Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Died: 26 June 1997 (respiratory failure)

The most popular entertainer in Hawaii until his tragic death in 1997, Israel Kamakawiwoole formed the traditional Makaha Sons as a teenager in the mid-70s, went out on his own in more of a contemporary style by the 1990s, and released four immensely popular recordings before passing away just after the release of 1996s N Dis Life. Born in the Honolulu suburb of Kaimuki, Kamakawiwoole later moved to nearby Makaha. In allegiance to his new home, Israel formed the Makaha Sons of Niihau with brother Skippy plus Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray and Jerome Koko. The Makaha Sons recorded No Kristo in 1976 and released five more albums during as many years, though Skippys death of a heart attack in 1982 came as quite a blow to his younger brother. The group soldiered on, and became Hawaiis most popular traditional group with breakout albums like 1984s Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha and its follow-up, 1986s Hoola.

Israel Kamakawiwoole decided to begin recording on his own with 1990s Ka Anoi, which became the most popular Hawaiian album of the year. Though he continued his solo career, by 1991 he had recorded with the Makaha Sons of Niihau again, and that years Makaha Bash 3 set still more records in Hawaii, thanks in part to the single "Broken Promise." Another Makaha LP, Hooluana, appeared in 1992, though it was the last with Israel. His second solo effort, Facing Future, appeared in 1993, and 1995s E Ala E featured a reunited duet with Skippy, thanks to studio technology. Israel continued to win awards and sell very well with 1996s N Dis Life, but his ballooning weight problem (at times, he weighed over 750 pounds) caused his early death at the age of 38. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Best Known As: Super-sized Hawaiian singer of "Over the Rainbow"

"Bruddah Iz" was a beloved figure in Hawaiian music during the 1990s. His pure, light tenor was as famous as his sumo-sized physique; at one point he weighed over 750 pounds. Kamakawiwoole co-founded the popular musical group the Makaha Sons of Niihau with his brother Skippy, who died of a heart attack in 1982. Israel began a solo career in 1993, and his 1996 album N Dis Life won Hawaiian music awards for album of the year, island contemporary album of the year and best male vocalist. Kamakawiwooles popularity in Hawaii was such that after his death, his body lay in the state capitol building.

Kamakawiwoole and his wife Marlene had one daughter, Ceslieanne, known as "Wehi" (b. 1982)... His version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," a tune first made famous by Judy Garland, became particularly famous after his death.

Isreal Kamakawiwoole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow-What A Wonderful World :

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