Mahalo (thank you) for your lovely reaction to honor our most "beloved" Makaha son of Hawaii! His sweet and haunting voice is most recognized in the Islands. He was a very soulful and inspirational person, a favorite entertainer, and a known "rascal" to everyone. You gotta listen to "all" of his music... you won't be disappointed! Sending big hugs and much Aloha to you, beautiful Gitana
A proper "at sea" burial, for an island boy. It wasn't a mourning of his passing, but a celebration of his life. Aloha, bruddah. You're in our hearts for all time...
Iz is my wife’s classmate and he went to school everyday with his ukulele. It was a treat to see him perform and heart breaking to learn of his untimely death. His ashes were scattered over the water at Makaha beach. And thousands of fans showed up for the celebration of life. Aloha from Hawaii!
This man's version makes you cry because the purity of this man's gentle heart and soul comes pouring out. It goes straight to your heart and soul. I can't get enough.
IZ recorded this song in one take in the middle of the night when he called the studio to open the recording studio because he had this song in is head and wanted to get it recorded as soon as possible. What a talent the world lost with his passing.
We were best friends and would sit on the beaches on the West and North Shore parts of the island and in the cave in Makua Valley playing music just for the pure joy of it. Imagine having your guitar under a full moon at Waimea and listening to his voice as it heads out into the sea. Those are the memories I am Blessed to have. His first recording of this song is on his first solo CD called Ka'anoi. I happened to have come home for a family reunion while they were mastering it. He asked for my impression and I replied "who's that?". He said, lovingly, "what's your problem?" I replied that it lacked the love, heart, soul, and purity of the man I know and love. It was commercially excellent which was obviously the point to putting out a CD. But I wasn't listening to my Bruddah, I was listening to an excellent singer. I passed him an uke and said "sing me the song". The room went silent and eyes started to water from those that heard this man's heart for the first time. When he was done with the song he asked "how do I think it would do on the market?". I replied that if he shared the heart in his music the way he shared it with me that it would touch the hearts of people the way he touched mine every time we jammed. A week later I returned to California and he calls. He said "wacha doin" I said talking to you". He said I just recorded this (the one you mentioned) and put the phone by the speaker. Then he got back on the phone and lovingly said "you happy now?" I replied "that man I know". I told him that the world would come to love his music. The soul you hear in this version is the soul that exists in this man that I called my Bruddah.
So A friend of mine and I travel to the island of Kawaii to get away from our marriage troubles in 1997. I remember hearing IZ’s songs on the radio and had never heard him before or his band and I’m thinking to myself this Music captures Hawaii just perfectly. I had never seen a picture of him nor did I understand his struggles. I just loved his voice. A couple of days later I’m listening to a transistor radio at the base Kahili Mountain to KONG Radio and they announced his passing. I think they said he just got too big. That day I went to a music store and bought a cassette with a Good selection of his stuff and when I got back to Portland I stuck it in the player in my car and I don’t think it left there for four years because my small son and I loved listening to him so much! Lately, I’ve been grooving on Elvis in the famous aloha from Hawaii concert from 1973 and one of my favorite songs from the concert is I’ll remember you. In the last few days I stumbled on a RUclips video of IZ and his band singing the same song In Harmonies so beautiful, and dare I say the equivalent of Presley’s! Wow!
My mom used to sing this song to me and my siblings before bed. It was played at my Brothers funeral in 2009 and everytime I hear it my heart is tugged to an emotional extreme. My mom has since passed and is with him in heaven. Love you and miss you both so much.
I went to Hawaii to get married, never heard his voice before. I was waiting for my lunch in a restaurant and then that song started playing... all I was saying is "Who it's that guy", "Who is that guy". The waiter gave me all the information possible in two minutes and I came back home with 4 CD's and one video. He was mesmerising.
10,000 people showed up to give him their love. Imagine being so beloved by your people that they give you a literal king’s sendoff when you pass. Literally.
He called a studio manager at 3:00 in the morning and asked if he could come in and record. He showed up with his ukelele and went in the booth and twenty minutes later this beautiful song was done
@@Dovahstorm i’ve listen to that song and it makes you cry because of the difficult subject matter but IZ Sings this song and his voice, his body is his instrument and the simplest of string instruments the ukulele. He sings a song of hope and beauty and that is a universal desire just out of the reach like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I also am a 38 year old, 6ft 2, 280lb man with tattoos that also loves motorcycles and strip clubs that cries when I first heard this and still does cry sometimes when I listen to it now. So I'm happy to hear of another man similar to me that it happens too also lol. I've always been fascinated with the samoan culture and people because every person I've ever met and or heard of and seen from the islands are always so peaceful and happy and all are all about family. They all are so genuine and close. I admire the hell out of them and their culture and honestly a bit jealous sometimes lol. Visiting the islands one day is def something that's high on my bucket list of things I want to experience before I die.
grown man here...spent the 80s as a fighter....I never lost...this bring me to tears to every dang time...his voice was just epic......just kills me......cant believe he is gone...such a voice,I could listen to him all day every dang day forever......the voice of GOD to me.......epic.
The word you're looking for is "ethereal." His voice and the ukulele create a light, whimsical, airy feel. Beautiful song. His mashup of this with Louis Armstrong's What a Beautiful World is simply one of the greatest songs ever done.
