Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole

Perhaps no other voice has captured the essence of the Hawaiian soul like that of Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole. His passion for the sounds of his native land began at an early age, and with the help of his brother he formed Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, one of Hawaii's most popular bands. It was his solo career, however, which brought him international recognition, and his 1993 album, Facing Future, is the best-selling Hawaiian record in history. Sadly, the world lost this musical talent in 1997, when IZ, as he was affectionately called, died at the young age of 38 due to respiratory complications--the result of a weight problem which had plagued him his entire life. Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole left behind a musical legacy of poignant ballads expressing his love for the Hawaiian way of life.

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The soothing voice of Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole washes over the listener in waves, and mental images of a secluded island paradise is conjured up in songs such as "Kaleohano" and "Hi'ilawa." Among his English-language tracks, the Nat "King" Cole classic "Mona Lisa" and an exquisite recording of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" harkens back to the romance of a bygone era.

DISCOGRAPHY

Alone In "IZ" World- 2001
IZ In Concert: The Man and His Music (Live)-2000
N Dis Life- 1996
E Ala E- 1995
Facing Future- 1993
Ka'ano'i- 1990

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