Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Websites: Myspace Page

Genre: Folk

Sounds Like:Don Ho, Troy Fernandez

Israel Kamakawiwo was a famous Hawaiian singer. He grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and then later moved to Makaha, Hawaii. That is where Israel started to play music with his brother Skippy. Israel and brother Skippy than formed a band with Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko. They were called Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. From 1976 to 1980s the band was able to release five albums and tour the United States. After Skippy died of a heart attack in 1982 Israel went solo and his debut album "Kaʻanoʻi" was released in 1990. His second album is known to be his best album titled "Facing Future". His most famous songs come from this album like his remake of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World".this became the only certified platinum album from Hawaii. Israel was praised by the public and his people of Hawaii; he was receiving several awards and being honored until his death in 1997. His death was unfortunately cause by weight-related problems.