The growing success of Israel “IZ,” Kamakawiwo‘ole, the late great Hawaiian vocalist, is an amazing story.

In 1993, following a successful run as part of the Mäkaha Sons of Ni‘ihau, Israel decided to venture out on his own. His first step was to meet with Jon de Mello, one of the most successful producers of contemporary Hawaiian music. The meeting would set the stage for the rest of Israel’s career. 

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Their first release was his remarkable solo CD “Facing Future”. de Mello’s production focused on Israel’s stunning voice and launched his incredibly successful solo recording career. “Facing Future” was followed with the release of another five remarkable recordings, “E Ala E” (1995), “N Dis Life” (1996), “IZ In Concert: The Man and His Music” (1998), ““Alone In IZ World”” (2001) and “Wonderful World” (2007). 

With each successive recording, Israel shared his love of Hawai‘i and her people with the world at large and the world responded in kind. Today, “Facing Future” remains the top selling Hawaiian music album in the world. In 2002 it was certified gold by the RIAA, a first for a Hawaiian Record label. In 2005, it was certified platinum for sales of over 1 million units. Then “Alone In IZ World” was certified gold. With each passing year, Israel’s presence in the music industry and the sales of his recordings continue to grow despite the trends that surround the industry. An amazing story about an amazing man, the man referred to by some as the Hawaiian Suppaman.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Listeners around the world were becoming aware of the power of the music, including those involved in film and television. These great fans were insistent in their desire that Israel’s music be used in their projects.
The more IZ was exposed to the world, the more fans responded. Universal Films contacted The Mountain Apple Company about an exclusive license to use Israel’s recording, “Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” in the movie Meet Joe Black. The call was the result of director Martin Brest’s (“Scent Of A Woman”, “Beverly Hills Cop”), love of this remarkable version. 

Next, eToys.com adopted IZ’s music for a series of ubiquitous national television commercials. Israel’s sweet voice was matched perfectly to these television commercials, which celebrate the innocence and beauty of childhood and the discovery of a world filled with wonder. This success prompted feature articles in the Washington Post and TV Guide.

More exposure led to more fans, and the fans were truly passionate in their support. In December 2000, best-selling author Dean Koontz honored Israel in the front of his new book “From The Corner of His Eye”. Koontz’s quote pays tribute to the power of this music:

“As I wrote this book, the singular and beautiful music of the late Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole was always playing. I hope that the reader finds pleasure in my story equal to the joy and consolation that I found in the voice, the spirit, and the heart of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole.”

Koontz followed this tribute by yet another kudo to IZ in another best selling book “One Door Away From Heaven” released in December 2001 by saying:
“For the second time (the first having been as I worked on From the Corner of His Eye), I have written a novel while listening to the singular and beautiful music of the late Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole. When I mentioned Bruddah Iz in that previous book, a couple thousand of you wrote to share your enthusiasm for his life-affirming music. Of his six CDs, my personal favorites are “Facing Future”, In Dis Life, and E Ala Ë.”

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

2001 also saw the release of IZ’s CD, ““Alone In IZ World”,” which debuted #1 on Billboard’s World Chart and #135 on Billboard’s Top 200. This CD is one of only 12 to ever debut #1 on the World Chart. It has remained consistently in the Top 10 of Billboard’s World Chart until it was required to move to the world catalog charts where it has remained a fixture ever since it’s release. Indeed, “Facing Future” has remained on the World Chart for an astonishing 493 weeks with “Alone In IZ World” staying there for 300 weeks (all in the top 5), each with no hint of faltering.
The release of “Alone In IZ World” garnered articles in the prestigious Washington Post and Chicago Tribune and again, more fans followed. In May 2002, producer John Wells selected IZ’s music for the top-rated television show “ER”. Wells placed it in the season finale that was viewed by 50 million people. Following the exposure of his music in “ER,” IZ was featured in People Magazine and Parade Magazine.
Again, more exposure brought more loyal and passionate fans. The result--even further exposure when the music was used in the hit film “50 First Dates” starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. The music served to highlight the final emotional scene, drawing raves from viewers. Immediately following the release of the film, “Over The Rainbow” hit the R&R (Radio & Records) Adult Contemporary Chart as well as the Billboard AC Single Chart, climbing steadily as AC radio stations across the country started adding the song to their playlists.

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

It is for that reason that Hawaiians worldwide consider him their standard bearer. It is why his fans include Bette Midler, Adam Sandler, Jim Carey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Connery, Drew Barrymore, Dean Koontz, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, Jon Favreau, New York Mets’ Benny Agbayani, director Martin Brest, producers John Wells and Zalman King, Japan sumotori Konishiki, Akebono and Musashimaru, and people of good will throughout a world, sorely in need of it.
What a Wonderful World, indeed it IZ.

Check out the Official IZ Website!