His full name was Israel kamakawiwo. It's long and a bit difficult to pronounce so they just call him "Iz", pronounced like the worrd "is". He was so lovely. A tragedy that we lost him so young :( The scene at the end was, I believe, his friends and family releasing his ashes into the sea.
His rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is just beautiful. Before I knew it ---the tears were streaming down my face. The releasing of the ashes over the water was so sad ---but he at least got to share with the world his great gift of song and his inner beauty.
Oh my Lord me too!!!! I basically beginning to bawl almost grieve because I watched the videos and his story online♥ For me him singing this song is as if he is speaking about his own thoughts and at the same time speaking to the listener about where he will be soon. Very ominous and foreboding....
This song moves me to tears. My favorite movie as a child was The Wizard of Oz, so this song is felt in my heart but when I heard this version it truly moved me and such a beautiful person. My son's name is Israel and we call him Iz or Izzy. He's our world. ❤️❤️❤️
His birthday would’ve been today. Just discovered him today. I cried right away when listening to this. His soul is very pure and he is somewhere in those rainbows now.
tsfmnlb It’s ok, brother. This tech world we live in now we have to deal with keyboard warriors. Just got scroll on down once you/we read the first few negative words. Not worth letting clowns bring the spirit down, imho. Aloha!🤙🏾
I said this on another reaction video. This rendition of this song makes me happy and sad. I’ve not heard any others, I don’t want to either as this is just perfect.
Yes, that was his funeral. It's especially moving because it was a celebration and expression of joy rather than sadness. Joy is what IZ brought to people.
Margie Way Yes, it was so surreal that whole day. There was a parade of cars a few miles long heading towards that beach to spread his ashes and to say “a hui hou”(until we meet again). It was an amazing day. The man was loved by all here in Hawai’i. He was very genuine in his personality with how he treated his fans. I went to several party’s that he played when he was in a popular Traditional Hawaiian group (Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau) and when he went solo... and never turned any fan away. I also went to one of his concerts a few months before brother passed away. After the show he’d sit on a chair on the stage...a single line formed to get autographs or pics with him. The line was massively long. But you know what?... he stayed and greeted all until everyone was gone. You know how I know? My sons, my co-workers and I were the very last in line. lol. And when we reached him his face didn’t show like “hurry up” or rushed us to take pics etc. and always with that huge Hawaiian smile. He even gave my sons a little life lesson to listen their parents, stay in school and don’t get into gangs. That tore off message. When we drove home it was all my sons were talking about. lol. He just had that cool aura around him. It’s so hard to put in words to try and paint a picture of just how cool the Brother was. Miss brother! He is a legend here. And one of a kind. Aloha Margie! And take care 🤙🏾
This song holds the memories of the beautiful island and my experience exploring it, swimming in clear warm ocean water with tropical fish. I hope I can swim there one more time in my life. It was true peace and bliss. His voice and rendition of this song is beautiful.
I've listened to this song for years over and over after my dad passed away. Makes me a little sad to hear but cleanses the soul. This guys voice is almost angelic. It's nothing more than his voice and a ukulele. It's truly pure and talent. Nothing more
I have known this song all my life. A beautiful song. One day when my grandson was only one month old this version came on over the radio. He fell asleep in my arms as I sang along with it. From that day on for three years I would sing him to sleep every afternoon at nap time. A memory I will cherish for ever.
Before my daughter died she would listen to this song everynight before she went to bed... now her brother plays it everynight and says ... night mama listen with u again tomo night
Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) for this reaction. He came from a local group called Makaha Sons Of Niihau. They were the epitome of good Hawaiian music and also did great covers of songs just like Over The Rainbow. Thanks for the memories and talk about totally unexpected when I seen this on your channel.
Such a beautiful Song, it tears me up. The way the Community celebrated his Life & not so much his Death in the video, pouring his ashes, the flowers, the boat, the flags...is so awesome. May he RIP 🌈💜🙏💜🌈
My mom loved him so much and this version of this song. She cried when he passed. They are actually celebrating his life at the end of the video. She also requested we play this at her funeral services. And so we did. Beautiful!!
