It is good, isn't it. I had never heard that version until the dreadlock guy on American Idol did it a couple years ago.

We almost used that for the picture video for my Uncle Gene's funeral in March.
We used When I get Where I'm Going by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton. They are both beautiful songs and I can cry listening to them.

It's by Budha Iz. His real name was Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
Sadly, he has also passed away.

That is the best song ever!

the first time I ever heard it was when Mark Greene passed away on ER...what an impact!!

Isn't it used on the movie, "First Date"? Loved it when Jason sang it on Idol.

I always think of Mark Green's death when I hear that song....

I'd never heard of it by this person so I googled and was very pleasantly surprised. Here is a link if anyone else wants to hear.

Here is a link that might be useful: song by the Hawiian Guy

never heard of this "guy" till you mentioned it very nice Thanks for bringing him to our attention

It's such a simple song -- but such a beautiful song.

Sadly morbid obesity killed this very talented man with the voice of an angel.

I first heard of him 2 Summer's ago. Love his music. So sad he died so young.

That's the song (done by Iz) that I assigned a long time ago as the ring tune on my cell phone for when my younger sister calls.

Never heard this version of it, but its *beautiful* and worth listening and watching over again ! Thank you for sharing this one !Such a comforting voice.....sad that he is gone.

One of the few remake songs that's as good or better than the original. A lot of stores around here use it for background music. I think the first time I ever heard it was on American Idol too and he did a superb rendition too. There was a thread about this song here a while ago and some didn't like it but I think it's great. He had a super voice and seemed so down-to-earth.

I think I must be the only person in the world (seriously!) who dislikes this version because the lyrics are so screwed up.

Okay, I'm going back under my rock now. :-)

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Iz) was part of the Hawaiian vocal group known as Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau.

They do a beautiful rendition of this song written by and recorded
by Kui Lee: I'll Remember You

Kui Lee died of cancer at a very young age.

Also this song was part of Elvis' concerts for many years, and Andy Williams recorded it on one of his albums.

Here is a link that might be useful: I'll Remember You

I love that song. And of course I loved it when Judy Garland sang it, too. Amazing two versions could be so different, yet both pleasing and emotiionally riveting.

I love this version. It was used for an online toy store for a while, then on ER. DH gets very emotional when I play it, because of ER and Izzy dying so young. We've also seen it used at funerals, and as soon as the opening notes start, we have to get out the tissues.

We have that album, and his version of Louis Armstrong's "It's A Wonderful World" is also lovely.

So sad that brother Iz passed away.

I get goose bumps everytime I hear this man singing.

Have you heard him sing the combo version of Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World? I first heard it at the end of the movie "Finding Forrester"...

Here is a link that might be useful: Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

"IZ' is a legend in Hawaii, not for the 'Rainbows' but for his song "Hawai'i 78", reflecting on lost traditions.

I really enjoy present-day Hawaiian singer Keali'i Reichel, especially his song "Wanting Memories".

Like Iz, he has no formal training. His fellow high school students raised money for him to record his first songs after hearing him sing in the showers!

Unlike Iz, he is a beautifully fit person! He trained to be a dancer/chanter of traditional hula. He has remained a kumu (leader/teacher) hula. His halau (hula toupe) has won many awards. If you've never seen kane (Hawaiian men) hula, you've missed a thrill.

Izy did die from morbid obesity... but it was caused from a Thyroid disease that sadly his brother also has..