WHAT A VOICE! First Time Hearing Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Reaction!
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- 📜 About Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole: Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole, known for his soothing voice and deep connection to his Hawaiian roots, became an international sensation with his cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." IZ’s unique take on this classic song blends his gentle ukulele playing with his rich, soulful voice, creating a rendition that is both comforting and powerful. His version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" has touched hearts around the world and continues to be a beloved tribute to his cultural heritage.
Join us as we react to Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole’s iconic rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for the first time! Get ready to experience the heartfelt emotion and beauty of his voice in this timeless performance.
🔍 What to Expect in This Video:
First Impressions: Our initial reactions to IZ’s soothing vocals and the gentle beauty of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Lyrical Breakdown: We’ll dive into the song’s themes of hope, dreams, and nostalgia, and explore how IZ’s rendition amplifies these emotions. Musical Breakdown: Analyzing the unique arrangement of the song, including IZ’s signature ukulele playing, and how it transforms this classic tune into something truly special.
🤜🤛 Who We Are: We’re a couple who loves discovering music that resonates deeply with the heart. Join us as we react to Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole’s heartfelt rendition of this iconic song and experience the power of his voice.
👍 Like and Subscribe: If you enjoyed our reaction to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," please like, subscribe, and click the bell for updates on our latest musical reactions!
💬 Join the Conversation: What do you think of Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole’s version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what other IZ songs or beautiful renditions we should react to next!
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You can find Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere Over The Rainbow on UA-cam at the link below:
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#israelkamakawiwoole #firsttimereaction #Hawaii
He called a 24 hour studio in the middle of the night walked in and dropped this one take
I think this is the best rendition of over the rainbow love it
This is our happy song. My daughter walked out of the church after her wedding vows to this. It was my sister's chemo song. It was playing when my niece was born. ❤❤
Don't worry,, I cry every time I see the end of this video. Wouldn't we all want this celebration at the end of our life?
I'm not crying, it's just dusty in this room.
the best voice to ever walk this earth!
This version always gets me emotional. Not many things do. I love it.
It was my special needs son's favorite song. We played it at his funeral. It always gets me weeping.
What a TREASURE he was ! RIP
RIP Bruddah IZ.
I cry listening to him.
Singing about this guy just makes you smile. You can tell he had a calm and gentle soul.
Driving along the coast highway a long time ago, heard this song -- a peak moment never forgotten. God Bless Iz!
When I was in Maui for my honeymoon, back in '09, the radio station played this song once every hour. Never grew tired of it and everytime I hear it, I think of that magical time.
It definitely captures the chill vibe of Hawaii
I was in Maui in 2002 for my honeymoon. While there I bought the CD Facing Future which has this song. A Hawaiian friend had played it for me once so I was familiar with IZ
This is my favourite of this song, Issy had such a lovely voice…
I always get choked up when I see the end and his funeral to be that well loved
Rip ....a beautiful voice
What a voice. You got it right, soothing and relaxing. His music always brings a mental peace.
First time i heard this was in the movie 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, instantly added it to my music library.
There is a medley of Over The Rainbow and What A Wonderful World that Iz did which is lovely. You should check that out if you get a chance, or any of his other wonderful songs. This is an official video made celebrating his funeral using only Over The Rainbow. Iz was a mega star in Hawaii and around the globe even when he was alive, and was celebrated as a beloved artist when he passed. Thanks for sharing his music.
I believe the original is sung by Judy Garland from the Wizard of Oz..1939
Iz was very beloved and very famous in Hawai'i prior to his passing. I believe he was the first Hawaiian artist to have a platinum album. After his death he was laid in state at the capitol building, the only non-political person to ever have that honor, and 10,000 people came to his funeral. He was a passionate advocate for native Hawaiians and Hawai'i in general. He is greatly missed.
You need to react to more from ISRAEL KAMAKAWIWO'OLE. He is outstanding!
In a documentary I saw about Iz a few years ago it said he called the owner of the studio at like 3 am and said he wanted to record this. They met and he recorded it in one take.
I first heard this on the TV series "ER", when Dr. Mark Green (Anthony Edwards) was dying of brain cancer - his daughter gives him a walkman of this playing and I think his character died listening to it. Not a bad way to fade out.
This version is by far my favorite. I love his voice. It chokes me up every time.
Sweet version of this classic, Love that in his funeral even that is sad, the people are said good bye to IZ with smiles
two things. 1 they didn't mourn his death; they celebrated his life 2. The only non politician to ever get a state funeral in Hawaii.
Such a beautiful version of this song. So many people have recorded it over the years but I feel this is one of the best. Sadly Israel IZ Kamakawiwoʻole died at the age of 38 in 1997. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" was written for the 1939 film "The Wizard Of Oz" & was sung by actress Judy Garland.
This is unique and special all on its own because of the tempo and the beautiful man who sung it, but Judy is the first, the last, my everything, when it comes to this song. But this deserves its own place in the HOF "Over the Rainbow" recordings -- it's just that good.
He had an older brother who died at an early age as well, from the same cause I believe
Beautiful Soul! Peace, Love!!