Iz was a great, gentle soul, much loved by all. The water scenes in the video was his funeral, the second largest in Hawaiian history, only behind the last of the Hawaiian nobility. The Governor cried. That pot in the video contained his ashes and you can see them poured into the bay. These people were celebrating Israel's life, his legacy, his music, a true celebration. He is missed.
His rendition is this song is so beautiful. Makes me cry every time I watch the video. I also did not discover him until after his death. The releasing of his ashes and the celebration
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is our Supah (Super) Hawaiian Man!! Heaven gained thee most beautiful gentle HAWAIIAN giant this world has ever seen. His leo (voice) was bigger than life. We as Hawaiians were just honored to know him. The Kamakawiwo'ole family is very well known and very much respected here in Hawai'i. Eō! From the Kahihikolo Ohana and Hanawāhine Ohana with much Aloha Rest In Pure Love Braddah Iz ❤️❤️❤️
Did you notice that those were his ashes they were putting into the ocean. This song touches me so much. Since I first heard it, I must say it is one of my top 5 songs of all time when he does that stirring rendition of Over the Rainbow and It's a Wonderful World. Such artistry reveals a special gentle soul. ,❤️❤️❤️
That last scene where the ukulele was all by itself, and then all the people where in the ocean and the jar was lifted above the one man's head... That was his funeral. They spread his ashes in the ocean he loved. - He was so loved by his people- his soul was as gentle as his voice-
Thank you so much for such a touching review on this one. Even after all these years and his passing he's still picking up many fans and it's no wonder, he was a beautiful soul with a beautiful voice and talent. He left us at an age too young, was loved by so many and will always be missed.
This man has such a beautiful soul to his music and you should really do yourself a favor and listen to the album facing future when you need a minute to just chill it's amazing . Loved it you can tell that IZ touched your heart and that's why I watch have a great day ! ...♡
my mom used to sing this as a lullaby when i was small. Since Ive grown and found this version , its got a special place in my heart. always makes me emotional
Unko IZ was such a treasure to us all. In a time in Hawaii when troubles and worries were gone when Ohana would bust out their ukuleles and start jamming and singing like IZ did. Mahalo mahalo maahhhaaallloooo for spending some time with him in This song. And mahalo for sharing your reactions with us. Aloha, sista!
He was one of the major inspirations that lead to my picking up the ukulele. He was a gentle soul with a great voice, and will be missed for a long time. RIP, Bruddah IZ.
Thank you for doing this beautiful song. My best friend, born in Hawaii, passed away from breast cancer way too young and her husband had a young man play and sing this song during her wake. I cannot hear this version without tears and sadness. RIP IZ and Christine...
I loved Iz and listened to his song over and over as a kid. And this music video made me cry so hard when it showed LIVE FOOTAGE of people at Iz's memorial and they poured his ashes into the water. Ugh! CUE THE ELEPHANT TEARS FOLKS! Man its been over 20 years since he died and I still get emotional over it. He had such a sweet and heavenly voice. And I know be up in Heaven now singing in that big choir in Heaven still blowing peoples minds away with his talent. He finally made it to that land he dreamed up Somewhere Over The Rainbow!💖 R.I.P. Iz!😘
One of the most amazing voices this planet has ever listened to.A voice that speaks and connects directly to your soul making you shed a tear without even knowing, until it drops.Unbelievable singer.
the IZ recordings didn't really come out until he had passed. The scenes at the end of the video are his funeral. Everyone was giving him a big sendoff.
@@personalcheeses8073 Pretty much the same. IZ may have been known more broadly locally. Another would be John Kennedy Toole. His only novel was published 11 years after his suicide because his mother kept pushing it to publisher. "A Confederacy of Dunces" is now considered an underground classic and earned him a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1981. Sometimes, we are not appreciated in our own time....but they miss us when we are gone. Not sure I would call that a win if I am not there to see and enjoy it.
