e-Hawaii

a voice that reminds you of the important things in life. i wish i could of known him.

By tyler ward on Jan 3, 2009

I heard this wonderful voice singing “Over the Rainbow”,just after the ball dropped at Times square, on tv. One of the tv personalities even mentioned how he liked that version.I had to hear it again and found it on the internet. So beautifully done,so hauntingly beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes and a smile in my heart. Little did I know that Iz was no longer with us. That saddened me, but I am sure he is singing with all the “great ones”and the angels,making heaven more beautiful than we can imagine. Rest in peace Iz….until we all will meet someday.Thank you for your special music.

By Pat Musa on Jan 3, 2009

In a world of darkness…this artist still brings light! Mahalo – thank you

By carol walter on Feb 12, 2009

Dear IZ,

I am sorry for not knowing you,
I am sorry for not meeting you,
I am sorry for not discovering your great music while you where still among us.
I am so glad for discovering your music now, late in my life in Sweden.
Your songs bring joy to my heart and tears in my eyes whenever I put your records on.
I can understand that you were and are a great and wonderful person by looking at your videos when old and young people enjoy your music together.
I am sure you are playing for the angels now. God bless you for all the joy you have and are giving to people over the world.
R.I.P wonderful man

By Henrik Borg on Feb 14, 2009

I have always know and loved Somewhere The Rainbow .But after watching the movie Australia i was intrigued to find out who sings my favourite version. After some searching on the net I was sadened to know that had pasted and it made me think that he must have been touched by God cause IZ’S voice sounds like an angel and is still making people HAPPY by letting his music touch our souls after all these years. Your memory lives long in our hearts Brother IZ.

By Chris on Feb 14, 2009

Mahalo Iz for your voice and your soul. Your music makes me happy and gives me hope. You are missed, and will never be forgotten!!

By Scott Sylvester on Feb 15, 2009

I first heard Somewhere Over The Rainbow on Cold Case – Initially I thought only Garland could do justice to it; Iz has set the standard. So beautiful.

By Robtrapp on Mar 9, 2009

It is 11:59pm 3-10-09 in Md. that I am writing this letter with a very sad heart and tears in my eyes.Tonight at the end of a movie I watched,called forgeting sara marshal,I heard the most beautiful voice that I have ever heard in my life.When I got on the internet to look for Israel (IZ),I learned of him flying with the angels.I know he must have been a beautiful humanbeing just by hearing his voice and seeing his picture.I truly wish I could have met him.But I will always miss him.Everything good about this great man has already been said.R.I.P brother,until we meet.Your new fan from da mainland,FOREVER.

By Mark Tice on Mar 10, 2009

I had the pleasure of living in Huntington Beach California during the 80’s. There I met a group of 4 surfers (Brothers), I hung out with them all of the time, on the beach and at MAzzotti’s. What a blessing that was, I learned how they view life and people, only those who experience it will understand what I can’t describe. We listened to their native music all of the time, IZ was one of the artists,undescribable. It is from those 5 years that I mold everyday of my life. If only the world could believe like they do, what a great place this would be. They see no color, denomination, flaws, only love…..Aloha… From Vinny…..

By Vinny on Mar 14, 2009

At the Queen’s Medical Centre in Honolulu Hawaii, where Brah Iz closed his eyes for the final time, the only music playing all the time in the main lobby is his. He is singing with the greats like Dennis Pavao, Moe Keale, Aunty Genoa & Gabby Pahuini. “Da bruddah is gone”, but never forgotten.

