A Legendary Musician: Israel "Bruddah Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole

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)