IZ – The Official Site of Israel IZ Kamakawiwo`ole

IZ

Newly Released – Somewhere Over The Rainbow | The Best of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole

As the decades pass, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s legacy grows stronger. His recordings are always in demand world-wide, and are regularly featured in motion pictures, television broadcasts, and countless advertisements. Israel IZ Kamakawiwo’ole singular Hawaiian voice penetrates the personal complexities of our daily lives and probes our musical passions.

Click to listen to the album.

1T IZ Tenor ‘Ukulele!

The 1T IZ Tenor ‘Ukulele is a tribute created to honor the late artist. It was created with IZ’s favorite ‘ukulele in mind, keeping the quality and craftsmanship high, great for your ‘ukulele collection. This ‘ukulele features a beautiful quilted…

IZ Fan Stories contest!

We want you tell us your Facing Future/Israel Kamakawiwo’ole story with a video or a picture!

• Submit a video telling us how his music/the album changed your life by uploading your video and sending us a link via commenting on this post, or email: https://izhawaii.com/Contact/
OR
• Submit a picture and a story that demonstrates how important that music and IZ have become in your personal life. Send via private message or email: https://izhawaii.com/Contact/
• Did you know IZ or get to meet him? Describe how, where and what happened.
• Do you have an autographed copy of this CD or any poster, hat, Tshirt? Take a picture and share it with IZ fans everywhere.
• Submissions can be anonymous, but feel free to include your name and location!

IZ’s music has touched people around the world and the emotional response of the listener is exactly what music should do!

As an added bonus, we will pick ONE submission to win an IZ prizepack! A T-shirt, the entire IZ CD collection (Facing Future, Alone in IZ World, IZ in Concert, E Ala E, N Dis Life, Wonderful World) IZ, The Voice of the People book, and a hook necklace!

Submissions will be accepted til December 31st, 2013!

Submission Agreement: By submitting your materials for inclusion in the 20th Anniversary Facing Future promotion, you are granting permission to Mountain Apple Company/Big Boy Records to use those materials for promotional purposes and are warranting that you have the right to grant this permission.

#ThrowBackThursday – Kuana Torres Kahele and IZ

Two generations of amazing Hawaiian music artists!!

From Kuana Torres Kahele’s Facebook:

THROWBACK THURSDAY: KTK and Braddah IZ
This is one of my fondest recollections from being a kid in school, growing up in Hilo…….The day IZ came.
He was (and is) such a role model for me. I enjoy his music, but more importantly, he was the first Hawaiian I really saw being successful. Through his career, I saw the promise of a future in Hawaiian Music.

Check out Kuana’s solo work as well as his group, Na Palapalai!

Awesome IZ Fan Art!

Amazing IZ fan art made by Michael Volpicelli! Here’s what he said about this portrait: “I made his portrait using words from his songs. I felt like by doing that it was not just a “picture” but something more to…

“Henehene Kou ‘Aka” Soundwave

Here’s something fun for you audiophiles out there! This is a printout of the waveform of IZ performing “Henehene Kou ‘Aka!” This is the technical visual representation of IZ’s music! What does IZ’s music look like to you? Listen to…

Sarah Brightman/IZ Duet – PREVIEW!

“Sarah Brightman has an unusual and beautiful duet partner on the latest song to arrive from her new album. “Hawaii ’78” features the late and great Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, who originally released “Hawai’i ’78” for his 1993 album “Facing…

IZ Art!

Check THIS out! IZ Corn Maze as seen from above made to commemorate the singer. Created by Aloun Farms in Kapolei, 2001.

IZ fan art!

IZ fan art from a Sand Castle competition in Texas.  Have you created or seen any IZ artwork?  Let us know in the comments or send us a message!

KHON2 – “Facing Future” 20th Anniversary

Check out this online article and video featuring the 20th anniversary of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole‘s, “Facing Future” album!   “It’s been 20 years since Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Facing Future” album made its debut.  Since then, it’s gone on to become the best-selling…

Send a little aloha…in an “Over the Rainbow” Musical Message Bottle!

Looking for a special way to send some aloha to someone?

