Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) was an American singer and musician. He was also known as Bruddah Iz. He is best known for his versions of the songs "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", recorded in 1988 and released in 1993. He also played the ukulele to his songs. He was a Native Hawaiian and supported independence of the U.S. state to become a sovereignty.

Kamakawiwoʻole was born in Honolulu. He was married to Marlene. The couple had a daughter, Ceslieanne (born ).

Kamakawiwoʻole had health issues because of his obesity. He died on June 26, 1997, in Honolulu, at the age of 38.

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Category:1959 births
Category:1997 deaths
Category:American activists
Category:American singer-songwriters
Category:Deaths from heart failure
Category:Deaths from respiratory failure
Category:Disease-related deaths in Hawaii
Category:Musicians from Hawaii
Category:People from Honolulu
Category:Singers from Hawaii

Category:Native Hawaiians