Imo this version and another to check out are by far the best ever covets of this song. Eva Cassidy is the other, she may be one of the most underappreciated talents. One of the purest and strongest voices and a hidden gem to most.
Voice of a angle
Heart bigger than the universe.
IZ LIVES
Iz also has a version of "Over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World" it is EPIC! ! !
i forget what grade it was, but my class sang Israel's version for the spring concert. Back then I didn't think anything of it other than it sounds good and pleasant - a memory to share with my classmates. I think it's the same for others that came back to this song at an older age - you start to hear and feel the beauty behind what Iz did in this performance. He was meant to share his cover with the world.
So beautiful. The best version ever. Love you guys.
Everyone always goes to this song when they discover Iz for the first time. And I understand why, it is amazing. I grew up In Hawa'ii and knew Iz all thru school. He was not only and amazing musician, He was the voice of the people here in the Aloha State. So many Sunday afternoons spent in the parks by the beach. And So many time's Iz set and played just for the sheer gladness of it all. Please check this out, get a better feeling about who he was, what he meant to us and just the joy of listening to him sing. He was our Star Of Gladness. ua-cam.com/video/GWkKAQxe2mc/v-deo.html
He looks more like the demigod Maui from Moana than Dwayne does.
R.I.P. Braddah Iz beautiful song the ending was so sad!! He is still a legend in Hawaii he had a beautiful soul
I've enjoyed watching you two for quite awhile. But now after losing my mom and brother in the last month this song really tugs at my heart. Great song, great singer, rip! Merry Christmas Canada and USA. Miss you mom and Mike! Peace from Northern Michigan.
This version of Over the Rainbow by IZ is part of my heart. We heard it so often on our visits to Hawaii, and it is so special to us and reminds us of the beautiful people who live in Aloha! Thank you for sharing it❤️!
I played this video / song as the vet administ😢]ered the " pink stuff" - sending our beloved elderly pup, Dobey, to the Rainbow Bridge. We miss him and will see him again on the other side. BEAUTIFUL version!
I've had met a lady from Ohio Cleveland and she's loved bradda Iz music❤❤❤
Braddah IZ is loved and cherished in Hawaii. He was and still is Hawaii. There is so much to be said about IZ, but I would suggest looking up his Wikipedia page as a start. I'm born & raised in Hawaii and even I learned a few more facts about IZ after reading his Wikipedia info. ❤
Hi, Phil and Sam. In case you don't know, the world famous Ukulele is originally a Portuguese instrument called Cavaquinho. It's used nationwide but is used a lot more in north Portugal in folklore groups.
My favourite version of this song. Beautiful soul gone way too soon. 💔😢
You should check out his version somewhere over the rainbow/its a wonderful world mix
The ukulele he is playing was made by Martin guitar. After this video they put out an Iz special edition ukulele.
Hi Phil & Sam, thank you for the wonderful review of brother “IZ”. Iz was truly a gentle giant and he will always be remembered and loved. I will send you an email message later to further show my appreciation of your channel. Keep up the good work…. Verne
I’ve always loved his ‘chim-a-ney tops’. What a beautiful tribute to him, with all the support shown by his family/supporters.
This song was the outro from the movie MEET JOE BLACK. Just PERFECTION!❤😂
Same here. It's my favorite recording of the song. Although the video's production is very basic from a technical standpoint, there is an unmistakable feeling of nostalgia throughout that is quite moving. A great tribute!
Only with a voice like that can you make such a powerful recording with only one instrument, especially using only the ukulele.
Being 72 I'm a big Judy Garland fan growing up to OZ and still prefer hers but you can not taking anything away from Israel doing this song 2nd favorite but cry still because I knew he past and the end gets me everytime .
There is a version that combines Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Wonderful World. In fact I've never heard this version. You HAVE to check out the combo version. I think it's even MORE powerful.
RIP IZ. You were a national treasure!
Judy Garland first sang "Over the Rainbow" in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, in which she played Dorothy Gale. Garland recorded the song on October 7, 1938, and a studio version was released in September 1939. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature song.
Such a beautiful soul.
What a beautiful version, so unique & soul-stirring. Iz was such a talented guy & gave us a timeless piece of heartfelt music. (Ok, you guys must listen to Judy Garland’s version from “The Wizard of Oz”…her voice is simply amazing. Louis Armstrong, his timeless “What a Wonderful World “…both merged to create this beautiful rendition by Iz. )
❤spreading his ashes at the end got me 😢💔❤️
This version is so beautiful it always makes me tear up.
IZ born May 20, 1959 - died June 27, 1997 at 38 years old. He was 6’2” but heavily overweight, on one of his albums he discusses his father dying from being overweight and didn’t want the same thing for himself.
Judy Garland sang this in Wizard of Oz.
Louis Armstrong wrote WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, Iz takes it to a whole new dimension!!! Well worth listening to!!!
The original ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ was by Judy Garland from the 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’. I first heard part of this version (Israel’s) in an American TV ad about a destination.
He did this in one take at 3:00 am! IZ was popular in Hawaii before he did this song. It is so touching them showing the spreading of his ashes at the end.