Such a perfect voice and such a kind soul. Israel will be missed deeply by all. Such beauty is a rare thing in this world. Happiness and sadness are are two sides of the same coin.
He is now singing in that great choir in heaven with elvis Eva Cassidy etc. RIP big man
What? How sad! Love his version. Be blest.☦️👩🏻🦳🐾🐾
He always had a voice of an angel..
"big man"
Oh no what happened? :(
@@carreteFILMSPro He died.
Hon, those were his ashes they were putting in the ocean ... makes me cry every time I hear this 💙🧜🏻♀️
Me too!!!
He's a great singer
Did he have a wife
Brendan Chwascinski yes he had a wife and a daughter 💙🧜🏻♀️
howaboutit11 why do you have to be rude??? Can’t you just appreciate this performance??
Brudda IZ was a friend. He was loved by all. Mahalo for giving IZ a listen.
Sorry for your loss. His voice is a lullaby. Beautiful
dude you were blessed to know IZ, I used to sing this to my kids when they were babies, we still listen to this day epic
I love his music! Bought his cd when I was in Hawaii! Twinkle, twinkle is great too! Hell, everything he sings is great!
I know what it's like to lose a friend, I bet he would be glad to know he's still remembered. Be well my friend.
He was beautiful inside and out
The crowd was celebrating his life. That was his funeral with the scattering of his ashes.
His full name was Israel kamakawiwo. It's long and a bit difficult to pronounce so they just call him "Iz", pronounced like the worrd "is". He was so lovely. A tragedy that we lost him so young :( The scene at the end was, I believe, his friends and family releasing his ashes into the sea.
thank you for that
Yep it was. It's so sad to lose such a great man with so much talent
Kamakawiwo'ole.
Almost. His full name was actually:
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
There’s a good video of one of his last performances and he reconciled with ex band/friends on stage. Very emotional
This version will always be the best...rest peacefully Israel💖
He is not dead
He is somewhere over the rainbow
Gabriel Mendes true god bless
AND there he joins being with freddy
@Roxan Megens stfu
ANEN MAY HE #RIP forever
Went to Hawaii in high school and got to hear him in concert. This is my favorite version of this song.
His rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is just beautiful. Before I knew it ---the tears were streaming down my face. The releasing of the ashes over the water was so sad ---but he at least got to share with the world his great gift of song and his inner beauty.
Yes...this one was nice, but I REALLY love the extended version. I'll listen to him either way, though. ❤ RIP IZ ❤
Exactly same.. bluebells fly.. I’m so glad I knew his voice at all..
I cry everytime I hear his version. So moving.
Oh my Lord me too!!!! I basically beginning to bawl almost grieve because I watched the videos and his story online♥ For me him singing this song is as if he is speaking about his own thoughts and at the same time speaking to the listener about where he will be soon. Very ominous and foreboding....
I discovered him after his death. So sad that I did not know his music while he was alive.
he would be happy though that his music is still bringing joy, he was too good a person and a sad loss
He passed in 1998 i think
Thats brotha IZ. It always makes me cry a little when i hear him sing. Miss you brotha
This song moves me to tears. My favorite movie as a child was The Wizard of Oz, so this song is felt in my heart but when I heard this version it truly moved me and such a beautiful person. My son's name is Israel and we call him Iz or Izzy. He's our world. ❤️❤️❤️
One of the prettiest songs I've ever heard.
He is the best i do we are losing the best people.
THAT BIG OLE MAN....HE GAVE ME THE CRYS...not even gonna lie
Every time I listen to that song, sung by this gentle giant with that soothing voice, it brings me to tears. Just can't help it...
His birthday would’ve been today. Just discovered him today. I cried right away when listening to this. His soul is very pure and he is somewhere in those rainbows now.
"When he died, he didn't Go Away...he went Everywhere..."
Beautiful voice from a beautiful man -- lost too soon...
I feel sad for the three people who gave this a thumb's down.
let them... god himself could sing a song and he will get thumps down... or can you show me one video without...?
