Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, affectionately known as IZ, carried a profound mana—the Hawaiian concept of spiritual energy—that poured through every note of his music. His gift for turning simple melodies into deeply moving experiences began humbly, when he and his brother played beat-up ukuleles at a graduation party, enchanting everyone who listened. That night marked the start of a journey that would one day transform him into a global folk legend.
Among all his recordings, one stands out above the rest: his acoustic medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.” Stripped down to just his voice and ukulele, the track was recorded spontaneously in the early morning hours, almost as an afterthought. Yet what happened in that single take would go on to change music history.
Studio staff still recall the session vividly. Despite his imposing figure, IZ’s gentle spirit filled the room, and seated on a sturdy steel chair brought in especially for him, he delivered the entire medley in one flawless take. The result was a hauntingly tender performance that radiated both vulnerability and hope.
Released on his second solo album in 1993, the medley quietly began its ascent into cultural immortality. From film soundtracks to television commercials, weddings to memorials, the song became a universal anthem. According to EMI, Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Over the Rainbow” is now the most requested version worldwide, even surpassing Judy Garland’s iconic original from The Wizard of Oz.
The beauty of IZ’s interpretation lies in its simplicity. By deviating from the original melody and lyrics, he crafted something uniquely his own — a reimagining that stripped away excess and spoke directly to the heart. His soft, unhurried delivery and delicate ukulele strums gave the song new life, reminding listeners everywhere of the power of humility and authenticity in music.
Tragically, IZ’s life was cut short in 1997 when he passed away at the age of just 38 from respiratory failure. His death shook Hawaii, where he was honored with the rare distinction of lying in state at the Hawaii State Capitol. His ashes were later carried to sea in a traditional voyaging canoe, as car horns blared in tribute along Oahu’s coast — a farewell befitting a cultural treasure.
Today, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is remembered not only for his music, but for his advocacy of Hawaiian culture and sovereignty. His mana still lingers in every recording, especially in “Over the Rainbow,” a song that continues to comfort, inspire, and unite people across the globe. As sound engineer Milan Bertosa once said of the timeless recording: “You can choose to focus on the mistakes — or you can just listen and smile.”
