Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole translation: "The
Fearless Eyed"; May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997), also called
Bruddah Iz (Brother Iz), was a Hawaiian musician, entertainer, and sovereignty activist.
His voice became famous outside Hawaii when his album
Facing Future was released in 1993. His medley of "Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and television commercials.
Through his skillful ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres (such as jazz and reggae), Kamakawiwoʻole remains a very strong influence on Hawaiian music.