Israel "Bruddah Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole the Hawaiian legendary musician passed away on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38. He was a grand musician in his own time and extraordinarily legendary musician after his death. At times, he would incorporate jazz and a little regae with his ukulele to create beautiful and heartfelt songs. Iz was also nicknamed the "Gentle Giant" with his passion for music, his cheerful and upbeat attitude and his love of Hawaii and he is.... the ONLY Braddah Iz.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole was born on the island of Niʻihau, the smallest of the inhabited islands of the Hawaiian Islands. His family moved to Oʻahu in his younger years and they lived in Kaimuki (on the outskirts of Waikiki) where his parents Henry Kaleialoha Naniwa and Evangeline Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole had met and married. He started playing the ukulele with his brother Skippy from age 11 and later on formed the popular Hawaiian Contemporary band Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau.
He later went on his own to become the famous legendary "Braddah IZ". Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary since his passing and there will be a new album release tomorrow, June 26th, 2007 of his songs backed with an orchestra. He had made this request to John DeMello (Producer of Wonderful World of Iz and from Mountain Apple Company) years before his death and it took Mr. DeMello the last two years to get this "just right".
Courtesy of Mountain Apple Company ...Wonderful World
Video of Bruddah Iz while he sings "Over the Rainbow"
Please listen to this moving song and voice of Braddah Iz.
N Dis Life is his final album of original music and seemingly his lyrics more depressing and there are several kind of upbeat songs with sad lyrics although most are melancholy.
N Dis Life was my Favorite song although I could only find a little clip (click back on the link)....so the words will have to suffice for now.
N Dis Life
by Mike Reid and Allen Shamlin
For all I've been blessed with in my life
There was an emptiness in me
I was imprisoned by the power of gold
With one kind touch you've set me free
Chorus:
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart, I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you.
For every mountain I have climbed
Every raging river crossed
You were the treasure that I longed to find
Without your love I would be lost.
(E hana hou i ka hui)
(Repeat chorus)
I know that I won't live forever
But forever I'll be loving you.
(Guitar Solo)
(E hana hou i ka hui)
(Repeat chorus)
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Sally - Thank you for this loving tribute. I've heard his rendition of Over the Rainbow many times and each time it has the same effect...tears. It is so poignant. Thank you for telling us about the new album release. It is so wonderful to know that ten years after he left this world, the friends he left behind made sure his wishes were honored. What a great testimony of friendship and love. As I write, I'm listening to this stirring music...right on cue...more tears.
Marlene: I was watching the news and saw the whole story about the release..including John DeMello talking about it....of course...there popped an idea....and voila. I love all types of music (except for rap..sorry kids...just can't get into that...)....rock, alternative, classical, jazz,contemporary, rock (oh, I said that already) and rock...there it goes again. Just kidding. It's the heartfelt music that I can "feel" (just like writing does to me) that will prompt me to come alive!
A beautiful Interpretation of a great song. Thank you for bringing this to us. It perpetuates his very short life and give many of us a way to share his music and his soul. Someday when you get a chance, can you give me an idea of how to attach a YouTube Video to a post. You seem to be the master of this great resource. I promise not to abuse it, right! Nice to see your post first .
Sincere'
William
Again another great post with Hawaiian information. Always love your posts. Thanks for sharing.
It took so ling for me to write it,I wasn't the first. Tha's Ok, I adore Marlene anyway!
William: I found out that the easiest way to do this without putting the whole video on the post (and not get zapped) is to add the icon and link the icon to the page the song is on. I guess all his stuff got so popular all over the world their releasing this new album tomorrow all over the world.
B & C: (easier haha) Thanks for coming by...hope you got a chance to listen to Over the Rainbow.
William ...you both are so darn funny you must be related!
Sally, I am very familiar with Bruddah Iz's music. My broker is from Hawaii and we listen to Bruddah Iz almost every day. As a matter of fact if you call our office while you are on hold you are spiritually taken to Hawaii by his beautiful music. Thank you for this post.
Mana: Okay, your office is cool...we need to change our "hold" music. Some radio station...haha.
Ahhh Sally - that won (one) went right through the heart!! Iz has always been a family favorite to us. I grew up with the Kinimaka Family from Kauai and Oahu and was introduced to IZ early on. Seeing his ashes poured at sea literally brought a tear to my eyes. We use to play on Iva Kinimakas Boat down in Waikiki. I got to hear IZ's music all the time. We also made good friends with Arthur Lyman who has since passed away too. Man, what a great video, thanks for the flashback and one of the most touching posts yet out here on the rain!! Two thumbs up, bookmarked, a 5, and one hawaiian lei and Aloha hug for a job well done!!
