Amazon.com To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor. Kamakawiwo'ole's appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind. Several selections ("Ka Pua U'i," "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i," the sun-kissed "La 'Elima") feature Kamakawiwo'ole in a traditional mood, using only his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the Jimmy Buffett-like "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" add playful contemporary touches that suit Kamakawiwo'ole's style. Most touching are the string-backed laments that open and close the album, "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78," initially a reflection on his father's death, later on the passing of Hawaii's native culture. Best known is his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe Black. --Terry Wood Product Description Iz's breezy Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley brought legions of new fans to this 1993 album when it appeared on several TV and film soundtracks years later. His second solo album also features Kuhio Bay; Ka Huila Wai ; his take on Take Me Home, Country Roads , and more! About the Artist Born in Honolulu in 1959, this son of a Ni'ihau mother returned to Ni'ihau to spend the first five years of his life with his Tutu Kane, his Grandfather. In 1964 he returned to Oahu to join his immediate family then on to Makaha on the Waianae Coast where Israel was to learn the importance of his Hawaiian heritage and discover the richness and mystique in the music and culture of his islands. With an ukulele, his constant companion, Israel would sing and play for anyone who listened. The texture of his voice, the songs and the sound of his resonant ukulele constantly create the feeling that a new, musical Hawaii is emerging. Yet, the basics of his musical inventions remain embedded in the rich, warm, musical soil of his Ni'ihau and Makaha Kapunas. Band members: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-ukulele, lead vocals Mel Amina-bass Mike Muldoon-percussion Gaylord Holomalia-keyboards Del Beazley-guitar Roland Cazimero-guitar, ISBN13: B00000JFG3 ISBN10: B00000JFG3 Material Type: audioCDAmazon.com To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo'ole's body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor. Kamakawiwo'ole's appeal lies in his love for prestatehood, precondominium Hawaii and the expressiveness of his gently passionate voice, which can float through higher registers with an ease that brings Johnny Mathis to mind. Several selections ("Ka Pua U'i," "White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i," the sun-kissed "La 'Elima") feature Kamakawiwo'ole in a traditional mood, using only his ukulele to adorn the charm of his native lyricism. Others, such as the Jimmy Buffett-like "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man" add playful contemporary touches that suit Kamakawiwo'ole's style. Most touching are the string-backed laments that open and close the album, "Hawai'i '78 Introduction" and "Hawai'i '78," initially a reflection on his father's death, later on the passing of Hawaii's native culture. Best known is his medley "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," which played over the closing credits of the film Meet Joe Black. --Terry Wood Product Description Iz's breezy Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World medley brought legions of new fans to this 1993 album when it appeared on several TV and film soundtracks years later. His second solo album also features Kuhio Bay; Ka Huila Wai ; his take on Take Me Home, Country Roads , and more! About the Artist Born in Honolulu in 1959, this son of a Ni'ihau mother returned to Ni'ihau to spend the first five years of his life with his Tutu Kane, his Grandfather. In 1964 he returned to Oahu to join his immediate family then on to Makaha on the Waianae Coast where Israel was to learn the importance of his Hawaiian heritage and discover the richness and mystique in the music and culture of his islands. With an ukulele, his constant companion, Israel would sing and play for anyone who listened. The texture of his voice, the songs and the sound of his resonant ukulele constantly create the feeling that a new, musical Hawaii is emerging. Yet, the basics of his musical inventions remain embedded in the rich, warm, musical soil of his Ni'ihau and Makaha Kapunas. Band members: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole-ukulele, lead vocals Mel Amina-bass Mike Muldoon-percussion Gaylord Holomalia-keyboards Del Beazley-guitar Roland Cazimero-guitar, ISBN13: B00000JFG3 ISBN10: B00000JFG3 Material Type: audioCD , ISBN13: B00000JFG3 ISBN10: B00000JFG3 Material Type: audioCD