Sung by Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole, (Fearless Eyed Man), a native Honolulu singer and tenor ukulele player in 1993, the song achieved platinum record status going beyond Hawaiian shores and played extensively in films, TV programs and commercials.
Iz was influential in Hawaiian music and as s person, popular and revered throughout the state. Standing 6 feet two but weighing 757 lbs, he was beset by medical problems which led to his death at 38. There was a crowd of 10,000 at his funeral and his body lay at rest in the State Capitol, an honour extended to very few. Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Originally sung by Judy Garland the leading lady in the 1939 film The Wizard Of Oz: https://youtu.be/V1bFr2SWP1I Roland. Toronto.