Look no further than our, “Over the Rainbow” Musical Message Bottle! Now you can share IZ’s music with your loved ones in a special keepsake glass bottle! Plays “Over the Rainbow” in full when you lift the lid! Only available at Hallmark Stores nationwide! If your local store doesn’t carry them, then please request them so we can continue to share IZ’s music with everyone!

Iz: The Man and His Music – Clip#2

A clip from the Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole DVD, “IZ: The Man and His Music – Island Music Island Hearts.” Features interviews, live performances, and a simple glimpse into one of Hawaii’s most treasured musicians.
Experience the bigger than life personality of IZ and learn about the man behind the music.

Purchase your copy of Island Music Island Hearts today.
https://izhawaii.com/store
http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/i…

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/israelkamakaw…
Twitter: http://twitter.com/izhawaii

IZ: The Man Behind The Music – Clip #1

A clip from the Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole DVD, “IZ: The Man Behind The Music.” This DVD explores that man, through never-before seen interviews and stories with the help of friends and family who knew him best.
Experience the bigger than life personality of IZ and learn about the man behind the music.

Purchase your copy of IZ: The Man Behind the Music today!

https://izhawaii.com/store
http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/i…

Official Website: https://izhawaii.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/israelkamakaw…
Twitter: http://twitter.com/izhawaii

“Dreamchaser” – Available NOW!

Check it out!  Sarah Brightman’s newest CD release, “Dreamchaser“ featuring a duet track with local boy, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo`ole on his hit, “Hawaii ’78”! “Dreamchaser“ is exclusively available through Target!

IZ Tenor Ukulele video review @ the NAMM Convention

The Limited Edition IZ IT Tenor Ukulele is now available at Martin Guitar retailers nationwide! Just like the Ukulele that IZ loved!

Check out this video from the NAMM Convention talking about this Ukulele!
Some fans have trouble pronouncing IZ’s last name–do you? How do you pronounce it?

Iz: The Man and His Music – Clip

A clip from the Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole DVD, “IZ: The Man and His Music – Island Music Island Hearts.” Features interviews, live performances, and a simple glimpse into one of Hawaii’s most treasured musicians.

Experience the bigger than life personality of IZ and learn about the man behind the music.

Purchase your copy of Island Music Island Hearts today.
https://izhawaii.com/store
http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/i…

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/israelkamakaw…
Twitter: http://twitter.com/izhawaii

IZ Tenor Ukulele Now Available!

It’s finally here! Unveiled at NAMM last week, the IZ 1T Tenor Ukulele is now available at Martin Guitar retailers nationwide!

It has a list price of $1,999.00 and has a bunch of awesome features, such as a beautiful quilted mahogany construction, an East Indian rosewood headplate adorned with “IZ” inlaid in Hawaiian koa!

Check out Martin Guitar’s website for more details and to find a store near you!

Iz on the 25 Greatest Hawaii Albums

Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo`ole’s song, “`Opae E” on the album Alone in IZ World, is featured in Honolulu Magazine’s The 25 Greatest Hawaii Albums of the New Century.

The album ranked 3rd on the magazine’s list!

“Alone In IZ World” was compiled after the passing of Iz in 1997.  Luckily, Jon de Mello recorded every studio moment to tape – outtakes, banter, lighthearted covers.  The result was an unheard revelation.

Check out, “The 25 Greatest Hawaii Albums of the New Century” and, “Alone in IZ World” now!

Jon de Mello on Braddah Iz’s music

“Iz will affect the world as long as there is music. Next to Don Ho, he’s done more for the popularity of Hawaiian music than any other Hawaiian. Israel has put Hawaiian music and the Aloha Spirit on the radar screens of people around the world. He is alive in the hearts of millions of fans.”

– Jon de Mello, CEO Mountain Apple Company • HAWAI‘I

Jon de Mello is Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s producer and lifelong friend. He is the CEO of Mountain Apple Company, IZ’s record company in Hawai‘i.

Check out Mountain Apple Company’s Facebook page and discover more great Hawaiian Music!

Iz and the Makaha Sons

IZ with the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau.

