Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Folk Singer
BIRTHDAY
May 20,1959
Birthplace
Honolulu, HI
Age
Jun 26,1997,age 38
Birth Sign
Taurus
BIRTHDAY
May 20,1959 (age Jun 26,1997,age 38)
Birthplace
Honolulu, HI

About

Hawaiian musician and entertainer who became an international star in 1993, dying of heart problems just four years later. He is best known for his medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World."

Before Fame

He began playing music with older brother and cousin at the age of eleven and continued after both his partners went their separate ways.

Trivia

His medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" reached #12 on the Billboard charts and was used on the TV series Glee, Scrubs, ER, and Life on Mars. It has also been featured in several feature films. 

Family Life

The popular Hawaiian musician and actor Moe Keale was his uncle.

Associated With

His music was used in the film Meet Joe Black, which starred Brad Pitt.