Israel Kamakawiwo'ole "Legendary Cultural Icon"

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (1959-1997), "Bruddah IZ" was a Hawaiian singer, musician, entertainer. In Hawaiian "Kamakawiwoʻole"  translates to “the fearless eye, the bold face”. He was one of the most legendary singers of the time. He is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures in Hawaii of the 21st century with his emotional rollercoaster that combined with a mix of influences that went beyond color lines. He showed to people that the race of all of us is human. He brought both great success and pride to people all across Hawaii as a singer who had a gift and could send a message through song to just about anyone and he would get through. His message was Aloha and to share that Aloha with everyone.

Personality: Israel was very polite and gentle but very stubborn to the point where he wouldn't want any part of something once he made up his mind. To do something he was gonna do it in a equally as stubborn fashion.  

"I believe all these guys, this body is one shell. We Hawaiian, I don't know if you can relate to this. We live on both sides. Its the koko that flows within our veins." -Israel Kamakawiwo'ole 

Voice: His voice was known to be gentle and soothing, yet powerful. Even though he look like a really strong and large man with quite the physical presence, his voice was remarkably gentle. It had a comforting quality that could instantly calm and uplift listeners. This feeling of strength and power in his delivery swelled in certain notes or imbued his singing with emotion. This sort of emotional singing was best described as hauntingly beautiful and seemed to have his tone feel like it was floating effortlessly. He could reach the higher-notes and was most likely a tenor.

"Shmall kid time yeah, when you goin sleep, your maddah sing a song to you. My Maddah would sing this song to me, honest to god. I'm in love with you honey, say you love me too honey, love you from the star, its funny, but its true. It went from my moms mom, to my mom, to my daughter." -Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Emotion into Humanity: The recordings back then showed the power of the  vibration of his voice, creating a rich, full sound of the best strum that was so clean. He poured his heart and the spirit of Hawai'i into every note, making his music feel genuine, and this super strong emotionally raw power. Sometimes it can't be explained in any other way than the feeling of the "mana" (spiritual energy) he infused into his performances. 

Born (Kuakini hospital), May 20, 1959, to Evangeline Keale Kamakawiwo’ole from Ni'ihau and Henry “Tiny” Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwo’ole. Iz was the third-child and was born on O'ahu who was born in the final days of Hawai’i’s territorial era, three months before the Hawaiian Islands would become America’s 50th state.

Early Days: Iz would start his musical career at ten-years old when he was at Steamboats in Waikiki, his father was the bouncer, his mother the manager. This is when he got exposed to all sorts of musicians like Gabby Pahinui and the Sons of Hawai’i. They would call him up onstage with his ‘ukulele and he would connect with people at different levels and get admiration and praise from his elders. He would become known as “the kid with the ‘ukulele”.

Recordings:

Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau:

Going Solo:

Activist:

Commercial Breakout:

Albums
Facing future album was the number one selling CD or album in the history of Hawaiian music and was featured on a special Hawaii News Now digital documentary. 

Passing: Kamakawiwoʻole died at age 38 (Queen's Medical Center) in Honolulu at 12:18 a.m. on June 26, 1997, from respiratory failure. He had Chronic Respiratory and cardiac issues. On July 10, 1997, the Hawaiian flag flew at half-staff for Kamakawiwoʻole's funeral.