Israel Kamakawiwo`ole – In Loving Memory

May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997
Condolences by mail can be sent to P.O. Box 308, Aiea, HI, 96701. Kamakawiwo’ole is survived by his wife Marlene Ku`upua Ah Lo; daughter, Ceslianne Wehekealake`alekupuna Ah Lo; sister, Lydia Ka`ehukai Kauakahi; hanai brothers Glenn Kapahu and Ronnie Ching; hanai son Johnny Boy Gomes; and nieces and nephews.
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26 Responses to “Israel Kamakawiwo`ole – In Loving Memory”
I never heard of his music before, but now i love his songs they make you feel good something people all over the world can use more of . It sad he passed away so young but i,m sure his songs will last forever . He seemed to me he cared about living and life . hope god loves your music . joe
By joseph mariano on Feb 17, 2009
I have been gone from the islands since 1979. Although gone, my heart and part of my soul still is there. I still love the music and spirit of Aloha, that is the true Hawaii. I decided to do a search to find out who was singing this beautiful music, Over the Rainbow. It led me today to Israel. I have listened to one song after the other on YouTube and was carried back across the ocean to the place I love. Israel’s beautiful songs brought such warmth and happiness to my heart today. The only sadness I felt was to also learn that he has passed on. I want his family to know that today, in Salt Lake City, UT, the spirit of Aloha has warmed the heart of a girl who heard Israel’s song, so far far away. In her heart she was back for a moment to a place she loves. Mahallo
Sarah
By Sarah Caballero on Feb 18, 2009
I wanted to find out more about this song that was played at a funeral last week and it was the music to a slide show of a trip to Hawaii and the lady that passed away. I was so moved by the voice and the song that when I came home I had to find this song on youtube and find out more about the singer. I was very upset to find that Israel Kamakawiwo’ole had passed away in 1997 and still today he is touching the hearts of so many people. I wanted to send along my thoughts and prayers to his family and let them know that still the memory of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole lives on in the blessing of his voice and he brought comfort to over 300 people at this funeral and may you be blessed and I know that heaven there is one more golden voice that brings comfort and joy to so many..
Bless you Jim
By James Wile on Feb 18, 2009
I wanted to find out more about this song that was played at a funeral last week and it was the music to a slide show of a trip to Hawaii and the lady that passed away. I was so moved by the voice and the song that when I came home I had to find this song on youtube and find out more about the singer. I was very upset to find that Israel Kamakawiwo’ole had passed away in 1997 and still today he is touching the hearts of so many people. I wanted to send along my thoughts and prayers to his family and let them know that still the memory of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole lives on in the blessing of his voice and he brought comfort to over 300 people at this funeral and may you be blessed and I know that heaven there is one more golden voice that brings comfort and joy to so many..
Bless you Jim Nova Scotia Canada
By James Wile on Feb 18, 2009
I just arrived from a cruise to beautiful Hawaii Islands. In one of the shops I was in they were playing this music that interested me to where it drew me to ask about it and where I could buy a tape for me. I was given the information. I hear it all the time to where I wanted to fine out who was this beautiful person with a voice of gentleness that brought me pease to my soul everytime I hear his music. I search in the website and was sadden to hear that the good Lord took him home. I never had heard about bruddah IZ but his soft spoken words in his music will live forever and has blessed me. May his family continue to fine confort in the lives that bruddah IZ still touch with his kindness and truthful songs. I may never return to Hawaii but will never forget it
God Bless
God Bless
By Sara M. Becerra on Mar 10, 2009
I was browsing on youtube when I came across the song What a Wonderful World. This led me to hear another one Somewhere Over the Rainbow. When I clicked on the performer named IZ, it was so awesome. I couldn’t describe my feeling while I was listening to him. It makes my soul at peace.From that very moment I made a search regarding this singer. It was then that I found out he passed away a long time ago. Though it was too late for me to know him, his music will live in me. I just have a problem looking for his CD in my country. I am trying my best to find one. May the good Lord bless and keep you Bruddah IZ!!!! Mavic Sanchez, Philippines
By Mavic Sanchez on Mar 15, 2009
His music will live on Now and Forever! His music was pure and beautiful just like Iz was. Rest In Peace Brudda Iz and may your music still touch millions and millions of people. God Bless.
By Christopher Youngblood on Mar 19, 2009
the day that brada iz died was a year befor i was born when my dad shoed me the song somewhere over the rainbow i clinged to it.it has been my favorite song ever sence!i still wish he was alive to sing and play songs on his little ukalale!
By kiana m. awong on Mar 25, 2009
My God what wonderful voice from such a man – but what a sad loss!
Aloha
By John denton on Apr 16, 2009
While searching for music for my daughter’s upcoming wedding, I heard Israel’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” once again. With tears in my eyes I sign out loud today in anticipation of our special “dance together” and memories of a lifetime still ahead.