I expect they doubt she has never heard such a wide variety of some of the most famous songs on the planet.
tsfmnlb
It’s ok, brother. This tech world we live in now we have to deal with keyboard warriors.
Just got scroll on down once you/we read the first few negative words. Not worth letting clowns bring the spirit down, imho.
Aloha!🤙🏾
oh wow now its 46 (currently in May, 2020)
@@seelenwinter6662 ich denke du kennst scooter 😏
I said this on another reaction video. This rendition of this song makes me happy and sad. I’ve not heard any others, I don’t want to either as this is just perfect.
Brings me to tears. Was played at my mums funeral
Such a beautiful voice, I got goosebumps the first time I heard him do this. Still get them now, I was so sad when he passed away 😭
Freaking awesome singer and man....you are still sorely missed, Izs.
IZ was a once in a lifetime! 💔 I adore his version of this song! He and his gentle, sweet way is sorely missed. ❤️
It showed his family spreading his ashes into the ocean...when all the folks on their boats were cheering...
Such a peaceful feeling when you listen to this.
So the boat coming in and the people cheering as they poured the ashes those were his ashes?? Oh my this is sad yet beautiful rest in peace
Yes, that was his funeral. It's especially moving because it was a celebration and expression of joy rather than sadness. Joy is what IZ brought to people.
Margie Way
Yes, it was so surreal that whole day. There was a parade of cars a few miles long heading towards that beach to spread his ashes and to say “a hui hou”(until we meet again). It was an amazing day. The man was loved by all here in Hawai’i.
He was very genuine in his personality with how he treated his fans. I went to several party’s that he played when he was in a popular Traditional Hawaiian group (Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau) and when he went solo... and never turned any fan away.
I also went to one of his concerts a few months before brother passed away. After the show he’d sit on a chair on the stage...a single line formed to get autographs or pics with him. The line was massively long.
But you know what?... he stayed and greeted all until everyone was gone.
You know how I know? My sons, my co-workers and I were the very last in line. lol.
And when we reached him his face didn’t show like “hurry up” or rushed us to take pics etc. and always with that huge Hawaiian smile. He even gave my sons a little life lesson to listen their parents, stay in school and don’t get into gangs. That tore off message. When we drove home it was all my sons were talking about. lol. He just had that cool aura around him. It’s so hard to put in words to try and paint a picture of just how cool the Brother was.
Miss brother! He is a legend here. And one of a kind.
Aloha Margie! And take care 🤙🏾
It is a tradition
This song holds the memories of the beautiful island and my experience exploring it, swimming in clear warm ocean water with tropical fish. I hope I can swim there one more time in my life. It was true peace and bliss. His voice and rendition of this song is beautiful.
There's an extended version where he sings "wonderful world" in the middle of the song.
I kept waiting for that and thought maybe I was remembering wrong.
Iz's rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow is haunting and beautiful!! Dude had some pipes!!!
I've listened to this song for years over and over after my dad passed away. Makes me a little sad to hear but cleanses the soul. This guys voice is almost angelic. It's nothing more than his voice and a ukulele. It's truly pure and talent. Nothing more
I have known this song all my life. A beautiful song. One day when my grandson was only one month old this version came on over the radio. He fell asleep in my arms as I sang along with it. From that day on for three years I would sing him to sleep every afternoon at nap time. A memory I will cherish for ever.
Before my daughter died she would listen to this song everynight before she went to bed... now her brother plays it everynight and says ... night mama listen with u again tomo night
He was a beautiful soul, his music about Hawaii is simply beautiful. I highly recommend listening to more of his music.
He was dearly loved in Hawaii & a really big deal when he passed away in Hawaii
I read that he recorded this in one take at a local radio station on a whim. Love this song!
Brings a tear to my eyes!!!!!!!!!
