Israel Iz

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, known as Israel Iz, was a Hawaiian musician whose 1993 recording of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' became unexpectedly widespread years after its release. He recorded it with his ukulele in one take during a late-night studio session, and that simple version eventually found its way into films, commercials, and countless playlists. The track appears on his 1993 album 'Facing Future,' which also includes traditional Hawaiian music and original songs.

Iz performed with a band that included guitarist Sam Gray, bassist Lincoln Makuakane, and drummer Del Beazley. They released albums like 'E Ala E' in 1995 and 'N Dis Life' in 1996. His music blended Hawaiian vocal styles with folk and contemporary sounds, but it was that one ukulele-driven cover that defined his reach far beyond the islands. He died in 1997 at age 38.