By Helen on Mar 17, 2009

I LOVE ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO’OLE MUCIC WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE HE HAS A FRIEND THAT LIVES IN HAWAII SENT ME HIS CD AND I JUST LOVE IT …I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN HIM IN PERSON PERFORM..NOW HE IS SINGING UP IN HEAVEN SO ONE DAY I WILL SEE HIM SING THERE MUCH PRAYER TO HIS FAMILY GOD BLESS ANTOINETTE CHAVEZ A QUESTION IS THERE A WAY TO GET HIS BACKUP MUSIC TRACKS TO IN THIS LIFE I LOVE THAT SONG A FRIEND OF MINE WANTS TO SING IT BUT WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET THE MUSIC TO IT COULD YOU LET ME KNOW ???? THANKS

By Antoinette Chavez on Mar 22, 2009

I’am trying to get the back up music to israel song “In this life” if it is possible? Please let me know I will pay for it antoinettegodswoman@charter.net … I love his music I wish I could have seen him perform he has such a beautiful voice and I know one day I will see him in heaven and he will be up there singing his heart out God bless Antoinette

By Antoinette Chavez on Mar 22, 2009

Whenever I hear Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Iz I am taken back to Hawaii. That song is Hawaii. I listen to his music all the time and wish he hadn’t left us so early.

By Molly Jurivee-Cherwaty on Mar 28, 2009

Amen to Molly’s post ~ “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was played on an ukelele when my husband and I walked up the aisle after our wedding vows on Shipwreck Beach (Kauai, Hawaii)…we ended up having our “first dance” to it right there next to the surf…so soulful and moving, his legacy will live on in his music…God bless…

By Dava~TreasuresFromHawaii on Mar 28, 2009

I apologize re: my misspelling of ukulele…sigh…

By Dava~TreasuresFromHawaii on Mar 28, 2009

When my Wife and i first heard this beautiful song, we felt our hearst melt! This sound that came out of this person, we have never heard such a beautiful sound ever! This song by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole is the best version that has ever been sung! Today i found out that he passed in 1997 and saddend us. He is in our Hearts Always. This song brings tears of Happy Saddness when we hear it! Much Love To His Memory!! The Chavez Family

By The Chavez Family on Mar 30, 2009

A true gentle giant, WHAT A VOICE. I only wish I knew of him 12 years ago. RIP big Fella and may you always have wind beneath your wings.

By Ben Anderson on Apr 3, 2009

During the end scene of ‘50 First Dates’ I first heard Iz’s version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and cried. His version moved me and touched my heart. I had no idea that he wasn’t with us anymore, and I am crying again. May the Lord bless him and keep him always.

By May Ling on Apr 5, 2009

RIP: His voice lives on . . .

By Roman Amaguin on Apr 5, 2009

peace

By paul on Apr 7, 2009

IF GOD WOULD SING THIS IS WHAT I WOULD WANT HIM TO SOUND LIKE, BEAUTYFULL.

By JOE GENNA on Apr 11, 2009

sorry i never heard of your music untill recently and i was so taken back by somewhere over the rainbow, i had a lump in my throught and had to listen to it constantly, over the last two weeks i can easily say i have heard it well over 100 times it is so great, god bless you and keep you safe in his home, a true gentle giant, rip my friend

By swan on Apr 27, 2009

We were introduced to you watching an episode of ER. We had to find your music and learn about you. We are so very sorry that you are gone. But we thank you so very much for leaving all of us your beautiful music. You will forever be with those who listen & love your music.
God Bless & peace be with you.

By Steve & Phyl Wolf on May 3, 2009

i have only just discovered this beatiful mans music and songs,i wish i,d found them a long time ago.when i listen to them i just close my eyes and drift away.

By margaret larn on May 4, 2009

I first hear this beautiful music in 2002 on our first trip to Maui. What a wonderful kind, peaceful person he must have been. The world has truly lost an angel.

By Joell Reddick Dalton on May 6, 2009

R.I.P

By lisa on May 13, 2009

We Miss You And Will Never Forget You. You Gave The World Your Greatest Gift , Your Heart And Your Music . Thank You IZ .

By Dave D on May 15, 2009

I always knew this song “Over the rainbow”. It always was somewhere in my head and soul. I knew melody, however not the singer and not even the words. And than recently i heard it again. So start to search for it and of course when u live in the 21 of century its easy to find it online
I am just glad that finally i could listen for this amazing persons songs, which Israel made from love. Its makes other people love each other, love the nature and be in peace at list that min when u listening.
R. I. P.
You were one of the angels

By svetlana L. on May 15, 2009

Thinking of you on your 50th …Your spirit shines on and on.

