Bradda Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

This page is dedicated to the Hawaiian Supah-man, Bradda IZ!

-- peace --

May 20, 1959 - June 26, 1997

Israel Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole was born May 20, 1959 to Henry (aka Tiny) KaleiAloha Naniwa Kamakwiwo`ole Jr. and Evangeline Leinani (Keale) Kamakawiwo`ole. He lived the first 10 years of his life in Palolo Valley on O'ahu. Then the family moved to Makaha. He started playing music with his older brother Skippy when he was just 11 years old. But that isn't suprising, as Israel came from a musical family. His uncle is Moe Keale, a living legend in Hawaii.

One day when he was 15 years old, Israel was sitting at a picnic table on Makaha Beach playing his ukulele when Jerry Koko stopped by to talk story. Jerry invited Israel over to his house to kanikapila (play music). He then met Moon Kauakahi and Jerry's brother, John Koko. Israel told the boys about his brother, Skippy, and how he could play guitar. After playing togther for awhile, the boys decided to start a group and the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau were born. First consisting of Israel, Skippy, Moon, Mel Amina (Israel's cousin) and Sam Grey, their first big break was being on the Jerry Lewis telethon.

The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau; Jerome Koko, Moon Kauakahi, John Koko, IZ (seated).

Over a period of 15 years, The Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau recorded 10 albums and won numerous Hoku awards (the Hawaiian Grammy). They started the Makaha Bash, a huge concert at the Waikiki Shell every year on Memorial Day weekend. But in the early 90s Israel decided to go in a new direction and left The Sons. With the help of producer Jon De Mello, he recorded 4 albums.

Israel passed away on June 26, 1997. The whole State of Hawaii was shocked and saddened at Israel's passing. Over 20,000 people came to his memorial in the State Capitol Rotunda. He was only the third person ever to be given that honor.

Brudda IZ, as he was affectionately known, was the Ali'i of the common people of Hawai'i, a man with a heart bigger then his body. He was a true man of aloha and he will never be forgotten.

On a personal note, Bradda IZ was a dear friend of mine. I have never met anyone like him. He had an aura, an energy, or as the Hawaiians say, MANA about him that was unique. The power of this mana was most obvious when he was on stage. The last time I saw him was at a concert here in California. The audience was on it's feet, waiting for the curtains to open and for IZ to sing. We were all cheering and quite excited. Suddenly, the music started, the curtains opened, and there was Bradda, that giant man with his little ukulele...and that golden voice, the voice of an angel. My knees went weak and tears started to roll down my cheeks, the aloha from this man was so powerful. I looked around at the audience and I discovered I wasn't alone. Everyone that I saw had tears in their eyes, "Akaka Falls da makas".

From his last CD, "N Dis Life":

This is a Hawaiian man with a heart ten times bigger then his body
this hawaiian man has the largest ideas in the world
this hawaiian man wants to love everyone and give forever
this hawaiian man sings like the light in the sky
this hawaiian man stands as tall as mountains
this hawaiian man lifts minds to no end
this hawaiian man frees souls into believing
this hawaiian man finds love in us all
this hawaiian man needs us to hear his message
this hawaiian man lives for peace & beauty
this hawaiian man breaks barriers between people
this hawaiian man dreams of a great future for Hawai'i
This Hawaiian man Israel Kamakawiwo'ole