Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is a Native Hawaiian musician famous for his medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World," which is a ukulele- accompanied acoustic rendition first recorded in a spontaneous session in 1988. This medley was officially released on his 1993 album "Facing Future," which became the best-selling Hawaiian album of all time. The recording was done in one take late at night, and the song has since become iconic, featured in many films and praised for its serene and heartfelt style. Kamakawiwoʻole's version of "Over the Rainbow" has had enduring popularity and cultural significance, and it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2020.
He is affectionately known as Bruddah Iz or just IZ, and his music is deeply connected to Hawaiian identity and tradition. His version of "Over the Rainbow" has become a symbol of Hawaiian love and resilience.
