@ericaboersma: In the early hours of 1988, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole made an unforgettable mark on music history. At 3 a.m., he called a Honolulu recording studio, insisting that he had to record immediately. Fifteen minutes later, the 500-pound musician arrived, greeted by the astonished studio owner, Milan Bertosa, who described Israel as “the largest human being” he’d ever seen. Settling into a large steel chair provided by a security guard, Israel cradled his beloved ukulele, ready to capture the magic of the moment. With just a quick sound check, the microphones were set, the tape rolled, and Israel performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It was a single take—so pure, so poignant—that it became the timeless rendition millions cherish today. His voice, laced with emotion, seemed to transport listeners to a place of hope and peace. That one night, Israel’s heartfelt performance turned a humble studio session into a musical moment for the ages, touching hearts worldwide. #IsraelKamakawiwoole #viraltiktok #SomewhereOverTheRainbow #fyp #HawaiianMusic #LegendaryMoments #OneTakeWonder #UkuleleMagic #SoulfulMusic #MusicalHistory #fypp
🇨🇦Erica Boersma🇨🇦
Region: CA
Saturday 28 September 2024 17:29:54 GMT
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Traveling Topia :
I can listen to this all day
2025-07-23 02:23:01
1
Phrankie54 :
The most beautiful rendition of the song. Israel may be gone, but he lives on through this song. May be forever rest in peace 🤙
2024-09-28 21:04:47
1056
George :
At 3 am he decided to live forever
2024-10-17 10:56:15
612
Mama & Little Tommy Gunn🇨🇦 :
I cry every time I hear it ❤️🥰
2024-09-30 01:30:11
83
user9190869470659 :
This version of the song was played at my son’s memorial. It brings me to tears now whenever I hear it 😢😢
2024-10-04 03:06:07
393
Natasha.N :
my husband was obsessed with this song before he died...8 months ago...🥺
2024-10-16 03:12:13
144
DRKorpal :
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, "The Iz", was a beautiful soul... 🫂😔😊
2024-10-15 12:48:17
342
Cathy Carson :
See his funeral in Hawaii. Incredible 🥰
2024-10-14 17:32:58
178
David Robins :
RIParadise IZ. Warm aloha from Ewa Beach
2025-03-14 02:48:17
1
ronnieleste426 :
This will always be the scene where Dr Mark died in ER for me
2024-10-15 06:23:23
45
thomas lee325 :
What if we are already on the other side? Would it change how you think about this life and world ?
2024-10-14 13:42:47
25
Mwashigadi wa-Mwangombe :
I remember this song through a dear friend who passed away of cancer in December 2023. RIP VMK
2024-10-12 03:25:30
54
EichNewf1 :
This song came in just minutes after I found out that my dad had passed away. Makes me think of his travels up to heaven, now watching over me. ❤️🪽🪽
2024-09-30 11:41:13
75
margaret.b55 :
That is my absolute favorite rendition of this song,it’s so beautiful ❤️
2024-09-29 20:50:06
93
bluebiskit :
A song to heal your soul
2024-09-30 00:47:12
179
JustSaying :
This rendition haunts me, and I am better for it. What a beautiful voice.
2024-10-12 02:31:08
107
samantha :
But what does his weight have to do with anything? Beautiful voice ♥️
2024-10-18 06:05:07
5
ScottyT :
Still makes me sad and so so happy, miss you big guy, e hoʻomaha me ka maluhia 🥹
2024-10-05 11:45:47
82
anniecatoo :
I find peace listening to his music ❤️
2024-10-11 05:25:52
100
MalcolmMeatflowerMiller :
Thank you Sir. From everyone who ever listened, stopped and felt ✊
2024-09-30 08:11:24
119
MissDaisy1946 :
our son-in-law played this song at his wife, our daughter's service! gives me goosebumps & tears! 😊💜🙏
2024-10-14 03:48:39
56
Geoff W 🇨🇦 :
RIP IZ .... you are missed and I'm sure one day we'll be able to meet when my time comes and I cross over the rainbow
2024-09-30 04:53:12
56
tippy :
So great and moving but Judy owns this song
2024-10-13 07:42:54
4
user4703072758447 :
I love his version of somewhere over the rainbow, it was played at my little brothers funeral and at my daughters senior year drama skit. It makes me tear up. I love this song. Thank you
2024-10-03 00:56:15
44
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