaiian artists of all time, winning him awards for Male Vocalist of the Year, Favourite Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Island Contemporary Album of the Year from the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) at the Annual Na Hoku Hanohano awards. His passing on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38 was a great loss to the people of Hawaii and the music industry. Iz was bestowed the honor of laying in state at the Capitol building in Honolulu, with the Hawai’i State Flag flying at half-mast – making him only the third person in Hawaiian history bequeathed this privilege (the other two were Governor John A. Burns and US Senator Spark Matsunaga). Nicknamed “The Gentle Giant” by his many admirers, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was described as cheerful and positive, and will be remembered for his inspirational music, his love of the land and of the people of Hawai’i. Brother IZ "Facing Future" - world famous CD featuring the hit songs "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" & "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" presented in a woven bag. (#3008) |
