Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, also known as Iz, the Great Hawaiian ukelele player and soulful singer, offers us a unique and haunting version of the classic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”  The video offers awesome images of his beloved Hawaii, as well.

The great voice left this world on June 26, 1997 at age 38. Thousands of mourners paid their respect as his body lay in state in the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda, only the third person ever accorded this honor. The latter part of the video shows the traditional Hawaiian ceremony, actually a joyous affair, during which Israel's ashes were scattered at Makua Beach, where he was raised. Even today, over a decade after his passing, his birthday is celebrated by the Hawaiian people.

Watch, and be enchanted.

If the above video gets taken down, go here or maybe here or even here. I want you to see this.... Jack Keller