Israel IZ
Kamakawiwo ole

von Gert Schulz am 27.05.2025 - 18:29 Uhr | melden

Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole ([kamakaʋiwoˈʔole]; May 20, 1959 in Kaimukī[1] on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii; June 26, 1997 in Honolulu, Hawaii) was a Hawaiian singer. He gained attention primarily through the medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World," which was first released in 1990 but only became commercially successful in the 2000s.

Life

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (often simply called "Iz" by friends and fans, also known as "the Voice of Hawaii"[2]) came from a musical family; his uncle Moe Keale was a Hawaiian music legend. He began making music at the age of eleven, after his parents moved to Mākaha, together with his older brother Skippy (1957–1982). In addition to singing, Kamakawiwoʻole played the ukulele and, at the age of 15, formed the group The Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau with his brother Skippy, Jerome Koko, Moon Kauakahi, and John Koko. The group released nine albums over the course of 15 years and received multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.

In the early 1990s, Kamakawiwoʻole left the Sons and embarked on a solo career. He also became famous outside of Hawaii with the release of his album Facing Future in 1993. A total of six albums with him as a soloist were released.

He gained international attention, particularly in the late 2000s, with his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World," first released in 1990 and consisting of the songs "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World." The title has frequently been used in the soundtracks of films and television series such as ER, Forrester, Meet Joe Black, Scrubs, 50 First Dates, and Pasadena.[3] In Germany, the single reached the top of the 2010 singles charts and was awarded the 2011 Echo Pop in the "Hit of the Year" category.[4][5]

In addition to his music, Kamakawiwoʻole was deeply committed to the concerns of the people of Hawaii, the preservation of Hawaiian culture, and nature. The Hawaiian language (Hawaiian: Ōlelo Hawaiʻi) was also very dear to his heart, and thus, often through his songs, he played a major role in the preservation and revival of this almost extinct language of the native peoples of Hawaii. He was also committed to Hawaiis independence.[6] His efforts for Hawaiian independence and the rights of Native Hawaiians are also reflected in the lyrics of some of his songs, for example, the song "Hawaii 78," in which he calls for respect for Hawaiian culture and criticizes the destruction of nature.

As his obesity progressed, he was no longer able to play his works on the ukulele. As a result, a Hawaiian guitar maker crafted a unique piece for him, approximately the size of a childs guitar, but with the essential sound elements of the ukulele.

Kamakawiwoʻole was 38 years old. He died on June 26, 1997, after several hospital stays from respiratory distress caused by his morbid obesity (at one point, he weighed 343 kg, which, at a height of 1.88 m, corresponds to a body mass index of 97). He left behind his wife, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, and their daughter, Ceslie-Ann "Wehi."

Following the death of the extremely popular Hawaiian, known in his homeland as "The Gentle Giant," the government declared a state of mourning. He was only the third Hawaiian (and the first non-politician) to have his coffin placed in state at the Hawaii State Capitol Building. Over 10,000 guests attended the funeral on July 10, 1997. When his ashes were scattered at sea two days later, on July 12, 1997, thousands of people gathered on the beach and swam or rowed out onto the water in small boats or on surfboards to pay their last respects. On September 20, 2003, a bronze statue of him was dedicated on his native island of Oʻahu in the presence of his widow, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole.[7]
Discography
Albums with the Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau

1976: No Kristo
1977: Kahea o Keale
1978: Keala
1979: Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau
1981: Mahalo Ke Akua
1984: Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha
1986: Hoʻola
1991: Makaha Bash 3 Live
1992: Hoʻoluana