:: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole - Facing Future

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Until his untimely death at the age of 38 in 1997, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was the most popular singer in his native Hawaii. At one point tipping the scales at 757 pounds, he was a huge man who played a tiny instrument (ukulele) and sung with a gentle soulfulness that belied his extraordinary girth. The resurgence of interest in Israel’s music can be directly contributed to its recent inclusion in a multitude of TV programs (ER, Charmed, Providence, Party of Five), commercials, and feature films (Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, 50 First Dates). His medley of ‘Over The Rainbow / It’s A Wonderful Life’ and his Hawaiian version of ‘Take Me Home Country Road’ have been the most popular. Both are included on Facing Future, the second of his four solo albums, the majority of tracks are sung in Hawaiian and the ukulele and steel string guitar feature heavily. Saturday morning music for world music buffs.