In 1988 I was playing out late in a band, didn't get home till 3 am. When I went into the lounge room I found my mum. It looked like she was asleep on her favourite chair. Then I noticed her hearing aid was squealing out witch would normally drive her mad. I then realised my beautiful mum had slipped away while I was out playing music. After the family were notified and the ambulance people had taken her away, I went outside to have a cry and the sun was starting to come up. I said out loud ...If you can hear me mum, and you are ok, give me a sign. Just then it started to rain and there was the biggest rainbow in the sky that I have ever seen. So now this is my favourite song and always makes me think of my mum. I'm 64 now and I have requested that when my time comes, that this song be played at my funeral.❤
This is literally the best version of this song that has ever been created. Im happy to see such an emotional reaction to this, it proves you have a soul.
@@theeggbreadguy3799 I didn’t offer an opinion on which one was better. I did say in a new comment, that becoming famous for singing this song has some tragic endings. ( to wit: Judy Garland, Eva Cassidy and IZ )
I heard this song the first time on a German TV station. They had a "blue planet day", documentations about the oceans the whole day. Then suddenly they were showing these awesome pictures of fish and what ever colorfull things you'll find in the sea, playing this song. Didn't knew anything about Iz, but started immediatly crying and couldn't stop, even the song was over. I've had a rough time and the tears where healing tears. I cried for hours and it was so liberating and strengthening. Thank you for this music, this musician, for his voice, for his Soul 🌈❤️
I can't keep from tearing up, every time, can't help it. Touches home for me, Mom passed 12 years ago, this was her favorite song. I can only hope IZ, sat beside her and sang it to her
No matter how many times you hear this and watch it, it will bring tears. I don't care if you're a metal head, rap fan, country fan,... whatever.. if this doesn't bring a tear to your eye then you aren't human. I only lived in Hawaii, on Oahu, for 3 years but I can tell you that living among the true Hawaiian people brings this whole experience to another level. They are so laid back, honest, kind and helpful to others and they hold fast to their Ohana (family). And they consider friends and people close to them their family. I made some great friends there and will always cherish the experience I had. Nobody forcing opinions on you, nobody shoving politics in your face... just good people that accept others as long as they are kind in return. Israel will always be a legend and will forever be missed
Love this version. It’s a mashup of somewhere over the rainbow and Louie Armstrong’s what a wonderful world. I was born and raised on Oahu. He has a memorial of the letters IZ on his favorite beach in Waianae where this funeral was. My mom went to High School with him and she said she would always see him sitting under a tree playing the ukulele and singing. Hawaii ‘78 and Hawaiian Superman are great songs as well.
Unfortunately, native Hawaiians are losing their homes because the wealthy class is buying all the home and pricing them out of reach for normal Hawaiians. Mark Zuckerberg owns the most land in Hawaii now. I just hope the Hawaiian people can remain on the island and their culture lives on. It's sad to see some are forced to move else where.
Bruddah IZ had a huge impact on the Hawaiian people in carrying on The culture ..He is truly a legend in the Islands and is sorely missed ...RIP Bruddah IZ
This song has honestly saved my life. When i was dealing with severe depression i had a lot of difficulty sleeping which caused a lot of extra problems. When i heard of this song i used it as my lullaby song every night and i can say that it gave me a good night sleep ever since. Whenever i was at my lowest this song was always able to cheer me up. It will forever be my favourite song and i will have it played when the time comes for me to leave this earth
@@caydenrgarrett His body overtaxed his heart and lungs .... He died too young, at 38 yr, from respiratory and heart failure. weren't you aware of that?
His version expresses pure Innocence and everything good about music. He also has a medley with this song and What a Wonderful World that is fantastic.
Iz was one of the sweetest people with a heart of magical gold. He was so friendly and loving, sadly before making that song he lost a lot of family members. He wouldn't want you to be too sad he'd say "don't cry for me, live in the music and warmth of every day" "I may have passed but I am still playing for each of you in my heart." "Enjoy each moment so each moment is worth living." You'd enjoy is Hawaiian superman song, that one's fun He has a number of good ones unfortunately can't recall them at the moment, I'll have to listen to his cd again.
I am a 56 yr, father of 4. I''ve heard this version countless times and could hear it countless more. I just love the simplicity of it and it will never tire if it. But, when she mentioned that he was no longer with us and that she knew of the tragic story, I was clueless... Soon as the song began with the photos, I broke. Love the celebration at the end.
This has always been one of my favorite songs.. from my childhood with my mom, to me becoming a father and enjoying it with my daughter multiple times a week for the past 6 years. Nothing made me cry until I had kid, and this song brings the happiest set of tears to my eyes every damn time. It reminds me to stop and to be thankful for everyone and everything I have.. We have a tendency as people to just want, and we forget to appreciate.. So let’s start taking care, and getting to know each other, rather than judging and separating. One love
I sang this to my daughter every night before bed. I'd hold her and dance until she'd knock out. I can't listen to this without tearing up a bit. I remember those sweet little moments when life was so simple. Back then it was just her and I. Now she's a teenager and boys are blowing up her phone, school drama and everything else under the clouds. It's hard not to feel like I'm getting left behind. But I'm very proud of the young woman she's becoming.
I lost my dog today and this song just makes me remember all the happy memories I had with my baby boy,Bruno. But it also reminds me of my best friend Ahmad who passed about 8yrs ago.
I feel lucky my daughter lived in Hawaii for a few years and we both love this song so for Christmas she bought me his CD with this song on it. Everything he sings is beautiful.