This version along with Eva Cassidy's version never fail to make me cry
IZ also does a hauntingly beautiful cover of "Wind beneath my Wings."
7:05 "they are super nice"
Simple explanation for it, and it kinda applies for all islanders (Im from Ireland myself and they say the same about us). We are on a Island. Now that doesn’t matter with planes and boats and all that good stuff, but it used to. You have to make it work with the people on your island, and being friendly is a great starting point.
You Should See More Of Iz
Uplifting!
One of my favorite artists! Give a listen to 'Hawaii 78' one of these days, or 'White Sandy Beach of Hawai'i'
my favorite version of this song
I told my kids that if they don't play this at my funeral, I would haunt them.
Iconic Classic
🙏IZ💔😪
I have a Cd of his. Do his version of Hawai'i Aloha done in Hawaiian. Also, I love Hawai'i Aloha Playing across Hawai'i / Playing for Change. the scenery is beautiful. Hawaiian singers, musicians and school children
Brother Iz is our icon here in Hawaii, especially here on the West Side Oahu. We love & miss him. We will always play his music with choke respect @ our parties.🤗😎🤩❤🙏✌️🤙
Oh wow. What a beauty. I knew y'all would love it.
It's on the soundtrack of a top ten movie of mine... "Meet Joe Black". (Thomas Newman composed the rest of the score)
Edited 2:08 "It's A Wonderful World" , stunning instrumental, is also a big part of that movie. Ironic that you mentioned the two together. Maybe it's from Meet Joe Black. 🤔
I read somewhere that he recorded this song in one take.
After my Mom and I took a trip to Hawaii in 2013 I looked into Iz and his life because I kept seeing his CD's in the stores and was wondering who he was. He did indeed pass away at age 38. Morbid obesity ran in his family and his own brother passed away at 28 due to obesity. Not sure exactly what took Iz's life but I know at one point he weighed as much 767 pounds. I know he was married and had at least one daughter. Maybe more children but not sure. He is like a national hero in Hawaii.
Aloha aina ❤
he was a sweet person as well
laid in state at the state capitol
I also recommend the song Hawaii 78 from the same Facing Future album, a beautiful and sad song.
"Over the Rainbow", also known as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", is a ballad by Harold Arlen with lyrics by Yip Harburg. It was written for the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, in which it was sung by actress Judy Garland in her starring role as Dorothy Gale. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became Garland's signature song. - Wikipedia
For the longest time people tried to pressure Garland's daughter Lisa Minnelli to record her own version of the song. She always politely declined, saying "It's been sung."
Liza, not Lisa. That's autocorrect for you.
MAI YAMANE - "" Wave "" (Do It Again) 1980 SMOOTH JAZZ / R&B SOUL , CITY POP // Also Her AMAZING SOFT ROCK CLASSIC, "" Tasogare -1980 "" a True Rock Masterpiece of / Soft Rock / City Pop /R&B / Soul.. Her Voice reminds of Ivonne Elliman , so soft and soothingly sweet + Incredible Guitar play Bass & Drums other musical elements too. Highly Highly recommend both songs they're FANTASTIC!! and Beautiful 🎸 🎹
757 pounds at his heaviest. It did play a role, but he also had breathing issues.
Judy Garland’s WIZARD OF OZ version is the original song.
IZ 's version of the original is so beautiful and uplifting. .I love this version probably better than any other version except the original by Judy. You have to do the original by Judy Garland. Its a classic . You should never do covers of songs without doing the original.
you should try the "Piano Guys" version just as good!!!
You really need to check out anything from “Leonid and Friends” a Russian group who travel the world performing near perfect covers for Chicago, Earth, Wind and Fire, the Carpenters. Also you should count yourself among the rare few who have done first reactions to Yani’s song “Love Is All” …incredible vocals.
I was CRINGING when you guys didn’t know that the OG for “Somewhere over the Rainbow “ is Judy Garland from The wizard of Oz. I’m definitely too old….. lol 😊
RIP😢
🤙🏽🤙🏽
I also like Tori Amos' version of this song as well for the same reason, she has her own unique style to it.
As a way to hear Judy Garland sing this song, watch the iconic 1939 movie, "The Wizard Of Oz". Judy was 16.
He also does a nice version of What A Wonderful World. Bring plenty of money if you go to Hawaii.
I was told that such physical size, in traditional Hawaiian culture, is a sign of power and status and isn't (or wasn't) considered "bad" at all. Of course, they probably didn't know about the health problems associated with such extra weight.
KAMAKA VIVO OLAE lol much love
This cover is all over youtube. To me it is hard to beat Judy Garland.
I’m only watching your reaction to support your channel. To me this is Judy Garland’s song. There is no other. Thank you Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen.
He was an amazing singer. Iam Tongi is following in his footsteps. He won american idol last year I think. Check him out please.
Wait, you guys have not seen the Wizard of Oz? I just don't believe that is possible. One of the greatest movies ever and introduced by Judy Garland singing this song.
I believe that the ending of the song is actually his funeral with all of the people
Please review Iam Tongi, the recent American Idol winner, at his first audition. Bring tissues. You will cry.
ka-MAH-ka wee-wo OH-lay