e-Hawaii

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

I live in Toronto, Canada

and my daughter lives and was married on:
Sept 6, 2009 in Selma, California.

I heard Israel’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
for the first time in my life at the wedding while
viewing a slide show of my daughter from childhood
to teenager.

I was moved because of two things

1. My daughter lives far away and we only talk
to each other every now and then and when
I seen her wow time waits for no one she has grown
and I missed allot of time spent with her
because I suffer from:
panic attacks and anixety attacks.

2. Israel’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
has put me at peace when I heard his music
as a matter of fact I stayed strong and did
not have any anixety or panic attacks while
at the wedding even when I walked my daughter
down the isle.

saying all this I feel deeply sad about Israel’s
passing it has been a blessing for God to have
Israel on our planet earth as he has changed
my life forever God Bless him and his family

the things that are important to us is not money
or material things.

It is what great memories that are left behind
and become timeless and live forever like
Israel’s music.

By Peter on Nov 10, 2009

My name is melanie and I write for hubpages under the name Nell Rose. I was sitting in a friends house earlier this week, and I heard Israel’s music for the first time. After I had left, I felt myself humming over the rainbow all day. By that evening I realised I had to find out more about this amazing singer. When I read of his passing, and saw the video, I had tears in my eyes, and realised that I had to write about him. I hope I did it justice. I called it Israel Kamakawiwo’ole The Hawaiian with the Golden Voice. I hope it does him justice as I am now completely under his spell where his music is concerned. God bless. Melanie. (Nell)

By melanie Loveridge on Dec 1, 2009

Iz is was a moving, outstanding inspirational artist that puts smiles on peoples faces he touched the lives of many people across the nation. It was a tragedy that his life ended so abrubtly but his music will keep the legacy of him alive…..Rest in peace IZ we all miss you

By Victor Campos on Dec 12, 2009

A whiff of fresh air in the world of uncertainty.Wish I heard him way back then.I adore his song “In this Life”,
which I dedicate to my Mom who passed away last Sept.
Thank you IZ for the gift of music.You will remain in my heart forever.

By belle on Dec 14, 2009

I was sitting and listening to “Over the ranbow” and suddenly got inspiration to a poem about IZ. Im a macho old soldier with hardly any feelings. It was kind of a revelation, it took me 15 minutes. I never written like that before so be gentle:

“There once was a angel”
Tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
by Christian Badsted

There once was an angel,
You didn’t see his wings,
he walked as a man on this earth,
sharing kindness and love,
he was giving love all since his birth,
He walked the Hawaii’ns cove,

There once was an angel,
His power was his heart,
His voice could stop wars,
but his life was cut short,
But we know he sits by the stars,
in heaven with our god,

There once was an angel,
he has now left us all,
But his spirit was left behind,
he touched humans that heard his voice,
Im sure he didn’t mind,
He didn’t really had a’ choice,

There once was an angel,
He will never be forgotten,
He truly was a saviour,
His heart was to big for this earth,
You could only love his behaviour,
Lets light a candle on his birth,

Rest in peace Israel Kamakawiwo’ole…

Im kind of amazed. I never write poems

By Christian Badsted on Dec 20, 2009

I like it, a lot

By Niels on Dec 20, 2009

I made some corrections so it flows better. This is the end result. I hope you like it:

“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

I guess I’m the first entry of 2001.
I was watching the fireworks on TV at midnight and they played a bit of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and it left me wanting to hear the whole song because he sings it so beautifully.
It breaks my heart to find out about his passing,the video was done beautifully.
That song has always made me cry when I hear it because it touches my heart so.Now it will make me cry even more knowing he has passed.
To His family,He will never be forgotten and he lives on in the hearts of many he has touched with his music.
Mahalo,
CK
Rest In Peace Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

By CyndiKay on Dec 31, 2009

A few weeks ago I was entering a website that required a password sent from them. So far two of the passwords they sent me were direct messages from friends who had died. Today, after listening to a medley of Bro Iz’s songs I went back that site (not looking for any message) but today’s password was, “izluvsu”. What a wonderful human being who lives on entertaining the Universe. luvutoiz.

Bro Mikee

By Michael Pike on Jan 6, 2010

I had never heard of Iz until last week, while watching “Finding Forrester” What a loss for me. What an Amazing person! He sings, performs, lives and loves from his inner soul. What a beautiful person and what a tremendous loss for humanity. Im sadden by his passing but he left something everyone can be feel from him. Love for his fellow brother thru his voice. I can feel it daily as I listen to him sing.

By Michael on Jan 23, 2010

once i heard this song’s “somewhere over the rainbow” i feel in my mind it will relax and can relieve my problem.the song’s means that there is above up high over the rainbow the most beautiful place of all.when i listend this song and saw how he died i felt he love of world.blessed to IZ he compose the song for the world so that they can realize how beutiful the world.joseph paña of phillippines

By joseph athenie paña on Jan 31, 2010

HI there

I have heard this song before on the tv, and i thought i would look for it on the internet so i could learn to play it. its a tricky rythym by the way and its played on the little guitar. but its so beautiful. so i looked and found it, looking for some skinny white bloke and for the whole song complete was really hard , then i discovered Isreal. wow i was gob smacked, i am totally humbled. when i seen the film clip with isreal in the island village singing in his comunity and the joy all around it made me cry so much, he touched a nerve in me like never before. i really felt the pain, i share a similar pain, i really feel it, his rendition is so beautiful and dreamy much better than any version. in fact he might as well have written it. what a voice and what a musician. i can tell from just looking and listening to the tribute film clip that he was very much loved and must have been a really special person. maybe there is hope for us all and may we all find happiness.

Much respect to all the Family.

By Bob on Feb 8, 2010

by the way i forgot to mention how well made the tribute video was, it was so good it really told the story you wanted it to. wow,
I wished i was loved so much that such a tribute would be made for me.
you must have loved him

VERY SPECIAL

By Bob on Feb 8, 2010

QUE DIOS LO TENGA EN SU GLORIA Y QUE SUS CANCIONES SIGAN DESPERTANDO EL AMOR DIVINO A TRAVES DEL TIEMPO EN EL CORAZON DE CADA SER DE LUZ. QUE DIOS TE BENDIGA IZ.

By PABLO on Feb 9, 2010

Hi to everyone touched by his music. Iz had an amazing voice and his version of Somewhere over the Rainbow has always given me goosepimples, even the hair on the back of my neck stands up. My 8 year old girl and 3 year old boy all sing and dance along to it. It just makes us happy.

I hope Iz has the same effect in heaven…….
Regards to his family and your loss is our loss.

George(Scotland)

By George on Feb 21, 2010