Mahalo…from Michigan

By Rusty Hoffman on May 20, 2009

The song sends chills down my spine; lights me up when I am down.
IZ played a vital role while on earth and I so hope he returns to bless the people once again in whatever form he chooses.

By KATHY on May 21, 2009

IZ you have the voice of an Angel so beautiful, so soothing a voice that God had Blessed you with.You have given so much peace to millions of people in this troubled world we live in.Like Saint Padre Pio you helped so many who suffer in this world,what a gift IZ what a shame i didn’t get to meet you,Perhaps one day IZ our paths will cross,get to know Saint Pio IZ tell him we all miss him.God Bless you.

By Roy B on May 23, 2009

Only the good die young…RIP..Thank you for sharing and showing us the “rainbow”..

By Cissy Becker on May 23, 2009

Over The Rainbow is the only song guaranteed to reduce me to tears every time. What a song, what a man…. RIP

By David Does on Jun 1, 2009

Mahalo Nui Loa to Braddah Iz’s Ohana for keeping his music and legacy alive hea and everywhere, when i like go home, I listen to da music, takes me dea, God bless his soul and God Bless his Ohana.

By Annette Podawiltz on Jun 3, 2009

When my little boy was born last September, shortly after he developed severe colic and acid reflux. He would cry all day long. The only thing that quieted him was Iz’s music. I like to think maybe he had met him in heaven, weeks before he was born, because I am sure heaven is where Iz sings now. My son is now a happy 8 month old, and asks to listen to Iz every day. God Bless .

By Kat Hazlak on Jun 4, 2009

Somewhere Over the Rainbow…Beautiful World, this song haunts me…this infectious song…Israel, I wish I knew you…this song brings an emotion that is as big as life itself…thank you IZ.

By HeavenTrend on Jun 7, 2009

Another trip to the Island, and BruddahIz still reigns over this majestic island. His music and words are in every sunrise and sunset. We hear him on the beach and in the mountains. He will be here our next trip, because we’ll bring him in our hearts…aloha

By LARRY AND NANCY GODWIN on Jun 14, 2009

Ah Iz… I imagine you’re teaching the angels to sing. What a gift you were to all of humanity. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I love you… and always will. Mahalo!!

By Colton Weeks on Jun 22, 2009

Hau’oli La Hanau, Bruddah IZ.. sorry brah, you had to leave so soon, so early in your young life, I know your in a betta place, you take care of ohana.. We miss you,
oh, by d’ way.. I name my keiki kane after you… I hope okay with U.

Shaka 2 X

By Zion's Dad on Jun 25, 2009

Iz’s music inspires my dreams everyday. I was introduced to his music in 1999, and fell in love with it as it was a part of me. I so wish to have been able to hear it live. But Iz, You are missed and thankyou so much for so many heavenly tunes.

By bill on Jun 26, 2009

My heart goes out to his family. I heard the song awhile back but finally found out who sang it. I seen the video with placing his ashes in the sea. I’ve read several comments while listening to his over the rainbow over and over.Everyone has said some nice things. So to all of his family I can tell you I will never look at a rainbow the same. I watch the video about him reaching out to the youth that may even more tears come. And if something ever happen to me I want this play at my funeral. By the way IZ when we meet in heaven could sit on a cloud and sing and I can tell you how much you may an impact in my life.

By butch upchurch in new orleans on Jun 29, 2009

What a song! What a man! The hope this man brought to us . Brother I feel your soul !!

By Jerico on Jul 7, 2009

First heard this song on 97.1 Planet Radio from Quebec and it just touched my inner soul (they still play it often). IZ, you are now in every Rainbow and with your God-given talent, your music has made it a Wonderful World. Thank you, gentle giant, you will be remembered and I hope you get e-mail in heaven so you can see just how loved you are.