By Charlie Oncea on Apr 20, 2009
I have loved his music since I heard it several years ago in Maui. It lifts me on a day I’m down and has got me through some tough times. His music is always with me. Thank you Bruddah IZ!
By Connie hogg on Apr 25, 2009
what an amazing voice only heard his version of ;SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW yesterday and cannot believe he is no longer here with us our loss is heavens gain god bless you Brudda IZ
By sandy ward on May 4, 2009
Aloha
Brother iz has been such a touchable man
i loved his music and i love his voice
without Brother IZ Life will not be the same
I’m gonna Miss you Brother IZ!
By mudji on May 15, 2009
I’ve heard different versions of this song and by far Bruddah Iz has given it a timeless appeal..I was crying as I read how he has passed on..It will be his crowning glory that he was able to share his music and his gift with the world before he died.
By Ineke, Dubai on May 18, 2009
Aloha Well we will celebrate the memeory of Iz on his birthday and knowing he left a family who loved him and all the grandkids who also enjoyed his music as well
well take care and much aloha to Iz wife and daughter.
aloha Hariah
By hariah on May 18, 2009
aloha and imua
lots of love to all the family – Iz helped to carry our mother over the rainbow – thanks a lot – tomorrow it will be my first birthday without my mother …
and also my first birthday with my rainbowmama – and of course I will celebrate our birthday in loving memory
much aloha to wife and daughter and – as I said – to all the ‘family’
thank you Iz
By ute on May 19, 2009
Iz reminds us that perfection is one of those things that resonates with us far beyond who people see us as in the flesh, but into the realm of intangible beauty. There is something in his voice that heals my heart every time I hear it, and I am so so very grateful that he walked this earth long enough to share his amazing gift with us all. God takes the best ones early, but at least He allows them to leave their mark with us.
Namaste
By Patricia on May 19, 2009
With tears in my eyes I sit here and listen to a wonderfull voice. A voice from a great man that still live in my heart.
His voice brings the sun in my life!
By Ulli on May 27, 2009
I just learned of Israel and his music this past week at a wedding which I attended in Florida. I am AMAZED by his voice and I have listen to nothing but him all week. I tend to be a very traditional person when it comes to music and dislike it so much when other artists record songs made famous by others. I have never liked any version of “Over the Rainbow” except that of Judy Garland from “The Wizard of Oz,” but I have fallen in love with Israel’s arrangement and version. I finally took some time today to read about him and was saddened to learn that he has died. May God richly bless his widow and his daughter. What a great tribute that, like me, new fans continue to learn of his artistry and talent. He will live on forever.
By Ray VanSickle on May 29, 2009
I’ve been watching this website for a few years now and I am always amazed at how many people have been touched by his music, and his spirit of love, the way I was. He was just being himself, but it was like a miracle or something. I still name him my #1 singer and I still cry like he was my brother.
By Marguerite on Jun 9, 2009
Bradda man Iz was an amazing singer, although I listen to his amazing CD’s I always wish I could have seen at least one live preformance from this incredible man. Rest in Peace Bradda Man Iz!!! Your music and voice will never be forgotten!!!
By IzLover002 on Sep 15, 2009
Having lived in Hawaii for six years, we do know the Aloha Spirit. No more beautiful place exists on this Earth. We have listened to our IZ cd’s till they are worn thin, and never get enough. His heart and soul just pour out sharing his love and understanding with us all. We return every year for a couple weeks and it never fails… we always meet kind, loving people who make you feel welcome. Although not native Hawaiians, we feel we share your Aloha Spirit. This man will never be forgotten. I hope his message gets out to everyone and is understood. The beauty, love and serenety of Hawaii must never be lost. And, the most beautiful part are the people. Mahalo.
By Judi ^ Rick on Sep 22, 2009
My wife and I had never heard of IZ but heard his music on a recent trip to Hawaii and bought the “Face Future” CD. If a CD could wear out, ours would be gone. His music stirs my soul and I am so sad that he is no longer with us.
By Jerry Norris on Oct 9, 2009
what a beautiful vioce and the songs are excellant.i never heard of him till this year either. i really missed a great singer.
By phyllis falk on Oct 19, 2009
Wow I think this man was the most beautiful man in the whole wide world I will never forget is song over the rainbow! I would have LOVED to get the chance to meet him.
By Rhiannon on Oct 24, 2009
Before returning to the mainland from Kauai on Sept 25, 2009; my son asked me to research IZ. I had no idea who this was ( no telling with an 18 yr. old) All I can say is AMAZING! He knew how to touch the soul so deep with his beautiful voice. I listen to him daily, and feel so at peace!
I have never met people in my life like the ones of Kauai. So pure,who love their land and care for it, and in return their land cares for them. I left my heart in Kauai, I know it will be safe with the people….
Until I return…Aloha
By Dawn Borden on Nov 6, 2009