Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, "Hawaiian of the fearless eye, the bold face"; May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997, also called Bruddah Iz or Iz, was a Hawaiian singer-songwriter, musician, and Hawaiian sovereignty activist. He achieved commercial success outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993. His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was released on his albums Ka ʻAnoʻi and Facing Future, and was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and television commercials. Along with his ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres, such as jazz and reggae, Kamakawiwoʻole remains influential in Hawaiian music.
Hawaiian musician and entertainer who rose to international fame in 1993 but died four years later from cardiac troubles. His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" is his most famous song.
