Also known as Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, Bruddah Iz, IZ
Hawaiian singer (1959–1998)
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was a Hawaiian singer who became one of the most beloved musicians from the islands, known for his soulful voice and ukulele performances. His music helped bring Hawaiian culture and language to international audiences before his death in 1997, making him an important figure in Hawaiian music history.
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Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997), also called Braddah IZ or simply IZ, was a Native Hawaiian musician and singer. He is regarded as one of the greatest musicians from Hawaii and the most successful musician from the state. Along with his ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres, such as jazz and reggae, Kamakawiwoʻole remains influential on Hawaiian music. In 2010, he was named one of the 50 Great Voices by NPR, who called him "The Voice of Hawaii".
Kamakawiwoʻole achieved commercial success and mainstream popularity with his 1993 studio album, Facing Future. His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" from his album Ka ʻAnoʻi (1990), spent 375 weeks on top of the World Digital Songs chart, making it the longest-leading number-one hit on any of the Billboard song charts.
Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) (pronounced [kaˌmakaˌʋiwoˈʔole]) was a Hawaiʻian musician. He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and commercials. Through his consummate ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres (such as jazz and reggae) <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/I
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