I first heard Israel and his version on a TV drama series called "ER" (emergency room). The main character, Dr Green was dying of a brain tumor and he went to Hawaii to die. They played this song as he died on the show. Ever since then I have loved this version.
He thought of this song rendition in the middle of the night and called the studio asking if he could come record it while he still had the feeling. He was so polite and well mannered that they opened the studio and he recorded this in one take at 3am. After he passed his agent promised to release all his unreleased stuff to help support his family and share his gift and his legacy. I was there in 2001 and his stuff was EVERYWHERE. (I'm sure it still is) Yes, he passed away in 1997 at the age of 49......and 739 pounds. The beach scene at the end is of his memorial where they poured his ashes into the sea at his favorite beach. .....and don't worry, this one ALWAYS makes me cry every single time I hear it........Like now. If you liked this then you have to listen to his song "White Sandy Beach". ....and apparently 101 people are INSANE!!!! How can you NOT love this one?!
It grabs you and carries you away to a place where the world is Perfect....EVERYONE LOVES EVERYONE.....NO WAR, NO POLITICS.....PEACE...THANKS BROTHER!!! .GOD BLESS
Just a little fyi, IZ' version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was featured in Brad Pitt's film "Meet Joe Black" in 1998 and made him more known nationally and actually brought the song back to life. You are correct, the original was performed by Judy Garland in the classic movie Wizard of Oz "which debuted in 1939.
@@GitanaAdelle it's at the end of the movie when she wakes up inside the boat and when she comes outside, she meets her daughter again for the first time... =D
I first heard this song when a friend of mine shared on Facebook and I listened, and later learned he had passed on, I decided to find all his music I simply fell in love. I strongly recommend finding as much as you can.
Don't worry about crying...I cry EVERY time I hear it. Then I listen to it a few more times and sing along and then I'm happy. He was wonderful. IZ Lives!!!!
This is his 2nd recording of this song. It touches my heart deeply to see all these first reactions. Reactions that I told him would happen if he shared his music with the world the way he shared it with me. Mahalo for your video. Please know that the heart and soul you hear is the love that is Israel Kamakawiwioole (Ka - Ma - Ka - Vi - Vo - ole)....in the Hawaiian language "W's" are pronounced as "V's". During the spreading of his ashes, the man you see carrying his urn is his uncle Moe Keale and it's his wife Marlene that sends him home. His brother Skippy's ashes was spread at Makua beach which is about a mile down the road. At 16 Israel was the lead singer in a group called Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau whom Skippy was the leader.
It makes you cry because you know that he's gone, and he's never coming back. And he's the largest Angel that God put on Earth to stay just a short time and leave everyone some music to remember him by.
This song was used for a commercial and every time my grandbaby (about 5 mos old) would hear it, he would stop and watch it. I recorded it several times on a CD and used it to put him down for his naps. It worked every time!! Between that and the sign language I taught him for when he was hungry, he never cried; he was always a happy baby.
IZ is an inspiration and was loved by all. I was at Makua when they spread his ashes from the Hokule'a. Cars stopped along the 2 lane road leading to Ka'ena bringing traffic to a stand-still. Hundreds of people were wading in the water and hundreds more were on land. A procession of big rigs blew and held their horns echoing through the valley while his ashes were placed into the ocean making it sound as if the State of Hawaii was crying . . . it's a moment I will never forget. An incredible celebration of life for an incredible man!!
Yes, this was written by Edgar Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen. It's considered a standard. He also wrote, That Old Black Magic and Stormy Weather, another standard. This version is what I sang to my son as a lullaby. Beautiful and heart-warming
That was the most beautiful burial that I have ever seen. He had one of the most sweetest voices I've ever heard. Just a beautiful soul. Heaven gained another Angel. RIP IZ.
Judy Garland originally sang this for the movie, "The Wizard Of Oz." This is the best cover of this song ever. Israel's voice is hauntingly beautiful as it touches the soul. You cannot help but to be moved inside. He was so beloved that all of Hawaii came to pay their respects and honor him. That is his wife and daughter spreading his ashes. R.I.P. IZ This song was also in the film, "50 First Dates", starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is a really good movie. ✌❤🌹
I grew up during a golden age of music in Hawaii: C&K, the Beamer Brothers, Loyal Garner, Olomana, Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Kalapana, etc. So much beautiful music, so many beautiful memories. When IZ started on his own I was living on the mainland and my sister sent me his music. I cried whenn I heard his ukulele and his voice. Our grandson is named after IZ's song, "Kainoa". Aloha bruddah IZ, me ke aloha pumehana,a hui hou.
He went into a radio station late at night and asked to record the song. He did it in one take. Wonderful pictures of Hawaii, U.S.A. where he's from. Tom Dutkiewicz, U.S.A.
