One of the best songs to play at a wedding is Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”
Naturally, you never play this during the height of excitement. Instead, this is the song to play as the party winds down, folks are taking their final drinks, coats are being gathered, and only the most satisfied of lovers are still leaning on each other on the dance floor.
Israel’s simple strumming and beautiful voice can take your breath away.
Israel was known throughout his life a the “Gentle Giant.”
He was a massive Hawaiian, but he also had a massive heart to match his mighty frame. Israel worked tirelessly on Hawaiian advocacy projects, and he was always willing to help others.
Sadly, it was also his size that ultimately ended his life. Israel’s size led to numerous health problems. This included respiratory illness and even cardiac arrest.
His health problems led to his passing in 1997. He was only 38.
Take the time to listen to Israel’s version of this popular song one more time. As you do, think of him smiling down from Heaven on all of us still stuck in this sometimes dreary world.
His beautiful music will always remain with us. Israel was not on the Earth for a long time.
However, the amount of good he was able to do in those 38 years is incalculable. Israel, we all look forward to meeting you again someday.
Perhaps it will even be over a rainbow somewhere.
