Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Israel "Braddah Iz" Kamakawiwo‘ole (May 20, 1959–June 26, 1997) was a popular entertainer and singer in Hawai‘i until his death at the age of 38. He became famous outside Hawai‘i when his album Facing F

Israel "Braddah Iz" Kamakawiwo‘ole (May 20, 1959–June 26, 1997) was a popular entertainer and singer in Hawai‘i until his death at the age of 38. He became famous outside Hawai‘i when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World". The song has been included in the end of several movies, including You've Got Mail, Finding Forrester, Meet Joe Black, 50 First Dates and also in a chapter of ER (TV series).

Facing Future (1993) debuted at #25 on Billboard Magazine's Top Pop Catalog chart. Alone In IZ World, (2001) debuted at #1 on Billboard's World Chart and #135 on Billboard's Top 200, #13 on the Top Independent Albums Chart, and #15 on the Top Internet Album Sales chart .