Photo from IZ: Voice of the People, a full color, hardcover coffee table book featuring tons of exclusive IZ stories and photos! A perfect Christmas gift, this book is sure to bring holiday joy to any IZ fan in your life (or you)!

Get IZ: Voice of the People HERE!

IZ at Borders

Are you nostalgic for record stores–where fans could browse all kinds of music, and artists had a chance to interact with their fans?

Here is IZ at his last autograph session at Borders Books & Music – Ward Centre, in Honolulu, Hawaii. IZ would always stay til everyone in line got an autograph, no matter how late–even if the store wanted to close. Shelley Coscina, Mountain Apple Company’s VP is in the upper right hand corner. Mahalo to Les Honda from Borders for this wonderful memory!

Remembering IZ

Today we are remembering the great Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo‘ole and how lucky we are to have had the opportunity to work with him and know him N Dis Life! IZ, you live in our hearts and minds every day! You are missed by millions around the world.

Share how much IZ has meant to you at our Fan Map. https://izhawaii.com/fans

Waimanalo Blues

Here’s a trip down memory lane, a rare video of IZ performing almost 20 years ago, with other Hawaiian music greats, Roland Cazimero, Henry Kapono, and Cyril Pahinui!

New FAN section!

Aloha IZ fans! We’ve finished gathering all the wonderful stories, photos, and videos you’ve shared with us, and put them together on a giant map for all to read and enjoy!

And since we had such a great response, we will be continuing to accept more fan submissions! Feel free to fill out the form at the site! https://izhawaii.com/fans/

Or if you don’t have a story or picture to share and you just want to be listed on the map, you can just put your name and/or location and we’ll add you to the map!

Note: Submissions are not automatically added; please give us a few days to add it. Mahalo for your patience.

Aloha!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, IZ!

HAPPY 53RD BIRTHDAY, IZ!

To celebrate this year, we collected fan stories and photos from around the world! Come back tomorrow to check out our brand new FANS section!

In the meantime, here’s some other great fan works!


This is Sungha Jun, a famous acoustic finger-style guitarist from South Korea; here he is covering “Over the Rainbow”!


Here’s a video of a fan who did a digital painting of IZ!

Here’s another portrait of IZ by fan Donovan Crisp!

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole by ~SprayCaint123 on deviantART


Here’s “The Piano Guys” with an instrumental cover of “Over the Rainbow”! Filmed on O’ahu on the North Shore!


Did you know Pearl Jam covered “Over the Rainbow” a few years back? Here’s a video of Eddie Vedder giving a very heartfelt performance in concert in Hawaii!


Here’s a very cool solo a cappella of “Over the Rainbow” by Youtuber daiyel!


Here’s one of IZ’s many young fans performing his rendition of “Over the Rainbow” 🙂

“Over the Rainbow” Music Box

IZ’s birthday is coming up on May 20th. If someone else you know also has a birthday coming up, check out your local Hallmark store for the perfect gift! They’ve got a wonderful music box that plays IZ’s “Over the Rainbow” AND you can record your own personal greeting! When someone opens the box, it will alternate between your greeting, and the song. It’s also a memory box, and you can add your own photo and other keepsakes.

Here’s a demo of the music box in action!

Call your local Hallmark store for availability. http://stores.hallmark.com/ Retail price, $19.99.

Together In IZ World: Be part of HIZ story

You are a huge part of IZ’s success. Now become part of his story. His ‘ohana (family) around the world has grown in to a tight-knit, knowing community of music lovers. Get to know this community better by hearing their story and comparing it to yours.

Tell us how you discovered IZ, did you see him in concert, what’s your favorite song, how often you listen to IZ, has his music helped you through a rough patch?…it’s all part of the story.

Send us your IZ stories, photos, artwork, videos, etc. and on the week of May 20th, IZ’s birthday, we will post all the submissions we’ve received from you, the fans.
Together In IZ World.

How to submit your fan story: Just fill out the form below! Click here or scroll down. If you have any questions or trouble with the form, please comment or email us.