So,Both my parents were send off to the next chapter of existence (funeral) with this song as the last track on the soundtrack to their lives, it created that bittersweet memory. The moment in which tears collide with a smile,when sorrow is softened by knowing their lives made the right kind of impact,so that the fond memories lift the sadness of their departure. A true moment of life which holds the utmost meaning . This is perfectly caught in this song in my honest opinion and if I may, not a bad way of being brought back to the remembrance of their lives.
im 64 female uk i only found this beautiful man about 4 years ago here on youtube was in tears as soon as i heard his voice somthing stired in me like never before so gentle so sincere so much love came with his voice, i didnt know he had died until about a year later was really sad then what a lovely man x i often listen to feel that same feeling i got when i fist heard him and it really does do somthing everytime
Every reaction I see or hear of Izzy’s rendition is always only Somewhere Over the Rainbow. My late husband had the Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World copy. So beautiful! He made a video of our 2 grandsons using this copy. If you ever get the chance, please listen to it. You won’t regret it. Love, from the Great State of Oklahoma, USA! 🤍
Still gets me EVERYTIME.. He's A haunting angelic voice.. Brings out so much emotion... His funeral was the loveliest I've ever seen... Gone from this earth too early... Beautiful that these people sent him off to heaven in away that celebrated his life..he watches over all of us.. Rip brother.. Thank you for what you gave the world.. His heart eas bigger than he was
I've heard this song hundreds, if not thousands, of times. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. He was a beautiful, amazing example of the positivity this world is screaming for. All of us are a little bit less for his passing. Almost forgot a recommendation, Judas Priest, "Epitaph". It's mellow, I promise. It's also very introspective.
My Mom loved this song. Was her favorite. And she only loved Iz's version. When she passed away, we played this song at her wake and funeral. It was one of her last wishes. It has become a song now that we play at every family and friends funeral from now on.
I met Iz's cousin in Pahoa a few years ago. We started talking and it turns out Iz's cousin was born in my hometown in Texas. His dad was was an electrician, and spent a few years working there.
"Over the Rainbow" is a ballad composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg. It was written for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and was sung by actress Judy Garland
Don't feel bad about crying. I've heard it at least 100 times before and I'm a grown old man, and I still cried again today listening to it and seeing your reaction. Great and natural.
Mahalo (thank you) for your lovely reaction to honor our most "beloved" Makaha son of Hawaii! His sweet and haunting voice is most recognized in the Islands. He was a very soulful and inspirational person, a favorite entertainer, and a known "rascal" to everyone. You gotta listen to "all" of his music... you won't be disappointed! Sending big hugs and much Aloha to you, beautiful Gitana
I lived on Oahu for 3 years and I loved the island life. Israel was a beautiful soul and I know he will never be forgotten.
this sounds like something a person that isnt from hawaii would say
@@spinnygiraffetoe : Just had to pee in the pool, didn't you ?!
@@jimbayler4277 that’s the world we live in now just gotta ignore idiots like that🤦♂️🤦♂️
@@spinnygiraffetoe maybe to you haole
I was legit prescribed this song by a phycologist for my PTSD from Iraq.
Thank you for your service, I hope it helped you.
Thank you for your service brother 🙏🏾🙏🏾
First of all thank you for your service and secondly I hope that IZ Turned out to be good medicine for you.
Stack another "Thank You for your service", on top of the others you well deserve.
Thank you for your service and just thank you period. Hope you're doing well brotha
A proper "at sea" burial, for an island boy. It wasn't a mourning of his passing, but a celebration of his life. Aloha, bruddah. You're in our hearts for all time...
it's OK , we'll keep the stew hot................
You know what they can hear in line waiting outside the pearly gates.
May he have fair winds and following seas RIP Brother
that's the way islander's do it💓💪
From Madame Pele, we came, and to her, we will one day return.
Iz is my wife’s classmate and he went to school everyday with his ukulele. It was a treat to see him perform and heart breaking to learn of his untimely death. His ashes were scattered over the water at Makaha beach. And thousands of fans showed up for the celebration of life.
Aloha from Hawaii!
Thats WILD....
wow
This man's version makes you cry because the purity of this man's gentle heart and soul comes pouring out. It goes straight to your heart and soul. I can't get enough.
yes yes yes
We played this song at my sons funeral. It makes me cry doubly so
@@adamskeans2515 omg damn.. may him RIP.. he is always with u... god bless u
It's his song
@@FastGunner2040No it isn’t it’s a cover the original was sung by Judy Garland and written by Yip Harburg.
Never apologize for showing your emotions and feelings. I was crying with you and I'm a 76 year old great-grandfather.
This is so awesome, along with the Eva Cassidy acoustic version
I never cry but damn do I wanna
IZ recorded this song in one take in the middle of the night when he called the studio to open the recording studio because he had this song in is head and wanted to get it recorded as soon as possible. What a talent the world lost with his passing.
Saints aren't lost, but called home.
@@d-rockpain4250 gave me a whole new perspective on passing on bro thank you
We were best friends and would sit on the beaches on the West and North Shore parts of the island and in the cave in Makua Valley playing music just for the pure joy of it. Imagine having your guitar under a full moon at Waimea and listening to his voice as it heads out into the sea. Those are the memories I am Blessed to have. His first recording of this song is on his first solo CD called Ka'anoi. I happened to have come home for a family reunion while they were mastering it. He asked for my impression and I replied "who's that?". He said, lovingly, "what's your problem?" I replied that it lacked the love, heart, soul, and purity of the man I know and love. It was commercially excellent which was obviously the point to putting out a CD. But I wasn't listening to my Bruddah, I was listening to an excellent singer. I passed him an uke and said "sing me the song". The room went silent and eyes started to water from those that heard this man's heart for the first time. When he was done with the song he asked "how do I think it would do on the market?". I replied that if he shared the heart in his music the way he shared it with me that it would touch the hearts of people the way he touched mine every time we jammed. A week later I returned to California and he calls. He said "wacha doin" I said talking to you". He said I just recorded this (the one you mentioned) and put the phone by the speaker. Then he got back on the phone and lovingly said "you happy now?" I replied "that man I know". I told him that the world would come to love his music. The soul you hear in this version is the soul that exists in this man that I called my Bruddah.