By Lisa in Ottawa, Canada on Jul 8, 2009

Did not hear his music until today. My lose….This man touched so many with song. I wish I had known……

By Pat K.. on Jul 15, 2009

Unfortunately for me I had never even heard of him or his music until years after his passing away. But I am sure that his memory and his music will live on for many years to come. His music is so beautifully done.

By Larry on Jul 18, 2009

I first heard Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World on the day my son and daughter in law got married on 2nd May 2009, as part of a medley of songs for their signing the register. It was the most beautiful rendition I had ever heard. I have listened to it regularly ever since. And cried each time! I am currently listening to the Facing Future tracks and writing this. I’m sorry to say, I’d never heard of this musical giant before. What a wonderful voice!

By Lynda on Jul 19, 2009

Thanks.

God be with you in eternity..

brankolomeo

By Branko Vujic on Jul 28, 2009

Iz had a voice of a angel, it always make me cry when i hear his music ,but now he is singing in heaven!

By Elaine Barrows on Aug 5, 2009

While visiting in Kauai my husband and I took a van tour, with the driver turning up the music of a man named IZ. At first, we thought how strange that in the beginning of tour our guide talked about this IZ more than areas we toured, while listening to this Music. But as time went on and as we heard his music more every minute, we both fell in love with IZ and his kind sounding voice. We could not leave that island without buying a couple of his CD’s, and became so infatuated with this beautiful soul. God created one like HIM, as it says in the Bible. IZ was made in God’s image. All of his music has become a favorite for all of our friends and family, since we have shared these CD’s by giving them as gifts. His song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, had mesmerized my two young nieces while listening to this song while on a short road trip. They are very young, but they too love this man’s serenity he expresses through his voice. RIP Dear Soul, for you left much love from your island to all!

By Kim Kaleher on Aug 8, 2009

My 7 year old daughter danced to “somewhere over the rainbow” by Israel in a staged perfomance at her art school on Friday. I could not get away from work so I asked my brother who works evenings to video the performance for me. I had never heard music from IZ and as the song begun a certain peace came over me that I can’t quite explain? My daughter was so cute in her grass skirt & lei and I was starting to fill with emotion (getting ready to cry like a baby) as this beautiful song and dance took place on the video. As mentioned I had never heard of IZ and had no idea he had passed. I couldn’t wait to get on the internet to try and find out who belonged to that peaceful…lovely voice? I simply googled Hawaiian song somewhere over the rainbow and I found him immediately! Can’t stop listening to the song and I am now an IZ fan and always will be! Thank you Israel for the gift of your voice on this video with my daughter that I now can treasure for the rest of my life!! Rest in Peace brother…

By Manny Fernandes on Aug 10, 2009

Your the man iz whereever u are. Inspiration, hope and love, you live stronger then ever in
a hard world.

By johan on Aug 20, 2009

A true human being. IZ lives.

By George Van Aken on Aug 21, 2009

My age is 62yrs. I have heard alot of diferrent music and voices in my life but none can compare. while planning a trip to Molokai in september 09 I had the good fortune to discover this man and his music. as all the other’s I only wish I could have met him.
favorite video him laying in the surf and he looks up and smile’s. Mahalo and good bye

By Michael Beck on Aug 27, 2009

I only learned of Bruddah Iz about 6 months ago, and it saddens me that I never heard about him when he was alive, and that I missed so many years of being able hear his beautiful music. His music stirs something in my soul and inspires me. I wish I could have met him while he was on this Earth. Thanks Iz for making the world a little better.

By Mark on Sep 5, 2009

I don’t believe in God, except when I hear Bruddah Iz.