Iz was a 👼 sent to remind us to be decent human beings! God bless him
Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) for this reaction. He came from a local group called Makaha Sons Of Niihau. They were the epitome of good Hawaiian music and also did great covers of songs just like Over The Rainbow. Thanks for the memories and talk about totally unexpected when I seen this on your channel.
This version if this song always chokes me right up.
Got tears in my eyes already.
I still can't believe he is gone to this day RIP you were probably my favorite singer😭
Such a beautiful Song, it tears me up. The way the Community celebrated his Life & not so much his Death in the video, pouring his ashes, the flowers, the boat, the flags...is so awesome. May he RIP 🌈💜🙏💜🌈
Humanity lost a great treasure when IZ went home...a great voice to be sure, but a magnificent human being. We would all do well to emulate him.
My mom loved him so much and this version of this song. She cried when he passed. They are actually celebrating his life at the end of the video.
She also requested we play this at her funeral services. And so we did.
Beautiful!!
I LOVE His voice..it makes me cry knowing that his ceremony was so wonderful and so respected...
He did that song in one take in the middle of the night.
Also at the end of the video, it's his memorial and they poured his ashes into the sea.
Such a beautifully, gentle rendition of classic song! ❤️
Your channel and reactions are so wholesome.
Iz was a great, gentle soul, much loved by all. The water scenes in the video was his funeral, the second largest in Hawaiian history, only behind the last of the Hawaiian nobility. The Governor cried. That pot in the video contained his ashes and you can see them poured into the bay. These people were celebrating Israel's life, his legacy, his music, a true celebration. He is missed.
The big guy had a beautiful voice sung it with kindness from his big heart
His rendition is this song is so beautiful. Makes me cry every time I watch the video. I also did not discover him until after his death. The releasing of his ashes and the celebration
Man, EVERYONE needs to hear this song these days. 😭❤️❤️❤️
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is our Supah (Super) Hawaiian Man!! Heaven gained thee most beautiful gentle HAWAIIAN giant this world has ever seen. His leo (voice) was bigger than life. We as Hawaiians were just honored to know him. The Kamakawiwo'ole family is very well known and very much respected here in Hawai'i. Eō! From the Kahihikolo Ohana and Hanawāhine Ohana with much Aloha Rest In Pure Love Braddah Iz ❤️❤️❤️
Did you notice that those were his ashes they were putting into the ocean. This song touches me so much. Since I first heard it, I must say it is one of my top 5 songs of all time when he does that stirring rendition of Over the Rainbow and It's a Wonderful World. Such artistry reveals a special gentle soul. ,❤️❤️❤️
Aloha brudda Iz,
You have brought great joy to our people. Beautiful voice, beautiful soul.
He had the most soothing
Voice! Such a beautiful cover of this song. 💕
Julie Ford I would say one of the best covers ever, just beautiful
The Runaway Kid agreed. ❤️
About six seconds after I heard this song for the first time I had bought it. Wonderful gentle voice.
This song is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard ❤ I used to dance my grandson around as a baby, this song made him smile
That last scene where the ukulele was all by itself, and then all the people where in the ocean and the jar was lifted above the one man's head... That was his funeral. They spread his ashes in the ocean he loved. - He was so loved by his people- his soul was as gentle as his voice-
My pap loved to sing this when he was dying always made me smile and cry.
I'm so glad he attained love and appreciation before he passed.
This guy is awesome.... I was astounded when I first saw this video
Very true, Robert
Thank you so much for such a touching review on this one. Even after all these years and his passing he's still picking up many fans and it's no wonder, he was a beautiful soul with a beautiful voice and talent. He left us at an age too young, was loved by so many and will always be missed.
This man has such a beautiful soul to his music and you should really do yourself a favor and listen to the album facing future when you need a minute to just chill it's amazing . Loved it you can tell that IZ touched your heart and that's why I watch have a great day ! ...♡
So beautiful! I feel tears come every time I hear this 🌺🌺🌺.