It was so sad when Iz passed away, but the memorial is so perfectly appropriate for his legacy. Aloha!
Thank you !!! Aloha ... beautiful soul 💓
Sadly you might be surprised how his legacy is being held basically Hostage.
@@PapaBear816 : Oh ?! Tell us more.
He's not dead he's just over the rainbow watching over us all.
So A friend of mine and I travel to the island of Kawaii to get away from our marriage troubles in 1997. I remember hearing IZ’s songs on the radio and had never heard him before or his band and I’m thinking to myself this Music captures Hawaii just perfectly. I had never seen a picture of him nor did I understand his struggles. I just loved his voice. A couple of days later I’m listening to a transistor radio at the base Kahili Mountain to KONG Radio and they announced his passing. I think they said he just got too big. That day I went to a music store and bought a cassette with a Good selection of his stuff and when I got back to Portland I stuck it in the player in my car and I don’t think it left there for four years because my small son and I loved listening to him so much! Lately, I’ve been grooving on Elvis in the famous aloha from Hawaii concert from 1973 and one of my favorite songs from the concert is I’ll remember you. In the last few days I stumbled on a RUclips video of IZ and his band singing the same song In Harmonies so beautiful, and dare I say the equivalent of Presley’s! Wow!
My mom used to sing this song to me and my siblings before bed. It was played at my Brothers funeral in 2009 and everytime I hear it my heart is tugged to an emotional extreme. My mom has since passed and is with him in heaven. Love you and miss you both so much.
I feel the same way every time I hear george strait i cross my heart after my mom passed 17 years ago
omg... god bless u guys
I went to Hawaii to get married, never heard his voice before. I was waiting for my lunch in a restaurant and then that song started playing... all I was saying is "Who it's that guy", "Who is that guy". The waiter gave me all the information possible in two minutes and I came back home with 4 CD's and one video. He was mesmerising.
10,000 people showed up to give him their love. Imagine being so beloved by your people that they give you a literal king’s sendoff when you pass. Literally.
He called a studio manager at 3:00 in the morning and asked if he could come in and record. He showed up with his ukelele and went in the booth and twenty minutes later this beautiful song was done
iM A 43 YR OLD MALE WHO LIKES MOTORCYCLES AND STRIPCLUBS AND WHISKEY.....BUT THIS SONG HIS VOICE MAKES ME CRY EVERYTIME
100% agree. I tear up when his voice kicks in almost instantly.
I know the feeling
Monsters by James blunt. Grab your tissues.
@@Dovahstorm i’ve listen to that song and it makes you cry because of the difficult subject matter but IZ Sings this song and his voice, his body is his instrument and the simplest of string instruments the ukulele. He sings a song of hope and beauty and that is a universal desire just out of the reach like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
I also am a 38 year old, 6ft 2, 280lb man with tattoos that also loves motorcycles and strip clubs that cries when I first heard this and still does cry sometimes when I listen to it now. So I'm happy to hear of another man similar to me that it happens too also lol. I've always been fascinated with the samoan culture and people because every person I've ever met and or heard of and seen from the islands are always so peaceful and happy and all are all about family. They all are so genuine and close. I admire the hell out of them and their culture and honestly a bit jealous sometimes lol. Visiting the islands one day is def something that's high on my bucket list of things I want to experience before I die.
The most beautiful of people with the most beautiful of voices had the most beautiful funeral I've ever seen.
Simply a beautiful Song. No banging, computer generation, auto tune. Just a Song sung by a wonderful voice and an ukulele. Pure music.
Auto tune ruins it all
grown man here...spent the 80s as a fighter....I never lost...this bring me to tears to every dang time...his voice was just epic......just kills me......cant believe he is gone...such a voice,I could listen to him all day every dang day forever......the voice of GOD to me.......epic.
The word you're looking for is "ethereal." His voice and the ukulele create a light, whimsical, airy feel. Beautiful song. His mashup of this with Louis Armstrong's What a Beautiful World is simply one of the greatest songs ever done.
In 1988 I was playing out late in a band, didn't get home till 3 am. When I went into the lounge room I found my mum. It looked like she was asleep on her favourite chair. Then I noticed her hearing aid was squealing out witch would normally drive her mad. I then realised my beautiful mum had slipped away while I was out playing music. After the family were notified and the ambulance people had taken her away, I went outside to have a cry and the sun was starting to come up. I said out loud ...If you can hear me mum, and you are ok, give me a sign. Just then it started to rain and there was the biggest rainbow in the sky that I have ever seen. So now this is my favourite song and always makes me think of my mum. I'm 64 now and I have requested that when my time comes, that this song be played at my funeral.❤
IZ LIVES
A man with a heart bigger than the whole outdoors. An the voice of the heavens.
Whoever does not have tears in his eyes is not really a human being!
I guess I'm not
This is literally the best version of this song that has ever been created. Im happy to see such an emotional reaction to this, it proves you have a soul.
