Somewhere Over The Rainbow! Forever Kings & Queens

PLEASE COMMENT!! WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK!!

Our cover of Somewhere Over The Rainbow


Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 -- June 26, 1997) (pronounced [ka-maka-vi-vo-ole]) was an Hawaiian musician.

He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and commercials.

From childhood, his family called Israel by his Hawaiian middle name, Kaʻanoʻi, the "beloved one". His name would later become the title name of his first solo album, Kaʻanoʻi, and also foretells the greatness of this "cherished one". It is interesting to note here that part of his name, anoʻi, when simplified to noʻi may be a contraction of the Hawaiian word, nohi. Nohi means "bright-colored, vivid, as the rainbow" (see Hawaiian Dictionary, Pukui and Elbert). Nohi, rainbow, beloved one, and cherished one are powerful symbols in his life. Iz's recording of the song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" would become renowned throughout the world and continues to garner high acclaim. The song has come to be known as Izʻs "signature song", the most renowned of all his songs.

Kamakawiwo`ole was nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" by his admirers. He was described as always cheerful and positive, and he was best known for his love of the land and of the people of Hawaiʻi. Through his consummate ukulele playing and incorporation of other idioms (such as jazz and reggae), Iz remains one of the major influences in Hawaiian music over the last 15 years.

Israel's recording of "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" reached #12 on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks chart the week of 1/31/04 (for the survey week ending 1/18/04), possibly due to its use in the Adam Sandler film 50 First Dates, and the Brad Pitt film Meet Joe Black.

In 2006, a version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", in an arrangement based on Iz', was performed by The Worthless Peons in "My Way Home", the 100th episode of Scrubs, over the closing montage. A recording of the same song by Iz was used in the closing scenes of the final episode of Life on Mars (TV Series). It is also a featured song in the movie Finding Forrester. In 2002, the song was used to powerful effect in the closing scenes of Anthony Edwards' last appearance in ER as Dr. Mark Greene, in the episode "On the Beach". On week 8 of American Idol (season 7), Jason Castro performed his own version of this song except that he left out the "What a Wonderful World" line, but still gave credit to Israel for the song.

DEATH:
Throughout the later part of his life, Iz was obese and at one point carried 758 pounds (344 kg) on his 6 feet 2 inches (1.9 m) frame. He endured several hospitalizations and died of weight-related respiratory illness on June 26, 1997 at 12:18 am at the age of 38.

The Hawaiʻi State Flag flew at half-staff on July 10, 1997, the day of Iz's funeral. His koa wood coffin lay in state at the Capitol building in Honolulu. He was the third person in Hawaiian history to be accorded this honor (the other two were Governor John A. Burns and Senator Spark Matsunaga) and the only non-politician. Over 10,000 people attended his funeral. Thousands of fans gathered and cheered as his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach on July 12, 1997.

On September 20, 2003, hundreds paid tribute to Iz as a 200-pound bronze bust of the revered singer was unveiled at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center on O'ahu. The singer's widow, Marlene Kamakawiwo'ole, and sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer were present for the dedication ceremony.

Category:

Music

[curtandteresa]

Angela you & william have some really talented kids, they are terrific. Maybe we can see ya @ christmas and get you to sing for us. I want a cd when you have one.

[OfficialFKQ]

@curtandteresa Thank you!

[Londonman01]

You guys are f***ing amazing, man I want you to play at my wedding, just so damn beautifull. I got goose bumps listening to that.

[OfficialFKQ]

thanks! :)

[i031075]

totally wonderful!!!

makes me feel a little bit sad...

[Roots221]

que coisa lindaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! super naturallllll! isso é reggae! isso é vida!

[Insight200801]

THE WIND...

[101TheDrake]

Is this a joke? cuz im laughing right now

[dougfresh68]

B-IZ would be smiling and laughing for sure after watching this vid. thankx

[vicentebusta]

We do not know what happens but I can not go to sleep without watching this video just to see Anastasia, I am completely in love with her. Anastasia If you ever see this comment, know that you have a person in Brazil who loves you. Kisses ...

[cvlhfr]

bravissimi!!!!



[ManoDeOrula]

You guys should be featured on Disney or something. This sounds fantastic.

[OlympicSong]

Hi Kings n Queens !

A very beautiful n authentic performance, straight from da heart.

Wish we were there with U all on da Beach.

Thanx 4 sunshine.

We'll recommend U 2 all our friends..

- Lucius and THE OLYMPIC MUSIC MESSENGERS -

[alferxxx]

Next time, sing it indoors :)

[FreshWreckageMusic]

@lano99 yes I hear what you hear. Also some harmonies would have made it a little smoother so you weren't all fighting for the same note. When you sing octaves or unison everyone has to be dead on or else you can hear the dissonance VERY easily! Considering that you have 3 people... at least 2 part harmony (just a thought). FKQ, you might want to do a little work on pitch and timbre for those live recordings! But the setting and the feel is very pleasant. :)