Watch ‘Beyond the Rainbow,’ a Documentary Celebrating Iz
BY NICOLAS GRIZZLE
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s death in 1997 at age 37 was far too early, but the soulful ukulele ukulele player and songwriter still left a legacy that has extended far beyond the islands of his native Hawaii. On the mainland he is know best for his rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What a Wonderful World,” but Iz is so much more than a one-hit-wonder.
Released at the end of 2018, “Beyond The Rainbow” is a documentary about Iz, and his impact on music and culture. Produced by Hawaii News Now, it takes us on a 30-minute tour of his life as a musician, songwriter, and performer, and gives a look into his beautiful personality through rare footage and interviews of the man himself, as well as with those who knew him well.
“Israel had the best strum… one of the purest strums,” says Moon Kauakahi of the Makaha Sons Of Ni’Ihau. In the original Makaha Sons, he says, the music would be arranged around Iz and his unique, strong voice.
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The documentary includes comments from other members of the band, as well as Jon de Mello, CEO of Mountain Apple Co., which released Iz’ landmark solo album Facing Future 26 years ago.
The documentary includes some touching anecdotes. One tells of his hospital stay in 1993, when he was attempting to “rejuvenate” himself and lose some weight. While there, he would give impromptu concerts, much to the delight of patients and staff.
Another standout is a moment from the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1996, where Iz, wearing dark sunglasses and using an oxygen tube, gave a tear-jerking rendition of “Kaleohano” with the Makaha Sons joining Iz and the band onstage. The televised event is an unforgettable moment of Hawaiian music history.
Today, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is one of the most famous, instantly recognizable songs in the world. Younger generations are less, if at all, familiar with the original Judy Garland version from The Wizard Of Oz. It’s a testament to the soulful ukulele version recorded by Bruddah Iz. The recognizable tune brought the islands to the world, and helped introduce Iz and his beautiful original songs, like “White Sandy Beach,” to a global audience.
“Hawaiian music is my roots, and I’m not going to play anybody else’s music if I can’t do my own.” said Iz, who was passionate about his Hawaiian heritage and culture.
