The Untold Story: 7 Secrets Behind Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's 'Over The Rainbow' Masterpiece

For over three decades, the gentle, melodic sound of a lone ukulele and a soaring, soulful voice has captured the hearts of millions globally. As of December 18, 2025, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole's iconic medley, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," remains a global phenomenon, resonating with a message of hope, peace, and the enduring spirit of Hawaii. This isn't just a cover song; it is a cultural touchstone with a legendary, almost unbelievable origin story that cemented "Bruddah Iz" as one of the most important Hawaiian musicians of all time. The song's power lies not only in its beautiful simplicity but also in the deep, personal connection Iz had to the music and his homeland. It’s a track that transcends generations, appearing everywhere from major motion pictures to quiet, reflective moments, carrying the weight of Hawaiian cultural nationalism and the pure, unadulterated joy of its creator.

The Life and Legacy of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Bruddah Iz)

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, affectionately known as "Iz" or "Bruddah Iz," was a Native Hawaiian musician whose legacy is inextricably linked to the revitalization of Hawaiian culture and music. His life, though tragically short, was marked by incredible artistic achievement and a deep commitment to his people.

• Full Name: Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole
• Nicknames: Iz, Bruddah Iz
• Born: May 20, 1959, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii (before statehood)
• Died: June 26, 1997, in Honolulu, Hawaii (Age 38)
• Musical Style: Hawaiian music, Reggae, Jazz, Folk, often featuring his signature tenor ukulele.
• Key Group: Co-founded the influential contemporary Hawaiian music group The Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau in 1976 with his brother Skippy Kamakawiwoʻole.
• Solo Career Breakthrough: His 1993 album, Facing Future, featured the "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" medley, catapulting him to international fame.
• Cultural Activism: Iz was a vocal advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and the preservation of Hawaiian culture, which permeated his music.
• Enduring Success: His medley has spent a record-breaking number of weeks on the World Digital Songs chart, achieving over a billion views on YouTube.

The Legendary 3 A.M. Recording Session That Changed Music History

The story of how this global masterpiece was recorded is one of the most famous anecdotes in music history, showcasing Iz's spontaneous brilliance and raw talent. It was an event that studio engineers still marvel at, proving that true genius often happens outside the rigid structure of a scheduled session.

The Impromptu Call to Milan Bertosa

In 1988, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole was already a well-known figure in the Hawaiian music scene, primarily through his work with The Mākaha Sons. However, his solo sound was still developing. One night, around 3:00 a.m., he called recording engineer Milan Bertosa at Honolulu's Castle Studio, insisting on recording a new idea immediately. Bertosa, who had just finished a long day, reluctantly agreed. Within 15 minutes, Iz arrived, a massive figure carrying his small ukulele, and was ushered into the studio.

A Single, Perfect Take

The recording session was completely stripped down and unpolished. Iz sat down, placed his ukulele, and performed the entire medley in a single, emotional take. Milan Bertosa later recalled that he only had time to set up one microphone for Iz's voice and one for the ukulele. The raw, intimate quality of the final track—the sound of Iz taking a breath, the quiet strumming—is a direct result of this spontaneous, one-take performance. The engineer was reportedly so mesmerized that he barely moved the controls. The track was initially intended as a simple demo, but its purity and emotional depth were undeniable, leading it to be the version released on the 1993 album Facing Future.

The Profound Meaning in the Lyrics and Hawaiian Spirit

The true power of Iz's medley comes from his unique arrangement, which seamlessly blends two classic songs: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (originally sung by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz) and "What a Wonderful World" (made famous by Louis Armstrong).

The Medley’s Structure and Lyrical Fusion

Iz’s version is not just a simple mashup. He strategically cuts and rearranges the lyrics to create a new, cohesive narrative. He begins with the hopeful longing of "Over the Rainbow," focusing on the dream of a better place:

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true

He then transitions into the pure optimism of "What a Wonderful World," using it as a grounded response to the dream: the wonderful world he seeks is already here, in the simple beauty of nature and human connection.

Well, I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day, I like the dark
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by

This fusion creates a powerful message: the dream of a peaceful, wonderful world is attainable, not just a fantasy.

A Voice for Hawaiian Sovereignty

Beyond the universal message of hope, the song carries a deeper political and cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. * Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance: Iz was a key figure in the movement to revive and preserve Hawaiian music, language, and culture. His rendition, played on the traditional Hawaiian ukulele, brought this cultural revival to a global stage. * Dedication to Gabby Pahinui: Iz dedicated the medley to Gabby Pahinui, a legendary figure in traditional Hawaiian music, further cementing the track's connection to Hawaiian cultural nationalism and self-determination. * A Personal Rainbow: For Iz, who struggled with health issues related to his weight, the "rainbow" may have also represented a personal heaven, a place free from pain and struggle, giving the lyrics an added layer of poignancy.

The Enduring Cultural Impact in Film and Media

The song’s gentle, transcendent quality has made it the go-to track for moments of profound emotion and reflection in popular media. This continued licensing is a major reason why the song remains "FRESH" and relevant today. The medley has been featured in dozens of films, television shows, and commercials, introducing Iz's music to new generations of listeners long after his passing.

Notable Film and TV Appearances

* 50 First Dates (2004): This Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film, set and filmed in Hawaii, prominently features the track, arguably serving as the biggest catalyst for its post-2000s surge in popularity. * Finding Forrester (2000): The song is used in a poignant scene, highlighting its ability to convey deep emotional resonance. * Meet Joe Black (1998): Used in the Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins drama, demonstrating its early adoption by Hollywood for emotionally charged moments. * Fred Claus (2007): The song’s use in this holiday film shows its versatility across different genres. * ER, Scrubs, and Glee: Its frequent use in television dramas and comedies further cemented its status as a piece of universal emotional shorthand. The simple, ukulele-driven arrangement, coupled with the purity of Iz's voice, provides a powerful contrast to the often-overproduced music of the mainstream, ensuring its continued relevance as a beacon of hope and simplicity in a complicated world. His legacy is a testament to the fact that the most impactful music is often the most honest and unadorned.