Eva Cassidy.....emotional
@@williamsimmons152 nah, this is better
@@theeggbreadguy3799 I didn’t offer an opinion on which one was better. I did say in a new comment, that becoming famous for singing this song has some tragic endings. ( to wit: Judy Garland, Eva Cassidy and IZ )
I heard this song the first time on a German TV station. They had a "blue planet day", documentations about the oceans the whole day. Then suddenly they were showing these awesome pictures of fish and what ever colorfull things you'll find in the sea, playing this song. Didn't knew anything about Iz, but started immediatly crying and couldn't stop, even the song was over. I've had a rough time and the tears where healing tears. I cried for hours and it was so liberating and strengthening. Thank you for this music, this musician, for his voice, for his Soul 🌈❤️
I can't keep from tearing up, every time, can't help it. Touches home for me, Mom passed 12 years ago, this was her favorite song. I can only hope IZ, sat beside her and sang it to her
It's okay that you cried listening to this. If Iz's rendition doesn't stir up emotions you have no soul.
His voice is ethereal. Delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
No matter how many times you hear this and watch it, it will bring tears. I don't care if you're a metal head, rap fan, country fan,... whatever.. if this doesn't bring a tear to your eye then you aren't human. I only lived in Hawaii, on Oahu, for 3 years but I can tell you that living among the true Hawaiian people brings this whole experience to another level. They are so laid back, honest, kind and helpful to others and they hold fast to their Ohana (family). And they consider friends and people close to them their family. I made some great friends there and will always cherish the experience I had. Nobody forcing opinions on you, nobody shoving politics in your face... just good people that accept others as long as they are kind in return. Israel will always be a legend and will forever be missed
Love this version. It’s a mashup of somewhere over the rainbow and Louie Armstrong’s what a wonderful world. I was born and raised on Oahu. He has a memorial of the letters IZ on his favorite beach in Waianae where this funeral was. My mom went to High School with him and she said she would always see him sitting under a tree playing the ukulele and singing. Hawaii ‘78 and Hawaiian Superman are great songs as well.
E ala e is a good one too. Moon kaukahi is my uncle. Been around them all.
This isn't the mashup tho
I love the Hawaiian culture. Beautiful music, relaxing peaceful lifestyle....
Hawaiian music transports me to another place, it’s hypnotizing.
Unfortunately, native Hawaiians are losing their homes because the wealthy class is buying all the home and pricing them out of reach for normal Hawaiians. Mark Zuckerberg owns the most land in Hawaii now. I just hope the Hawaiian people can remain on the island and their culture lives on. It's sad to see some are forced to move else where.
@@walden6272 It's the politicians selling out the natives. They can easily restrict sales.
Bruddah IZ had a huge impact on the Hawaiian people in carrying on The culture ..He is truly a legend in the Islands and is sorely missed ...RIP Bruddah IZ
The most Beautiful song ever done!! The Biggest Celebration of Life!!
This song has honestly saved my life. When i was dealing with severe depression i had a lot of difficulty sleeping which caused a lot of extra problems. When i heard of this song i used it as my lullaby song every night and i can say that it gave me a good night sleep ever since. Whenever i was at my lowest this song was always able to cheer me up. It will forever be my favourite song and i will have it played when the time comes for me to leave this earth
You discovered Bruddah Iz....He had an incredibly rich voice in that big broken body. Mahalo Nui Loa for playing him!
Why u had to say his big broken body smh
Tf you mean broken body. Smfh
@@caydenrgarrett His body overtaxed his heart and lungs .... He died too young, at 38 yr, from respiratory and heart failure. weren't you aware of that?
@@tadpethtel8035 No Ted Pethtel
@@caydenrgarrett what is meant by misspelling my name...?? a passive aggressive insult??? ;-)
His version expresses pure Innocence and everything good about music. He also has a medley with this song and What a Wonderful World that is fantastic.
Iz was one of the sweetest people with a heart of magical gold. He was so friendly and loving, sadly before making that song he lost a lot of family members.
He wouldn't want you to be too sad he'd say "don't cry for me, live in the music and warmth of every day" "I may have passed but I am still playing for each of you in my heart." "Enjoy each moment so each moment is worth living."
You'd enjoy is Hawaiian superman song, that one's fun He has a number of good ones unfortunately can't recall them at the moment, I'll have to listen to his cd again.
It brings tears to the eyes because he sounds like an angel.
I remember watching "50 First Dates", this song played as the movie ended, I was mesmerized by Isreal's voice and listen to this often. R.I.P. Iz
I am a 56 yr, father of 4. I''ve heard this version countless times and could hear it countless more. I just love the simplicity of it and it will never tire if it. But, when she mentioned that he was no longer with us and that she knew of the tragic story, I was clueless... Soon as the song began with the photos, I broke. Love the celebration at the end.
His voice just makes me sad and happy at the same time and just makes my body tingle for some reason.
Listened to this song 50+ times during last week. It's just so wonderful that my words aren't enough to explain
knowing IZ has passed quite young, makes this even more emotional, I'm a Metal Head and this is AWESOME
My uncle met him he says that he was one of the kindest most gentle hearted people he ever met he just loved people and loved life.
Ive, listened to this, about 4 yrs ago, and I cried and still do, its beautiful , i sing along and my cats come and sit on my lap, they love it.
This has always been one of my favorite songs.. from my childhood with my mom, to me becoming a father and enjoying it with my daughter multiple times a week for the past 6 years. Nothing made me cry until I had kid, and this song brings the happiest set of tears to my eyes every damn time. It reminds me to stop and to be thankful for everyone and everything I have.. We have a tendency as people to just want, and we forget to appreciate.. So let’s start taking care, and getting to know each other, rather than judging and separating. One love
I sang this to my daughter every night before bed. I'd hold her and dance until she'd knock out. I can't listen to this without tearing up a bit. I remember those sweet little moments when life was so simple. Back then it was just her and I. Now she's a teenager and boys are blowing up her phone, school drama and everything else under the clouds. It's hard not to feel like I'm getting left behind. But I'm very proud of the young woman she's becoming.