By Leo on Sep 10, 2009

What a wonderful person with such a great personality that came through clear as day in his music. The world is truly is darkened with no new releases from Bruddah IZ

By Emmalyn on Sep 11, 2009

Sing with the angels above Bruddah IZ

By Ginger on Sep 18, 2009

Mahalo…Bruddah from Texas the world is less beutiful without you…………

By J.Rosales on Sep 20, 2009

I have heard so many people say there are people who sing and there are people who tell stories with their voice. Iz’s voice not only tells stories but if you close your eyes you are transformed into this story. I could listen to him all day long every day.

You are one of God’s Angels he will cherish your voice in heaven.

Jim

By Jim Krech on Sep 23, 2009

I moved to Hawaii at the age of 16 and found my home there as one kaamaina houle. As a musician I was in love with the music, and brudda Iz was one of the best. I really enjoyed when reggae came on the scene and we started Jahwaiian music, but the roots of cross over music there was in Iz and the other Hawaiian musicians of old. Much like the blues influenced rock. May Iz RIP and may his music live forever.

By mohayrix on Sep 25, 2009

Love his beautiful songs, but especially…..”Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
My youngest sister loved this song………
When I hear it, I always think about my sister
fantastic music <3

By Gayle on Oct 4, 2009

“IZ” What a wonderful voice what a better world this is that you left this behind in your memory. You will never be forgotten, the voice of an angel. My neice had Over the Rainbow played as she walked down the aile at her wedding. Not a dry eye in the place. May you rest in peace knowing that you brought Peace to this earth.

By Carol on Oct 5, 2009

Beautiful person, beautiful life, beautiful music that will live on forever. You were a gift from God.

By Donna Zeches on Oct 10, 2009

iz is awsome

By mickey on Oct 14, 2009

IZ was for Hawaii’s Keiki, Wanting them to strive to be “Mo’ Bettah” Bruddahs and Sis’s involved in drugs and allkine “Pilikia” He was a warm and soothing voice to those who had none and died just the way that he lived… Loving Hawaii and his Ohana and being “Uncle” to all the keiki! Bless you Bruddah!! We need more like You!!

By Bruddah Bo on Oct 14, 2009

he is wonderful and his voice is amazing sad that he passed away

By Sean Bird on Oct 15, 2009

IZ, You have no idea how much love still exists in the world for you and your music and part of that love is ours. Hardly an evening goes by in our home without your music. You were a very special human being. No one who knew you or experienced your music will ever forget you. We won’t for sure. If paradise is heaven, there must me a Hawaiian section and I’m sure you’re in charge of it.
‘O wau no me ka mahalo,
Gene

By Gene/Anna on Oct 22, 2009

I first heard the rendition of Over the Rainbow on the movie 50 First Dates, and I almost cried. I have watched the movie over and over again and cant wait to get the end of the movie so I can hear it again. Then I heard Jason Castro sing it on American Idol; Ive never known who was the artist until today. It is so moving for me. I have a close and personal relationship with my savior Jesu Christ, and it just reminds me of the home awaiting for me in heaven.Thanks Iz.

By david rice on Oct 24, 2009

IZ,
Brah! Your memory will never be forgotten. Your musical talent has reached all the way around the world… I heard Over the Rainbow playing while deployed to the Middle East and it brought back so many sweet memories of you and wonderful Hawai’i…

Even today a tear comes to my eye when I think about your death.. I was so sad when you died, but your music will live forever in my heart and many others.

Thank you

By Michael on Oct 28, 2009

some where over the rainbow your voice is so
Beautiful mate like a angel singing may you
rest in pease and sing with the lord god bless
Antony Cairns Australia

By antony on Oct 29, 2009

I’m sorry that i’ve didn’t find youre music earlier. Love it so much, it makes my hart cry. Miss you.

By Gunilla on Nov 4, 2009

He’s only gone because He sings for god now, with his beautiful voice, now he really is somewhere over the rainbow!

By Ashley on Nov 7, 2009

I too was introduced to Iz where his wonderful Somewhere Over The Rainbow was used in a movie. What a gift he gave all of us in the short time he was here on earth with us. It is truly my favorite song. One of the few times I’ve ever cried ‘happy tears,’ but do each time I listen to his voice singing this song. Thank you to his family for sharing his talents with us. What a legacy, to still touch millions though you are no longer with them. Soothing, melting, hope, yes HOPE; that is what Iz’s voice in this song, particularly, does for me. You are in all of our hearts, always.

