What's Up Hawaii?

   Aloha and Good Morning everyone in the Hawaiian Life community! Di here so that must mean it's Monday again. The days go by so fast. When I done last weeks article on Ukulele's I knew what this weeks Blog would be about. I had mentioned Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ) not only for the beautiful music he made with his Ukulele but also because this past Saturday was the day he passed away, 13 years ago. So that is this weeks subject. He had a beautiful voice and the sound of his music is like no other. I'm including two of his videos for you all to enjoy!!! ;-) I love Hawaiian music and he was one of the best... I hope you enjoy this article on a beautiful soul with a spirit that will live on forever... Also important info on Mike below... ;-)

                                            *Israel Kamakawiwo'ole*

                                 *In Loving Memory Of A Beautiful Soul*

   This past Saturday marked the 13th Anniversary of the passing of one of the most beautiful souls in the music world. His name was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, IZ for short. He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. In fact Honolulu is where he lived, raised his family, made his career, and where he took his last breath. He died June 26, 1997 from a respiratory illness brought on by weight related issues. Yes he was severely obese, and that indeed is what took his short life, for he was only 38 years old, but that is not what defines him. It bothers me when people judge a person by their size. For example, if they are heavy, they must not have any intelligence. Or a person is judged by the color of their skin. Every one of us is different from the other. That is what makes us all individuals and unique. How boring would life be, if we were all the same, like a clone!!!

   I would like to focus on the talented loving man that he was. IZ had a voice like an angel. That combined with the beautiful sounds that came from his Ukulele and you couldn't help but stop in your tracks when you heard him sing and play his instrument. It was a combination that to this day is very popular all over the world, not just in Hawaii. I will send a couple links on this talented man. I have always been a lover of Hawaiian music. I remember years ago, when I first heard IZ's Somewhere Over The Rainbow. I had always been a fan of The Wizard Of Oz and that song since I was a little girl, but the day I heard that Hawaiian version was a day that to this day stands out. I've never heard it more lovely sang than the first time I heard IZ's version... He was the Hawaiian man with the golden voice! What a beautiful voice...

   He began playing music with his brother when he was just 11 years old. He was influenced  by the Hawaiian entertainers at that time of Palani Vaughn, Peter Moon and of course Don Ho. They were seen frequenting the establishment that IZ's parents worked at. In his early teens he studied at Upward Bound of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and his family moved to Mahaka, Hawaii. He met Louis Kauakahi, Jerome Koko and Sam Gray. With his brother Skippy, they formed the Mahaka Sons of Ni'ihau. From 1976 through the 80's the Hawaiian contemporary band enjoyed success and made 5 albums. In 1982 his brother died from a heart attack. That same year he married his high school sweetheart Marlene. Soon after, they had a daughter. His last recorded album with the group was in 1991. In 1990 he released his first solo album. Altogether he won numerous awards as a result of the seven albums which he recorded, three of which came out after his death.

   Little did he know that the sweet melody of his Somewhere Over The Rainbow and What A Wonderful World would end up being a milestone in the history of Hawaiian music. Those two songs alone have been played in numerous television shows and movies. His voice was powerful yet gentle in its sound, and the sweet music that came from his Ukulele was just amazing. You just can't come away from listening to his music without a feeling of peacefulness. His music has an innocence about it. It has the simplicity of a more sweet and heartfelt spirit that was always in him. That comes out into his music. He was very true to his beliefs for Hawaiian Independence and Hawaiian cultural and environmental issues. Even his lyrics spoke of Hawaiian sovereignty.

   Throughout the last years of his life he was faced with many hospital stays because of his failing health which was deteriorating. He died in the early morning hours of June 26, 1997 at Queens Medical Center. The Hawaii State Flag was flown at half staff  the day of IZ's funeral on July 10th. His coffin lies in state at the Capitol building in Honolulu. He was the third person in Hawaiian history to be given this honor and the only non politician. There were approximately ten thousand people that attended his funeral. Thousands of fans from all over gathered in a celebration of his life on July 12, 1997  and shared in the scattering of his ashes into the Pacific Ocean at Makua Beach. That footage is in his official video of Somewhere Over The Rainbow and briefly shown in his official video of What A Wonderful World. In September of 2003 hundreds paid tribute to IZ as a 200 pound bronze bust of him was unveiled at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center on Oahu. His widow, Marlene was present for the ceremony.The Spirit of Aloha was in the man and it will continue to live through his music for generations to come.

   Well, I hope you all liked my article on IZ! I will include a link that Mike has added here of the Hawaiian music and one of his articles. Since it's the start of Summer, he has a great article of things you'll want to bring home from Hawaii, if you are lucky enough to take a vacation there. Can't have an article on music without mentioning my friend @GregSlawson At Twitter he sends quotes & video links there and at Facebook. He and his wife Candice work from their studio at GC Creative Studio and have awesome relaxing music and relaxing videos that you'll want to check out. I'll send a link to them as well... ;-) Remember there is a load of merchandise through the Storefront here at Hawaiian Life that you can purchase at Zazzle. There is also Hawaiian music and Hawaiian books at the Storefront as well here through Amazon. I hear Tiki's calling you all at the Hawaiian Life Facebook Fan Page. Collect them all...there will be more colors to come...

   Looking for our new Author Mike? ;-) He is one busy man, but you might be able to locate him here: http://myonepage.com/MikeDolan You can pick up a copy of his book, A Pecunious Life at Amazon or through his website as well: http://www.mike-dolan.com/ Grab a cup of coffee or tea and head over to the The Virtual Book Tour Cafe http://virtualbooktourcafe.weebly.com/1/post/2010/06/author-spotlight-wi... He is featured there in the Author Spotlight!!! Then he makes a little Pit Stop over at BK Walker Books Etc. http://bkwalkerbooksetc.blogspot.com/2010/06/pit-stop-2-with-mike-dolan.... Phew... I'm worn out just trying to keep up with him! lol I'm proud of you Michael! Congratulations on your success!!! Soon you'll have thoughts to ponder...until then check him out on Twitter at @HawaiianLife He sends inspiration and positive messages. I'm at Twitter too. @DianneLittle Stop by and say hello! I'd love to hear from you... Hope you all have a safe and happy week.

http://hawaiianlife.com/content/hawaiian-music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0xoMhCT-7A

http://www.gccreativestudio.com/videos/WaterFilms/

http://hawaiianlife.com/content/20-irresistible-hawaiian-made-objects-de...

Until next time, Mahalo!

Aloha,

Di