BTW - That is Brandons favorite song (he's 10), unfortunately it's late, he's in bed, I'll have to play your post for him in the morning. Did you catch that..."Play Your Post"!! Can't say that about too many posts on the rain! Mahalo Nui Loa!!
Sally, Nice tribute.. Great link..
Nice tribute...but damm that boy was big!
I never listend to his music but he must have has many people following him.
I remember when they had his wake at the state capitol. He had more people come to the viewing than just about anyone in my lifetime. Very much missed.
They still use his music on movies.
Sally~
The Great Ones live on. They come at the heart level and stay for a time. Some sty until they are legends and then perpetuate themselves in the hearts of our children. I can think of a few. Israel "Bruddah Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole is one of them. Thanks for reminding me today...
I love this post Sally. The video clip was beautiful. IZ was a gift sent to us. Beautiful!!!!
Woo Hoo, What a great post. As a jazz fan I just love IZ and as always, you gave a fitting tribute. I always like learning something new about the great artist. There must be something about the Hawaiian air that produces great artist.
As you know I am a woodworking artist, but I bet you didn't know that one of the great artist of our time, in woodworking, is located on the isles. His name is Ron Kent ( http://www.ronkent.com/index.php ) and utilizes the native Norfolk island pine. You should check him out, he is truly amazing.
Sally- Wow! I didn't know it, but I DO know him That is one of those voices that can just take you away. Thanks so much for taking the time to share him with us- my mom and girls all listened to that clip with me, and we al loved it!
Sally - much like my visits to your beautiful land I love IZ his sound is unmistakable. Someone once told me he has one of the most played songs in movies of all time... don't know if that was fact or not.. but a great gentle voice.
Thanks again for sharing...
Sally, 10 years... wow how time has flown by.. over 20 years ago I used to date a kid that we called simply "Koko", his last name. He was the younger brother to the Koko Brothers from the Makaha Sons. I met the brothers once, but never got to meet Bruddah IZ but always LOVED his voice. I do believe I have that CD you have pictured at home. I have some Makaha Sons CDs, (along with some C&K and Beamer Bros too) I do miss the Hawaiian Music.
The movie that Bruddah IZ's rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow was Finding Forrester with Sean Connery. It was the first time I heard it and I was STUNNED, ELATED and SADDENED. I wondered if Bruddah Iz knew how many people his music touched. His version of this song was very fitting for this movie. I also now hear it in Bright House commericals here in Florida and a ceral commerical.
Aloha Bruddah IZ... and Mahalo...
Mahalo also to you Sally...
Now that I've watched the video I'm in tears...
Sally - the passion in your heart is so obvious - thank you for sharing this tribute I enjoyed getting to know more about this gentle giant
Brad: Thought you'd enjoy that! Wonderful memories huh? When are you coming to visit? Make sure and give me a buzz!
Matt: Thanks for popping by.
Neal: Big Boy...Gentle Giant. They grow em big over here...haha.
Randy: I was going to put the picture but I thought too morbid....Since you mentioned...here it is :)
Cheryl: Nice to wake up in the morning to get a bunch of nice stuff to read, huh? I get to wake up to everyone's beautiful comments. (time difference)
janeAnne: That's why I always tell my children to always be good people....because it does matter the legacy we leave behind.
BB: You're welcome. A big man, big heart, big voice.
Christina: That's why they did a whole news thing over here last night...which prompted me to write. Great man. I wish I could have found that clip for the words to N Dis Life to share.
Robert: Thanks and will do.
Desiree: I think you're "home sick"....better make plans!!
Lysa: Glad to bring you some of Hawaii and along with some memories of your time spent here.
Thesa: Great singer...loved by all.
Good Tribute Sally, to someone who the Hawaiian people cherished so much.
Danny: I felt it was needed...need to go run out and buy the cd now.
Sally--As always I learn so much from your posts. I have heard The Over the Rainbow version by Iz and what true talent and great loss. Thanks for sharing.
Teri: Glad you like it...and his music....much more you haven't heard!
Sally-Great tribute to a wonderful man and musician. His music means a lot to our ohana. When Tonyas sister passed away last year, the music that was played during her service was from none other than Bruddah Iz. His music is just as popular now as when he was still alive. Aloha!
It is moreso legendary now. The new cd with the orchestra just came out today...if you get it let me know. Gary said he just wants to stick with the original ones.
The radio stations have been playing his music all day as a tribute. Great music, great legend. I have 2 of his songs on our wedding cd that we made. Thanks for sharing him with the rest of AR Sally!
Pete: They had an hour special on tv last night as well. Really great man.