Israel Kamakawiwo%CA%BBole

Israel Iz Kaanoi Kamakawiwoole translation The Fearless Eyed May 20, 1959160 June 26, 1997, also called Bruddah Iz , was a Hawaiian musician, entertainer and sovereignty activist.

Kamakawiwoole was born at Kuakini Hospital in Honolulu to Henry Hank Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoole, Jr. and Evangeline Angie Leinani Kamakawiwoole. The notable Hawaiian musician Moe Keale was his uncle and a major musical influence. He was raised in the community of Kaimuki, where his parents had met and married. He began playing music with his older brother Skippy and cousin Allen Thornton at the age of 11, being exposed to the music of Hawaiian entertainers of the time such as Peter Moon, Palani Vaughn and Don Ho, who frequented the establishment where Kamakawiwooles parents worked. Hawaiian musician Del Beazley spoke of the first time he heard Israel play, when, while playing for a graduation party, the whole room fell silent on hearing him. Israel continued his path as his brother Skippy entered the Army in 1971 and cousin Allen parted ways in 1976 for the mainland.

Source: Wikipedia