IZ – The Official Site of Israel IZ Kamakawiwo`ole

September 10, 2013

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!

“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 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!

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 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!