Another song to make me cry every time. So wonderful and lovely in this rendition
Thank you I needed this Monday morning
my mom used to sing this as a lullaby when i was small. Since Ive grown and found this version , its got a special place in my heart. always makes me emotional
Unko IZ was such a treasure to us all. In a time in Hawaii when troubles and worries were gone when Ohana would bust out their ukuleles and start jamming and singing like IZ did. Mahalo mahalo maahhhaaallloooo for spending some time with him in This song. And mahalo for sharing your reactions with us. Aloha, sista!
He was one of the major inspirations that lead to my picking up the ukulele. He was a gentle soul with a great voice, and will be missed for a long time. RIP, Bruddah IZ.
You hit the nail on the head. Happy and a glimpse of sadness. But strength. ❤
Thank you. I so needed to hear this today.
Watching you react to this showed me that you really get it. Keep going girl! You are worth watching.
This song is so great that it has been used in many films and TV shows usually when there is a loss. IZ is Hawaii's soul! 👍👍👍
They played this song on the show E.R. when Dr. Green (Anthony Edwards) died of cancer.
That's all I think about when I hear this song.
Thomas Finnell The full ER is now back on E4 in the UK I think I need to revisit it
Yes I remember that episode. It was so sad.
Love his voice. Like smoke on water
tears everytime I hear this. Such a fabulous voice
I heard this version 10years ago and cried. I cry every time I hear it.
love this version. rest in peace Israel!
The end of the video was his ashes cast to the ocean, and 10,000 people there celebrating his life.
Great video .. that man is a true human being .. thank you for playing his video
The first time I ever heard this version was in an episode of ER, and ever since, it's brought tears to my eyes. Still does.
Thank you for doing this beautiful song. My best friend, born in Hawaii, passed away from breast cancer way too young and her husband had a young man play and sing this song during her wake. I cannot hear this version without tears and sadness. RIP IZ and Christine...
I loved Iz and listened to his song over and over as a kid. And this music video made me cry so hard when it showed LIVE FOOTAGE of people at Iz's memorial and they poured his ashes into the water.
Ugh! CUE THE ELEPHANT TEARS FOLKS!
Man its been over 20 years since he died and I still get emotional over it. He had such a sweet and heavenly voice.
And I know be up in Heaven now singing in that big choir in Heaven still blowing peoples minds away with his talent.
He finally made it to that land he dreamed up Somewhere Over The Rainbow!💖
R.I.P. Iz!😘
One of the most amazing voices this planet has ever listened to.A voice that speaks and connects directly to your soul making you shed a tear without even knowing, until it drops.Unbelievable singer.
One of my all time favorite songs and videos
Absolutely wonderful voice ! God rest his soul
the IZ recordings didn't really come out until he had passed. The scenes at the end of the video are his funeral. Everyone was giving him a big sendoff.
Jeff S Same as Eva Cassidy then
@@personalcheeses8073 Pretty much the same. IZ may have been known more broadly locally. Another would be John Kennedy Toole. His only novel was published 11 years after his suicide because his mother kept pushing it to publisher. "A Confederacy of Dunces" is now considered an underground classic and earned him a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1981. Sometimes, we are not appreciated in our own time....but they miss us when we are gone. Not sure I would call that a win if I am not there to see and enjoy it.
No, he was very well known! Many albums!
I get teary every time I hear this. Just wonderful.
Great sending off celebration. Much love, big man!
when the soul sings..beautiful
He literally reinvented this great song. RIP big guy!!! The world misses you
Aww girl you seem so sweet- love your videos❤️
Brudda Iz! Bless his beautiful soul. ♥️♥️♥️🌹🌹
This song was played at the end of my mom's "wake"....Reminds me of her!!!SO,I LOVE IT!
Im glad you shared Iz with us. We all need more Iz in our life.
Such a perfect voice and such a kind soul. Israel will be missed deeply by all. Such beauty is a rare thing in this world. Happiness and sadness are are two sides of the same coin.
Been my ringtone for several years. Love, love this song
You cannot underestimate how beloved and inspirational Iz is to those of us who grew up in Hawaii! He was truly a giant in so many ways!