By Mary Anne on Nov 12, 2009

Something so beautiful could not be held with us for very long. Mahalo.

By Ted on Nov 16, 2009

I was fortunate to live in Hawaii in the 1990’s during Israel’s ascension to stardom. I saw him perform at the Kona Surf just six months before he died. He was truly a force of nature and did have the voice of an angel. Listen to his other songs, not just Somewhere Over the Rainbow etc, the more commercial and well known songs. His greatest performances were his stories about life, life in Hawaii, friendship, aloha, ohana.

I was in Italy in October on a tour in the Tuscany countryside. In my conversations with our driver I happened to mention that I once lived in Hawaii. She said, “do you know Iz?” She had one of his CD’s that she played for me while driving through the Tuscancy countryside.

By Carolyn on Nov 19, 2009

delighted to find his music saddened to hear of his passing R.I.P.

By jim on Nov 22, 2009

Somewhere over the rainbow – it was like he was singing because he already knew time was closing in…hopefully he still is singing it as an angel. Heres to lemon drops.
~Holly

By Holly on Nov 24, 2009

Like others first heard Iz singing “Over The Rainbow”. I was captivated in that moment, bought the album and have listened to his soothing tones over and over. My husband and I are planning a trip to Hawaii and hope to go to where he was born. He lives on.

By Carol Clima on Nov 24, 2009

Google Search Engine

By Ramazan RECBER on Nov 29, 2009

cat makes me cry his voice is so pretty.

By dennis on Nov 30, 2009

this man had a big voice and a big dream for all of or kids to stay off drugs and being gansters his heart was a big as the world and his voice was larger wish more people beleaved in what he did.RIP IZ

By Dwayne Eakes on Dec 9, 2009

Travel well Iz and thank you for every tear I have shed listening to Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Tears are the Universe’s way of cleansing our spirit.
aloha

By Phire on Dec 15, 2009

RIP IZ. Toronto Canada heard you.

By Jeremiah on Dec 15, 2009

Soy de España(canary islands), me parece increíble la mezcla que Israel logro hacer con some where over the rainbow y what a wonderful world, no le conocía, y hoy me acabo de enterar que falleció, algo que me entristece mucho porque escuchando una y otra vez esa canción hace que me sienta bien. Desde España dar un fuerte abrazo a su familia. Me gustaría haberle conocido.

By Marcos Martínez on Dec 17, 2009

“There once was an angel”

Tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
by Christian Badsted

There once was an angel,
You didn’t see his wings,
he walked a man on earth,
with kindness and love,
he gave love since birth,
He walked Hawaii’ns cove,

There once was an angel,
His power was his heart,
His voice stopped wars,
but his life was cut short,
he now sits by stars,
in heaven with our god,

There once was an angel,
he has now left us all,
But his spirit left behind,
he touched all with his voice,
Im sure he didn’t mind,
He didn’t have a’ choice,

There once was an angel,
He will never be forgotten,
He truly was a saviour,
A’ heart to big for earth,
You loved his behaviour,
Light a candle on his birth,

Rest in peace Israel Kamakawiwo’ole..

By Christian Badsted on Dec 21, 2009

Thanks for the music IZ I will play it at my father service jan 2nd 2010 I am sorry we lost such talent and more didnt know how amazing you were. Rest in peace IZ and sing 1 for my dad when u see him Much love and respect

By Alieta Johnson on Dec 29, 2009

For a time, I owned a timeshare on the big island. I was fortunate enough to visit various islands of Hawaii three times in five years. The first visit, I was exposed to Iz’s beautiful, ethereal voice and have been a fan since then (1997). No one can come close RIP and thank you for sharing your gift with us!

