“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” is pretty much everybody’s favorite song ever. Maybe not everyone’s, but even if you hate it, you probably know all the words. I can sing every note just not very well. Every time I hear this amazing song, I’m taken back to my childhood, and I’m a child watching “The Wizard Of Oz” again and again and again.
I don’t really remember the very first time I saw the iconic film. What I do remember is that by the time I sang along with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, The Wicked Witch, Glinda, and The Wizard, watching the movie had become a part of every single day in my life.
Many people don’t know that after the hit movie, the song was a hit for many other artists over the years, including Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo’ole, a Hawaiian musician. Most of us associate “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” with Dorothy. However, Israel (Izzy) brings something very special to the song.
Israel’s smooth voice and incredibly subtle playing bring me back to my college years in the ’90s. Israel was known as the gentle giant, and he was also famous for his beautiful singing voice and his Hawaiian advocacy projects.
Sadly, he is no longer with us as in 1997, Izzy passed due to complications with his cardiac and respiratory systems. His voice is still with us, and it still soars “Over The Rainbow.” Take a listen for yourself below, and you will see and hear why this video has amassed over 800 million views.