I had the same reaction the first time I heard him sing this song. You could immediately realize the gentleness of his soul just from his voice!
I lost my dog today and this song just makes me remember all the happy memories I had with my baby boy,Bruno. But it also reminds me of my best friend Ahmad who passed about 8yrs ago.
😢🫂
I feel lucky my daughter lived in Hawaii for a few years and we both love this song so for Christmas she bought me his CD with this song on it. Everything he sings is beautiful.
I first heard Israel and his version on a TV drama series called "ER" (emergency room). The main character, Dr Green was dying of a brain tumor and he went to Hawaii to die. They played this song as he died on the show. Ever since then I have loved this version.
He thought of this song rendition in the middle of the night and called the studio asking if he could come record it while he still had the feeling. He was so polite and well mannered that they opened the studio and he recorded this in one take at 3am.
After he passed his agent promised to release all his unreleased stuff to help support his family and share his gift and his legacy. I was there in 2001 and his stuff was EVERYWHERE. (I'm sure it still is)
Yes, he passed away in 1997 at the age of 49......and 739 pounds. The beach scene at the end is of his memorial where they poured his ashes into the sea at his favorite beach.
.....and don't worry, this one ALWAYS makes me cry every single time I hear it........Like now.
If you liked this then you have to listen to his song "White Sandy Beach".
....and apparently 101 people are INSANE!!!! How can you NOT love this one?!
It grabs you and carries you away to a place where the world is Perfect....EVERYONE LOVES EVERYONE.....NO WAR, NO POLITICS.....PEACE...THANKS BROTHER!!! .GOD BLESS
Just a little fyi, IZ' version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was featured in Brad Pitt's film "Meet Joe Black" in 1998 and made him more known nationally and actually brought the song back to life. You are correct, the original was performed by Judy Garland in the classic movie Wizard of Oz "which debuted in 1939.
Also in 50 Blind Dates and the credits of Finding Forester.
Oh I love that movie ! I have seen it a lot but can’t remember the song being there wow
@@mikeamrose Fifty First Dates (Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore) but only because that is the first time I heard this version
@@GitanaAdelle it's at the end of the movie when she wakes up inside the boat and when she comes outside, she meets her daughter again for the first time... =D
I first heard this song when a friend of mine shared on Facebook and I listened, and later learned he had passed on, I decided to find all his music I simply fell in love. I strongly recommend finding as much as you can.
You never need to apologize for crying to a beautiful song like this :) I cried during the whole song.
Don't worry about crying...I cry EVERY time I hear it. Then I listen to it a few more times and sing along and then I'm happy. He was wonderful. IZ Lives!!!!
I’ll never forget the first time I heard his voice. The people of Hawaii are such beautiful humans.
I have heard this song a thousand times and it gets me every single time... l ball my eyes out.. R.I.P. IZ♥️
This is his 2nd recording of this song. It touches my heart deeply to see all these first reactions. Reactions that I told him would happen if he shared his music with the world the way he shared it with me. Mahalo for your video. Please know that the heart and soul you hear is the love that is Israel Kamakawiwioole (Ka - Ma - Ka - Vi - Vo - ole)....in the Hawaiian language "W's" are pronounced as "V's". During the spreading of his ashes, the man you see carrying his urn is his uncle Moe Keale and it's his wife Marlene that sends him home. His brother Skippy's ashes was spread at Makua beach which is about a mile down the road. At 16 Israel was the lead singer in a group called Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau whom Skippy was the leader.
I don't trust anyone that doesn't get emotional to this version of this song. It truly is the best version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Released in 90, he passed in 97, outstanding man he was! Gone too soon.
Noone will ever beat his version of this song. I really believe that. His is basically perfect.
It makes you cry because you know that he's gone, and he's never coming back. And he's the largest Angel that God put on Earth to stay just a short time and leave everyone some music to remember him by.
This song was used for a commercial and every time my grandbaby (about 5 mos old) would hear it, he would stop and watch it. I recorded it several times on a CD and used it to put him down for his naps. It worked every time!! Between that and the sign language I taught him for when he was hungry, he never cried; he was always a happy baby.
His voice mixed with the ukulele just... It's perfect... And I cry EVERY time I hear this
IZ is an inspiration and was loved by all. I was at Makua when they spread his ashes from the Hokule'a. Cars stopped along the 2 lane road leading to Ka'ena bringing traffic to a stand-still. Hundreds of people were wading in the water and hundreds more were on land. A procession of big rigs blew and held their horns echoing through the valley while his ashes were placed into the ocean making it sound as if the State of Hawaii was crying . . . it's a moment I will never forget. An incredible celebration of life for an incredible man!!
Crying as well this was played at my mom's funeral in 2009
Ah I’m so sorry 💓
Yes, this was written by Edgar Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen. It's considered a standard. He also wrote, That Old Black Magic and Stormy Weather, another standard.
This version is what I sang to my son as a lullaby. Beautiful and heart-warming
Brings me back to when Mark Greene died on ER. My first time hearing this song.
Mine was 50 first dates
One of the purest and most beautiful voices that have ever walked this earth.
