Israel Kamakawiwoole

The most popular entertainer in Hawaii until his tragic death in 1997, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole formed the traditional Makaha Sons as a teenager in the mid-'70s, went out on his own in more of a contemporary style by the 1990s, and released four immensely popular recordings before passing away just after the release of 1996's N Dis Life

Over a period of 15 years, The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau recorded 10 albums and won numerous Hoku awards (the Hawaiian Grammy). They started the Makaha Bash, a huge concert at the Waikiki Shell every year on Memorial Day weekend. But in the early 90s Israel decided to go in a new direction and left The Sons. With the help of producer Jon De Mello, he recorded 4 albums

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole performs at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards ceremony

Israel's work

Facing Future" includes the medley "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" which has been heard in numerous movies, television shows and commercials. Israel - better known as "Bruddah Iz" or "Iz" - who passed away in 1997, was far more than an entertainer. He was loved deeply by all the people of Hawaii. In a sense, he was a living hero in the Islands, and upon his death he was given the profound honor of lying in state in the capital rotunda in Honolulu so that his thousands of loyal fans could pay their loving last respects. Today, his legacy lives on through his music.

The list of Israel's work

• "No Kristo" 1976
• "Kahea o Keale" 1977
• "Keala" 1978
• "Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau" 1979
• "Mahalo Ke Akua" 1981
• "Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha" 1984
• "Ho'ola" 1986
• "Makaha Bash 3 Live" 1991
• "Ho'oluana" 1992

• "Ka'ano'i" 1990
• "Facing Future" 1993
• "E Ala E" 1995
• "n Dis Life" 1996