Over time, we have heard from fans around the world where they told us of babies being born while IZ played in the background; or consoled by IZ’s music, sad goodbyes as people have dealt with death; countless brides have told us they walked down the aisle to Over The Rainbow. Adults have told us that when they were a small kid, they stood in line to get an autograph and still cherish it. The rainbow of fans around the world and their love of his music is what connects these unique memories all together. We’d love to share your story with the world.

Submission Agreement: By submitting your materials for inclusion in the Together in IZ World promotion, you are granting permission to Mountain Apple Company/Big Boy Records to use those materials for promotional purposes and are warranting that you have the right to grant this permission.

Note: Please don’t panic if you see a grey/blank screen after you submit the form. If you scroll up you will see the confirmation that your submission was received.

NEW IZ Digital Download – Fan Favs!

Aloha IZ fans! We’ve JUST released a new IZ compilation, exclusively for download at izhawaii.com! It contains 10 fan favorite songs as well as a BONUS never before released track of Hawaiian Sup’pman, available ONLY through this special album download. Just click the link!

For those looking to share IZ with their family and friends, this album is a perfect selection of songs to introduce IZ into their world. Aloha!

IZ Facebook passed the 50k fan mark!

IZ’s Facebook just surpassed 50,000 fans/likes over the weekend!! 🙂 A HUGE mahalo to all the fans, new and old, from Hawaii and around the world, for all your support! IZ would be so proud. And keep IZ’s spirit going and continue to share his music! We’ll be at 100,000 fans in no time!

IZ featured in ARC Music catalog

Aloha UK fans! If you receive ARC Music’s mail order catalog, you’ll see none other than IZ’s Facing Future on the cover for Spring 2012! ARC Music boasts the largest and finest selection of World and Folk music, and we’re so happy they chose Facing Future and 50 Greatest Hawaii Albums of All Time as featured titles!

E Ala E

This song was composed by IZ’s dear friend, Leo Anderson Akana. IZ found it inspiring and wanted to record it. Jon de Mello decided that it was the perfect song and had the perfect addition… a recording of Hawaiians chanting from some of the observations of the 100th Anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. E Ala E continues as an anthem to the Hawaiian people as they acquire proper recognition as the indigenous people of Hawaii.

E Ala E is available on IZ’s album of the same name!

White Sandy Beach

From the first album we worked on with IZ, he insisted on doing a favorite of his, White Sandy Beach. IZ told us that a man named “Willie Dan” was the composer, but Mountain Apple Company could not find the publisher or composer, despite looking high and low. It was about a decade after IZ’s passing that “Willie Dan” finally contacted us. One of the reasons that we couldn’t find him was that “Willie Dan” was a pen name for his compositions!

Anyway, we were finally able to connect with the composer, and now Mountain Apple Company is the publisher of this great Hawaiian song. Even though IZ never got to know “Willie Dan” we’re sure he’s happy that their collaboration continues to bring joy all over the world.

White Sandy Beach is available on IZ’s album Facing Future!

“Over the Rainbow” on Jon & Kate Plus 8


Jon Gosselin has roots in Hawaii, which is why he chose to renew his vows in the islands (on Maui), and play IZ at the ceremony. Unfortunately things haven’t turned out for the best, but here are 2 clips of Jon & Kate Plus 8 remembering the good times!

“Over the Rainbow” in Finding Forrester

As 2011 draws to a close, we leave you with a clip of “Over the Rainbow” from the closing scene in Finding Forrester, a movie about a young man, inspired by a talented writer to pursue and hone his own writing skills. Has IZ inspired you to pursue music (or anything!) in life?

We hope that you have a great 2012!! Happy New Year!!

For more on IZ, check out: https://izhawaii.com/ and add us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/israelkamakawiwoole

IZ in Rice Krispies commercial #3

This Rice Krispies commercial with IZ’s “Over the Rainbow” reminds us of the simple joy of spending time with your loved ones.

