Remembering Israel 'IZ' Kamakawiwo'ole, the Voice of Hawaii

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, affectionately known as “IZ,” was born on May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in a musical family, immersing IZ in the rich traditions of Hawaiian music from an early age. In 1988, during a late-night recording session in Honolulu, IZ collaborated with sound engineer Milan Bertosa to create his iconic rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The session, which took place at 3:30 a.m., was spontaneous and completed in a single take. This heartfelt perf