| Birth: | May 20, 1959
Kaimuki
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA | | Death: | Jun. 26, 1997
Honolulu
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA | 
Musician. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, or Braddah Iz as he was more commonly known, was a native Hawaiian musician. Iz, also nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" was a cheerful man who loved Hawaii, both its land and the people. As a skilled ukulele player he fused contemporary music with jazz and reggae to produce his own unique sound. He is regarded as one of the major influences in contemporary Hawaiian music. Iz was born to Henry and Evangeline and was raised in Kaimuki. He had an older sister Lydia and older brother Skippy. He started playing music with Skippy at age 11 and was fortunate to meet several great Hawaiian entertainers (Peter Moon, Don Ho). In 1976 he helped form the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau and they toured throughout the United States. In 1990 Iz released his first solo album which he garnered awards for Contemporary Album and Male Vocalist of the Year from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. His popular Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley was released in 1993 on the Facing Future album. Iz was married to Marlene and they had a daughter Ceslieanne. Despite not earning a high school diploma, Iz was a good role model, promoting Hawaiian independence through his actions and music and kicking a drug habit. Late in his life he became a Christian. Iz died of respiratory illness due to obesity at Queen's Medical Center. His coffin lay in state at the Capitol building in Honolulu and Hawai'i State Flags flew at half-staff on July 10, 1997. Later his ashes were scattered at Makua Beach. (bio by: Megan)
Cause of death: Weight-related illnesses
Search Amazon for Israel Kamakawiwo'ole | | | Burial:
Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
Kaneohe
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Mongoose
Record added: Sep 15, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 7870968 |
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