There are some performances that just can’t help but make you cry—especially when they hold emotional or cultural significance.
Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole (pronounced Kah-ma-kah-vee-voh-oh-lay) is one of Hawaii’s most famous musicians.
He rose to international fame in the 1990s for his cover of “Over the Rainbow,” which is now the most popular version of the song.
His home state stood behind him with so much pride as he brought attention to the little island and impressed people around the world. He represented his culture by singing native Hawaiian lyrics and wearing cultural symbols like leis when he performed.
One such performance had the audience on their feet and moved to tears when he sang at the 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
He was the recipient of the Favorite Entertainer of the Year award years before, and came back to perform at the same award show even though his health was deteriorating.
He got on stage with a small band and used nothing else but his small ukelele and singing voice.
As it was a Hawaiian award show, he performed the five-minute rendition in his native Hawaiian language, making it an even more personal performance than usual.
Even though he was connected to an oxygen tank at the time, his voice sounded as powerful and beautiful as ever.
It resonated through the room as viewers stood mesmerized by the musician.
Many people in the audience knew it could very well be his last performance.
It became one of those moments that would never be forgotten by his family, friends and fans.
“It’s a memory you never never forget,” said Moon Kauakahi, a member of the band. “Everybody still talks about that. I mean everyone.”
He was a large man, namely 6′ 2″ tall and weighing close to 700 pounds for much of his life.
But his health issues didn’t stop him from following his music career.
According to NPR, he predicted an early death, but lived a good life and wasn’t afraid to accept it when his time came:
“I’m not scared for myself for dying. Because I believe all these places are temporary. This is just one shell. Because we Hawaiians live in both worlds. It’s in our veins. When our time come, don’t cry for me. Don’t cry for me.”
He suffered a heart attack in 1989 and ultimately passed away from respiratory failure in 1996—very shortly after this iconic performance.
Israel was also an activist for Hawaiian sovereignty.
He lived to see the day Bill Clinton signed the Apology Resolution in 1993.
Hawaii is still not a sovereign nation, but it maintains its own cultural identity.
His rendition, a medley of Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” is about getting through hard times and being optimistic about the future.
Which Israel Kamakawiwoʻole certainly always was!
He is still honored to this day, and he remains a major cultural icon in Hawaii. There is a bust in his honor looking out towards the ocean in Oahu, Hawaii.
Google posted a virtual drawing of him for Asian-Pacific American Heritage month this year.
Google users could click through to an animated video of him singing “Over the Rainbow” in different locations around Hawaii.
His legacy lives on through his uplifting songs and his daughter, which is all he ever hoped for.
Unless you’re Hawaiian you may not understand many of the lyrics, but the sentiment and feeling behind the song transcends language.
Watch his beautiful live version of the medley by clicking below:
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