By Renee Luneau on Dec 30, 2009

Hey Brada Iz!

I know it’s a little late to be writing this, but you have been such an influence on my family. My grandma has dimentia and your song “hawai’i 78″ was sung to her by my cousin. I wish she could remember it. It was beautiful!

Your music will live on way past life itself, the future generation will make sure of it.

I love you brada!

By kassandra Peters on Jan 5, 2010

Absolutely blown away by his amazing voice. His song Somewhere over the Rainbow touched my heart and brought me to tears.

By Bonita on Jan 6, 2010

I had never heard of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole or his music until my first journey to Hawai’i in 2004. One evening in a bar I became aware of a song played, with Hawaiian lyrics and sung by a voice of an angel. I asked the DJ about the artist and learned about Israel, only later did I find out that he was no longer walking the earth.
Later I have bought a few of his albums, and I have heard a couple of his songs played here in Europe.

I want to give thanks to Israel for the man that he was and the joys of music that he left for us. He was truly a Hawaiian sup’pah man.

By Helen on Jan 8, 2010

I have only recently discovered Israel’s music, and as thousands have said before me, his voice is so beautiful and calms the soul. Listening to his music brings such joy and peace. Thank you… you live on and so does your music for all time.

By Ginny Mujica on Jan 9, 2010

A voice and heart so pure they speak directly to the heart of the listener. Too soon, too soon….

By Laura on Jan 10, 2010

A voice and heart so pure they speak directly to the heart of the listener. Too soon….

By Laura on Jan 10, 2010

I first heard Iz’s melody of “Over the Rainbow” sitting on the Green Monster in Fenway Park in July of 2009.
From a middle aged crippled Irish punk from Boston . . . . I thought it was one of the coolest thing’s I’ve ever heard.
I only wish I could have seen him perform it .

By Logpound72 on Jan 12, 2010

i just went to hawaii for five weeks and throughly enjoyed it. my son was playing one of IZ tapes and i fell in love with his music. he truely belonged to the islands. his voice is as beautiful as the islands. i am only sorry that i never knew of him before i went to his beautiful hawaii. if heaven is as beautiful as hawaii then Isreal is singing with the angels in a beautifl place. rest in peace my friend. thank you for your beautiful music.

By Allene Hecker on Jan 13, 2010

truly amazing voice, first time I have hear Israel an im taken back. the people of hawaii are so lucky to have had such an artist. rest in peace gentle giant.

Shaun
Saskatoon,Saskatchewan,Canada

By shaun smith on Jan 14, 2010

I just recently found you. And you are no longer a body, but your soul has touched me deeply. You ARE a truely Beautiful Soul!!!! You will be deeply missed, but always enjoyed.

By Mike Holobek on Jan 14, 2010

israel, LOVE YOUR MUSIC, it is just beautiful, only wish i knew about you earlier, better late than never, thanks to jay tavare, found your music on his blog. hope u r in a good place, yet i have a feeling u r!!!! aho

By sue on Jan 17, 2010

Iz you are missed by all that heard and heres your music for the first time. Noone cane put the feeling you did on some where over the rainbow. Hope to see ypu on the other side of that rainbow and here you wonderful music.

RIP

charlie

By charles whitson on Feb 2, 2010

used over the rainbow at my daughters funeral like her it is the most beautiful song i have ever heard.wish i would of had the pleasure of meeting such a wonderful man with such a wonderful voice. bruddah sang it the best always will

By rich moore on Feb 7, 2010

Ur songs have d calmning effect, everytime i m unhappy or stress, ur voice ll calm me down. really hope to go hawaii one day in d future

RIP bruddah IZ

jake

By Jake on Feb 10, 2010

I listen to Iz’ music over and over and over. It brings tears to my heart but joy at the same time. I, too, wish I had known him. Would have been worth a trip anywhere to see him in person. He is alive in our hearts and I’m sure must be smiling upon us

By Debbie on Feb 11, 2010

My grandfather always sang his songs to me as a little girl, i was supose to go home 8, 11 an 13 never did then 18, I am now 30, no grandparents no more, finally making my way home. His songs very presiuos in my heart, bueatiful gift he had I’ll always remember him as a gifted artist an singer.

