Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole : Born May 20, 1959. Died June 26, 1997, at age 38.
Folk music legend: Nick names: “IZ”, Bruddah Iz, “The Gentle Giant”
Family: His wife, Marlene. Daughter, Ceslieanne “Wehi,” age 14 in 1997. His sister, Lydia Kauakahi. His brother, Skippy.
Weight problem: At times, he weighed over 750 pounds which caused his early death due to respiratory problems. He stood 6-foot 2 inches tall.
First Group: Together with his brother, Skippy, Iz forms the “Makaha Sons of Ni‘ihau”. Beginning in 1976, the Makaha Sons record 9 CD’s throughout the 1980’s. His brother, Skippy dies (age 28) in 1982.
Forms His Own Record Label: Jon de Mello, Mountain Apple Records, suggested that “IZ” create his own label, “Big Boy” Records. Releasing CD’s with this new partnership of this Hawaiian-owned business, Iz gains full control of his music choices, production and distribution.
Ka Anoi [1990] Debut solo CD: Although a perennial group winner at the Hawaiian Music Awards (Called the “ HOKU ” Awards) since 1985. Iz wins his first solo honors.
Facing The Future [1993] 2nd CD: Introducing his classic medley,
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World “
RECOMMENDED by D.J. Mr. Ed
E Ala E [1995] 3rd CD: As his career progressed, Iz was known for promoting Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian Independence both through music (whose lyrics often stated the case for independence directly) and through his life. Also, Iz sings with his late brother, Skippy, through studio mixes.
N Dis Life [1996] 4th CD
Billboard magazine [1997]: IZ’ s “N Dis Life” dominates Billboard “World Music” charts throughout 1997.
T V Shows featuring some “Iz” music.
[c.1997] Party Of Five, Wind On The Water, Young Americans, Little Girls In Pretty Boxes, Birds In Paradise, Lani Loa, In God’s Hands.
1997: On June 26, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Dies.
Born May 20, 1959. Died June 26, 1997, at age 38.
-In and out of the hospital because of weight-related health issues, his body could not function normally. At over 750 pounds, Iz had breathing difficulty often. He died of weight-related respiratory illness on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38. The Hawaii state flag flew at half-mast throughout the day. Iz lay, in state, at the Honolulu’s Capitol Building, where over 10,000 came to pay their respects during the first day of mourning. His coffin was built by 50 close friends and relatives. It was made from wood from each of the Hawaiian Islands. His ashes were later scattered in the Pacific Ocean at Makua Beach.
Iz In Concert [1998] 5th CD: A complete live performance. “Iz In Concert: The Man And His Music”
EToys commercial [c.1998] Iz music featured in a “www. Etoys.com” commercial.
-“Meet Joe Black”, film [1998]
Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins. Soundtrack includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow /What A Wonderful World” medley.
-“From The Corner Of His Eye” [2000] , Dean Koontz, Iz featured in book,
– TV Guide, December 2 -8 , 2000 issue.
– Washington Post, [c. 2000 ] feature article
-“Finding Forrester”, film [2000] Sean Connery. Soundtrack includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” medley.
-Alone In Iz World [2001] 6th CD. Includes “Somewhere Over The Rainbow “.
-“One Door Away From Heaven” [2001], Dean Koontz, Iz featured in book
– AOL : In 2001, America On-Line uses Iz’ s music on its “Welcome Page”.
-“ E R ”, [2002] NBC’s popular prime-time hospital drama.
Episode where Dr. Mark Green dies.
Monumental turning point for the Hawaiian singer and his classic medley becomes part of the American cultural pop landscape. At this point, the medley becomes one of the most requested wedding songs of the present generation. Disc Jockey Mr. Ed Mullen.
– People Magazine [2002] After “ER” episode
– Parade Magazine [2002] After “ER” episode
In 2002, “Facing The Future” CD [released in 1993] becomes first ever RIAA “Gold” record from Hawaii artist. That is 500,000 units sold. First ever “Hawaiian-owned” record company to produce a “Gold” CD . It won over a dozen career “HOKU” Awards.
– DVD: Hawaii tour [2002] “Island Music, Island Hearts” . Hawaiian islands tour with “I Z”
– DVD: Bio [2004] “I Z, The Man Behind The Music” “IZ” biography
– “IZ” music in these films, but not on their soundtracks.
“50 First Dates”, [2004] Drew Barrymore, Adam Sandler.
“Three Kings” [1999] George Clooney.
“Made” [2001] Vince Vaughan, Jon Favreau.
Compiled by D.J. Mr. Ed Mullen, CD liner notes, Amazon.com info.
Posted April 2009. November 2009 comment by JON DE MELLO, Israel’s record producer.mountainapplecompany.com
Hawaii, Hawaiian singer, Hawaiian song. Somewhere Over The Rainbow, What A Wonderful World, Iz, Israel Kamakawiwo’ ole, Hawaiian version, favorite top wedding songs.
” Mahalo Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole !”
