Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole – born in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 20, 1959 – was
a singer, songwriter and musician better known as IZ and Bruddah Iz. In 1976, he
and his brother Skippy founded the group The Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau together
with other musicians. The group released numerous albums and received many
honors from the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and the Hawaii Music Awards. In the
early 1990s, IZ left the band to focus on a solo career. He released four studio
albums and, in his lyrics, was always campaigning for the interests of the
Hawaiians and the protection of nature. H...