Favorite Installation Artists

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Alone With IZ



Israel Kawiwo'ole
"IZ"

My playlist includes many songs by this larger than life young man.  Iz died in 1997 at the age of 38, almost 12 years before I discovered the sweetest voice I had ever heard.  After he was cremated, his ashes were spread on the water.  That day appears at the end of this video.  He was accompanied by thousands of fans who sent their love along with him.  You can still get his CDs or download songs separately into an MP3 player.  There are two songs that I thought would never be sung as well as the original artists.  "Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland, and "Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.  I've changed my mind.

I'll bet you become a fan too.

6 comments:

  1. I had not heard about this artist. I watched the clip and you are right he has a beautiful voice. Such a shame he passed away so young.

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  2. aww, linda, what a voice! the video kept cutting out on me (my ever present electrical problems?) but i heard enough to know your assessment is my assessment.

    there is something so confident and peaceful in his face.

    how are you? i'm glad you're back.

    love
    kj

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  3. I've seen/heard this before...
    I like sound of his voice...

    BLOGitse

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  4. Vagabonde,

    Isn't it amazing when something so beautiful is such a complete surprise? You just naturally assume everyone would have heard of him.


    kj,

    This guy has Don Ho beat by miles! I have speakers everywhere and his voice is so soothing.

    Me too. Still trying to get Renee's letter down. And still can't finish. It's getting better though.


    Blogitse,

    He was one of a kind.
    I'm heading over to you site now!

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  5. Wow....am I the only one who haven't heard of him?!

    Love your blog - I've been dipping in this week and sneaking around.

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