We hope you’re spending the holidays with the ones you love! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

IZ: Voice of the People

If you’re looking for a great holiday gift for the IZ fan in your life (or for yourself!) the book, IZ: Voice of the People is now on sale for $9.98! http://mountainapplecompany.spinshop.com/details/63093 This is a full color, hard cover coffee…

“Over the Rainbow” in Dutch Insurance Commercial

This week’s IZ clip comes from a Dutch insurance company. This commercial shows the full spectrum of the human experience, the ups and downs and everything in between. “Over the Rainbow” is definitely in the soundtrack to life for many of us!

For more on IZ, check out: www.facebook.com/israelkamakawiwoole

Happy Thanksgiving to all of IZ’s fans!! 🙂

“Over the Rainbow” – Car commercial with Jeremy Irons

IZ’s “Over the Rainbow” is a song that really makes you stop and smell the roses in life. This Italian car commercial emphasizes enjoying the sights, sounds, and feelings that surround you while driving.

Where’s your favorite place to relax and listen to music? Driving in the car? Relaxing on the beach?

“Over the Rainbow” in 50 First Dates

Here’s a clip from the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore movie 50 First Dates (which takes place and was filmed in Hawaii!) featuring “Over the Rainbow” in a sweet, romantic tone.

Do you know someone who played IZ at their wedding?

The beauty of Hawaii with IZ as the soundtrack

This week’s IZ clip is from the TV show, Aerial America, which explores the United States from a bird’s eye view. Get a glimpse of Hawaii’s scenic beauty that inspired IZ’s music!

For fans who don’t live in Hawaii, have you ever visited the islands? If so, what’s your favorite scenic lookout here?

Over the Rainbow in Spain

IZ continues his sweep across Europe! “Over the Rainbow” is quickly climbing the charts in Spain and is the #2 most downloaded single on iTunes there!!

Here’s a clip from Spain’s TELE 5, featuring “Over the Rainbow”!

IZ in Rice Krispies commercial

This clip features one of our favorite cereals, Rice Krispies! “Over the Rainbow” has been used in so many commercials that are aimed at children and young parents because of the gentleness and innocence of IZ’s voice. Do you listen to IZ with your kids? (He’s sure to calm them down!) Take a look at what Kelloggs did with this Rice Krispies commercial! What’s YOUR favorite cereal?

Hawai’i 78 in Race the Sun

IZ’s music has been heard in movies, too! “Hawai’i 78” was featured in the 1996 film Race the Sun. It was based on the 1990 solar race car team from Konawaena High School that went to the World Championship that year. IZ loved having his song in this movie as it was about kids from Hawai’i, and he loved kids.

And if you like the song, we’re offering it as a free download! Just click the button below!

40,000 fans on Facebook and counting!

Aloha everyone! We’ve broken the 40,000 mark in Facebook fans!! A HUGE mahalo to all of IZ’s fans throughout the world for your continued support and love of IZ and his music. With your help, we’ll get to 100,000!

“Wonderful World” lyric explained

IZ’s fans span the world, and many may be unfamiliar with some of the Hawaiian words used in some of his songs.  We wanted to share this email from a fan, asking about a particular lyric in the song “What…

Over the Rainbow… in a card!

Someone’s birthday coming up? What better way to wish them a Happy Birthday than a card with IZ! This brand new Hallmark card not only features “Over the Rainbow“, but has a cute pop-up with glittery flowers and butterflies! Perfect…

IZ’s Music Sweeping Across the World!

Aloha IZ fans! Sorry for the lack of posting recently, we’ve been very busy with new releases from other amazing Hawaiian music artists! But we wanted to let you know about the worldwide success of IZ’s music! Alone in IZ…

Get the IZ App Now!

We are excited to announce that IZ has officially hit the mobile web with his new App! It is available on iTunes, Android Marketplace and the Blackberry App World. Best part is, it’s FREE. Get it here!

Old Treasure.

This afternoon we had a visit from Israel’s wife Marlene and in her hand was a small ʻukulele case with scribbles and stickers all over it. No it wasn’t THE ‘ukulele from IZ’s performances.

IZ hits #1 in France!

You may have noticed we have been documenting Israel’s success in Germany and we may have mentioned to stay tuned for more updates on Israel in Europe. Well, the week of December 20th, IZ’ single “Over the Rainbow” was released…