Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version of Somewhere over the rainbow/What a Wonderful World Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo ole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) was a 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. 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 Hawaii. 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. "Over the Rainbow" is a popular song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was written to showcase Judy Garland's talents in the star vehicle movie The Wizard of Oz, and it became her signature song. "What a Wonderful World" is a song by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. It was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released as a single in early fall 1967. |
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