Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was a Hawaiian singer, musician, and sovereignty activist revered for his powerful, gentle voice and masterful ukulele playing. His posthumous fame skyrocketed globally through his medley of Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World, making him an iconic figure in world music and a beloved symbol of Hawaiian culture. Despite a life challenged by severe obesity and related health issues, his music continues to inspire millions and advocate for Native Hawaiians.

Early life and musical beginnings

Born in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu, he was raised in the community of Makaha on Oahu. Immersed in music from childhood, his family's apartment was a gathering place for musicians, including legends like Peter Moon and Don Ho. He began playing the ukulele at age eleven, heavily influenced by the slack-key guitar masters and the Hawaiian Renaissance movement. In the mid-1970s, alongside his brother Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole and friends Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko, he formed the group The Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, which became a cornerstone of the contemporary Hawaiian music scene.

Career and rise to fame

With The Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, Kamakawiwoʻole recorded numerous successful albums throughout the 1980s, winning several Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. His 1990 solo debut, Ka ʻAnoʻi, earned him recognition as Male Vocalist of the Year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. His breakthrough to a worldwide audience came with the 1993 album Facing Future, which featured his iconic medley recorded in a single, late-night take at Audio Resource Honolulu. The song gained massive exposure after being featured in the film Meet Joe Black, the television series ER, and numerous commercials, eventually reaching the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 years after his death.

Musical style and influence

Kamakawiwoʻole's style was defined by his tender, yet commanding falsetto voice and rhythmic, innovative ukulele strumming, often using a custom-made Martin T1 ukulele. His repertoire blended traditional mele and chant with contemporary folk and jazz influences. He was a pivotal figure in the Hawaiian Renaissance, using his music to promote Hawaiian language revitalization and political awareness for the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. His work influenced countless artists in Hawaii and beyond, contributing to the global popularity of the ukulele.

Personal life and health

He married his childhood sweetheart, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, in 1982, and they had one daughter. Throughout his adult life, Kamakawiwoʻole struggled with severe obesity, at one point weighing over 750 pounds. This condition led to serious health complications, including respiratory failure and cor pulmonale, requiring frequent hospitalization. His health struggles were public, and he often spoke about them, becoming an advocate for health awareness. Despite his challenges, he remained dedicated to his music and activism, recording and performing until his final days.

Death and legacy

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole died at the age of 38 from respiratory failure at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu. In accordance with his status as a kāhea (beloved leader), his body lay in state at the Hawaii State Capitol, an honor previously accorded only to governors and U.S. senators. His ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Makua Beach. His album Facing Future became the first from Hawaii to be certified platinum and later gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. In 2023, his signature medley was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry. The Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Park in Waimānalo stands as a permanent tribute to his enduring spirit and contribution to Hawaiian culture.

Category:American male singers Category:Hawaiian musicians Category:1997 deaths