In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the U.S., Google’s Doodle celebrates the 61st birthday of native Hawaiian ukulele player, singer-songwriter, and activist Israel “IZ™” Kamakawiwo`ole, who is perhaps best known for touching the world with his beloved rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and forever changing the face of Hawaiian music. Through his joyful songs and lifelong advocacy for the islands’ values and culture, Kamakawiwo`ole has been widely referred to as the “Voice of Hawai`i.”
Israel Ka`ano`i Kamakawiwo`ole was born on this day in 1959 in a suburb of Honolulu, Hawai`i and raised in a native islander family with a shared love of Hawaiian music. At ten years old, he was often found holding his `ukulele against his chest. In his teens, Israel, his brother, and three friends dug deep into the traditional sounds of the islands. Together, they achieved huge popularity across fifteen albums.
Late one night in 1988, Israel sat down in a Honolulu studio, closed his eyes, and in a single take, sang an emotional `ukulele-backed version of the classic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Little did he know, this recording—which serves as the soundtrack of today`s video Doodle—was destined to become an international phenomenon.
But Israel is so much more than one song; with his band and successful solo career, he redefined popular Hawaiian music through his own unique style and spread his love for the islands around the world.
Thank you, Israel, for providing the soundtrack for Hawai`i and for continuing to move hearts around the world through your music.
Please relax and reflect as you listen to his touching version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" by clicking here.
https://www.google.com/doodles/israel-kamakawiwooles-61st-birthday
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