By Mari on Feb 12, 2010

Thank you Israel for the hit ‘Over the Rainbow’, it was the first song that i ever heard of you. and i fell in love with your voice. When i was a little girl i always dreamed of being in Hawaii when you all wore grass skirts, sang and danced on a beautiful beach, and had a beautiful peaceful life.
i love Hawaiian music, and when i managed to get hold of Iz’s albums i sit playing them and visualizing me sitting on that beach looking into the eyes of a handsome tanned Hawaiian guy with a winkle in his eye. Ever since then i have had a real love and a yearning to be part of the hawaiian way of life, and i adore the way Israel makes me feel when he sings, i feel the love that he put into his songs. I know he is still with us in my heart, everytime i play his songs.

By Thane on Feb 16, 2010

Iz’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow is the version I sing to my greatniece at night. What a gem. Everyone remembers when and where they first heard his voice. God bless Iz.

By Kathryn on Feb 16, 2010

Bruddah Iz! I can describe this gentile giant in one word: BREATHTAKING. I lived in Hawaii for 3 years from 1993-1996. I’ve heard of him there and his music but never got to meet him. It was not ’til after I moved back to Seattle, Wa. area that I fell in love with his music. I frequented a karaoke bar in the Lakewood, Wa. area Hawaiian Gardens. I heard Hawaii 78 for the first time and the lyrics bring tears to my eyes every time. The passion of that number and the story made me realize I didn’t learn much the 3 years I was there. Thanks big daddy Izzy! “E oni wale no ‘oukou i ku’u pono ‘a’ ole e pau.”

By Ed on Feb 16, 2010

I had always heard this breathtaking beautiful song but never knew the name of the angel who so sweetly sang it, Somewhere Over The Rainbow..I could listen to this everyday and night..so sad that you are gone..but you are here in the hearts of many in the beautiful music you left for us to enjoy ..thank you Iz..When I am sad this song always seems to be my light and you truly are the gold at the end of that rainbow in your song…Bless You!

By Kellie on Feb 23, 2010

Hi dear family of Bruddah IZ,
this I visited the first time Hawaii, Big Island and Maui, together with my husband. When we were waiting for a helicopterflight on Maui – in the waiting room – IZ’s music was played. It was if a flash touched my heart, – increadably beautiful – his voice – the sound – it touched and still touches my soul- I can’t forget and will allways have this music with me. He has been a man with great carism (Carisma). I will now buy his CD’s. I feel so sorry that he passed away allready so young. My best wishes for his wife and his family. We love Hawaii and the hawaiian people.
Best wishes from Germany
Hilly

By Hilli on Feb 24, 2010

I can’t believe that he is dead! I am in shock! I’m one of the late comers, I recently discovered IZ’s music. I mean like last year. I heard his version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” on the radio and fell in love with it instantly. Now in January of 2010, my co-worker shows me the face behind the voice on youtube and I FELL IN LOVE! I think IZ is absolutely handsome! I couldn’t get enough of his music from that point on.

Now I am on the web surfing all over to see images of him, reading his life story, listening to all of his music, watching any videos of him.

I can kick myself for not discovering him earlier, and the sad part is that I find out he passed away in 1997. Where was I when this happened? Now I have a million questions. I want to know all there is to know about Bruddah IZ! I MISS HIM SO MUCH. I would’ve loved to know him in this life. But my heart is ever thankful for the gift he left us. Like the saying goes, “The good dies young.”

By Juneann on Feb 25, 2010

I first heard of Israel at my fathers memorial
service on Sunday March 14th, 2010
We always watched the Wizard of Oz when we were growing up and it was a favorite song of mine then and even more so now as it will always remind me of my dad.
It is simply beautiful.

By Andrea on Mar 16, 2010