His voice is so ethereal, make my soul happy
That was the most beautiful burial that I have ever seen. He had one of the most sweetest voices I've ever heard. Just a beautiful soul. Heaven gained another Angel. RIP IZ.
So beautiful, I'm sitting here crying and smiling at the same time, the best version of this song I've ever heard
I've heard it many times and I cry every time I listen cause he's so smooth and soothing
"This was his gift to us". Well said. He will live forever in this.
I cry. I cry every single time. Both from happiness for his impact in the history, and sadness that such a beautiful person left the Earth so quickly
He was such an influential person. He loved all who he met.
I'm crying along with you..This was played for my Dad's wake back in 2020..Miss you Dad..Love them while they are still near...
Judy Garland originally sang this for the movie, "The Wizard Of Oz." This is the best cover of this song ever. Israel's voice is hauntingly beautiful as it touches the soul. You cannot help but to be moved inside. He was so beloved that all of Hawaii came to pay their respects and honor him. That is his wife and daughter spreading his ashes. R.I.P. IZ
This song was also in the film, "50 First Dates", starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It is a really good movie. ✌❤🌹
I grew up during a golden age of music in Hawaii: C&K, the Beamer Brothers, Loyal Garner, Olomana, Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Kalapana, etc.
So much beautiful music, so many beautiful memories. When IZ started on his own I was living on the mainland and my sister sent me his music. I cried whenn I heard his ukulele and his voice.
Our grandson is named after IZ's song, "Kainoa".
Aloha bruddah IZ, me ke aloha pumehana,a hui hou.
He went into a radio station late at night and asked to record the song. He did it in one take. Wonderful pictures of Hawaii, U.S.A. where he's from.
Tom Dutkiewicz, U.S.A.
The best version of Over the rainbow I have heard..... instantly gets me crying like a baby.... makes me think of life, loss,peace,love! Beautiful!!
So,Both my parents were send off to the next chapter of existence (funeral) with this song as the last track on the soundtrack to their lives, it created that bittersweet memory. The moment in which tears collide with a smile,when sorrow is softened by knowing their lives made the right kind of impact,so that the fond memories lift the sadness of their departure. A true moment of life which holds the utmost meaning . This is perfectly caught in this song in my honest opinion and if I may, not a bad way of being brought back to the remembrance of their lives.
im 64 female uk i only found this beautiful man about 4 years ago here on youtube was in tears as soon as i heard his voice somthing stired in me like never before so gentle so sincere so much love came with his voice, i didnt know he had died until about a year later was really sad then what a lovely man x i often listen to feel that same feeling i got when i fist heard him and it really does do somthing everytime
Every reaction I see or hear of Izzy’s rendition is always only Somewhere Over the Rainbow. My late husband had the Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World copy. So beautiful! He made a video of our 2 grandsons using this copy. If you ever get the chance, please listen to it. You won’t regret it. Love, from the Great State of Oklahoma, USA! 🤍
Still gets me EVERYTIME.. He's A haunting angelic voice.. Brings out so much emotion... His funeral was the loveliest I've ever seen... Gone from this earth too early... Beautiful that these people sent him off to heaven in away that celebrated his life..he watches over all of us.. Rip brother.. Thank you for what you gave the world.. His heart eas bigger than he was
This song always makes me cry, we had it playing as the closing song for my mothers funeral in 2017
this played at my newborn cousins funeral...it is so hard to hear now
When you said it sounds so , and couldn’t find a way to say it but haunted. The word is ethereal, very heavenly. Loved the reaction.
I've heard this song hundreds, if not thousands, of times. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. He was a beautiful, amazing example of the positivity this world is screaming for. All of us are a little bit less for his passing. Almost forgot a recommendation, Judas Priest, "Epitaph". It's mellow, I promise. It's also very introspective.
My Mom loved this song. Was her favorite. And she only loved Iz's version. When she passed away, we played this song at her wake and funeral. It was one of her last wishes. It has become a song now that we play at every family and friends funeral from now on.
Glad to see this remarkable man get an audience here on the tube...the beginning of this song is so haunting...
Braddah IZ! Biggest guy with the softest voice. When anyone asks me to explain Aloha, I play this song for them!
My uncle, born in Hilo, knew him. This was my mom's favorite song, ever. I enjoyed your reaction
I met Iz's cousin in Pahoa a few years ago. We started talking and it turns out Iz's cousin was born in my hometown in Texas. His dad was was an electrician, and spent a few years working there.
It's so genuine and pure. It's Angelic.
That's why you cry.
Hey. First one. 😀..new subscriber. Enjoy your reactions......I believe it's 1990.
Congratulations
@@Mark_MOORE_VFL .....thanks for having me. You all seem like a happy and genuine family. Awesome. 😎
New meat Gitanos! Welcome brother or sister! You'll never be sorry!
@@patrickpost4294 💯
I am a Hawaiian for 24 years and I am very so proud of my heritage.
I've never gotten through this song without tearing up. RIP IZ
IZ was a beautiful soul loved by millions. His song Hawaii is absolutely beautiful you've got to give it a listen.
"Over the Rainbow" is a ballad composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg. It was written for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and was sung by actress Judy Garland
Don't feel bad about crying. I've heard it at least 100 times before and I'm a grown old man, and I still cried again today listening to it and seeing your reaction. Great and natural.
My favorite version of this. This man was an amazing humanbeing.
I cry every time I hear this! I have told my family that I want this played at my funeral when that day comes❣️