# Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

> Hawaiian singer (1959–1997)

**Wikidata**: [Q42180](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42180)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Kamakawiwoʻole)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/israel-kamakawiwoole

## Summary
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, also known as "Bruddah Iz," was a celebrated Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and musician who became a defining voice of Hawaiian music. His most iconic contribution is the 1993 medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which became a global symbol of Hawaiian musical culture and brought him international recognition. His work fused traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary genres like reggae and folk, creating a unique and accessible sound that resonated with global audiences.

## Biography
- Born: May 20, 1959, in Hawaii
- Nationality: United States (Hawaiian by birth and cultural identity)
- Known for: Reviving and redefining Hawaiian music through iconic performances and genre-blending arrangements
- Employer(s): Independent artist; no official employment listed
- Field(s): Music, singing, songwriting, and performance

## Contributions
- Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is best known for his 1993 album "Facing the Sun" and the posthumous compilation album "Ala" (1998), which featured his most famous recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World."
- His music contributed to the global awareness of Hawaiian folk and reggae fusion.
- His performance and recording style influenced a generation of Hawaiian musicians and brought attention to the cultural identity of Hawaiian music internationally.

## FAQs
### What is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole most known for?
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is most known for his iconic medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World," recorded in 1993. This song became a viral classic and is widely recognized as one of the most emotionally resonant songs in modern Hawaiian and global popular music.

### What genres influenced his music?
His work fused traditional Hawaiian music with reggae, folk, and popular ballad styles. This genre-melding approach helped define a new sound that brought a broader audience to Hawaiian music.

### What is the legacy of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole?
His legacy includes redefining the sound of modern Hawaiian music and introducing it to global audiences through genre fusion and the iconic status of his 1993 recording.

## Notable For
- "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World" (1993)
- Contributing to the global awareness of Hawaiian music
- Fusing traditional and modern genres, including reggae and folk
- Inspiring a generation of Hawaiian musicians through his unique sound and cultural fusion

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, born in 1959 in Honolulu, was a Hawaiian singer of traditional and contemporary music. He was a member of the Kamakawiwoʻole family, a name that carries deep cultural significance in Hawaiian music. His musical style, which blended traditional Hawaiian folk music with reggae and popular ballad, helped shape a new sound that brought global attention to the islands' musical culture.

### Career and Notable Recordings
- Israel was involved in the production of the album "Ala" in 1998, which included his most famous recording, "Somewhere over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World."
- He was a prominent figure in the Hawaiian music scene, contributing to the preservation and evolution of traditional music.
- His work fused traditional and contemporary sounds, including reggae and folk influences, which brought a new audience to Hawaiian music.
- His unique sound and cultural impact influenced a generation of musicians and increased the visibility of Hawaiian music.

### Musical Influence and Legacy
- Israel's work influenced a generation of Hawaiian musicians and increased the global awareness of Hawaiian music.
- His 1993 album "Ala" was released posthumously and became a landmark in Hawaiian music.
- His music was featured in films, TV shows, and advertisements, increasing its cultural impact.

### Musical Style and Public Recognition
- His music was featured in the 1990s in the film "50 First Dates" and other media.
- Israel's music influenced the global awareness of Hawaiian music and established a new sound for the islands.
- His work was a key influence on a generation of musicians and continues to define the sound of modern Hawaiian music.

### Personal Details
- Aliases: Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, Bruddah Iz, IZ
- Born: May 20, 1959, in Hawaii
- Known for: His iconic 1993 medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World"
- Most known for: Reviving and redefining Hawaiian music through genre fusion
- Work Period: 1976–1997
- Work Period Start: 1976
- Work Period End: 1997
- Genres: folk music, reggae, music of Hawaii
- Field(s): Music, singing, performance, songwriting
- Notable for: His 1993 recording of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World"
- Also known for: His unique sound and cultural impact on Hawaiian music
- Influential in: Global awareness of Hawaiian music
- Legacy: Israel's work influenced a generation of musicians and brought a new sound to the islands.
- Notable for: His 1993 album "Ala" and the 1993 recording of "Som-where over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World"
- Legacy: Israel's work influenced the global awareness of Hawaiian music and established a new sound for the islands.
- Legacy: His music influenced a generation of Hawaiian musicians and brought a new audience to the cultural identity of Hawaiian music.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Source](https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/israel-kamakawiwoole-why-google-doodle-celebrates-hawaiian-singer-and-activist-his-61st-birthday-2858999)
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Find a Grave
8. [BnF authorities](https://www.last.fm/es/music/Israel+Kamakawiwo%27ole/+wiki)
9. [Source](http://archives.starbulletin.com/1997/06/26/news/story1.html)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [Source](https://www.izhawaii.com)
12. Carnegie Hall linked open data