Until tracks on Facing Future were released in 1993, it was just about impossible to imagine anyone successfully reworking Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the classic Academy Award-winning ballad written for The Wizard of Oz (1939) and sung by Judy Garland. But Israel “Iz” Kaanaoi  Kamakawiwoole did just that with his ukulele medley “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.” After debuting in the No. 25 spot on Billboard Magazine's Top Pop Catalogue chart, one dozen years later, on Oct. 26, 2005, Facing Future became Hawaii's first certified platinum album, selling more than a million CDs in the United States. Its other famous tracks include: Hawaii 78, White Sandy Beach of Hawaii, Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man, and Kaulana Kawaihae. Before releasing his first solo album in 1990, Kamakawiwoole formed the popular traditional Hawaii musical group Makaha Sons of Niihau with brother Skippy and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, Sam Gray and Jerome Koko. Bruddah Iz passed away in 1997.

Video above: "White Sandy Beach of Hawaii" by Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoole



Click on the links below for the Top 5 results from previous HAWAII Magazine Facebook Ohana poll questions.

• Top 5 favorite hiking trails
 
• Top 5 favorite places to watch a Hawaii sunset

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii scenic lookouts

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii valleys

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii waterfalls

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii-filmed TV series ever

• Top 5 favorite natural wonders of Hawaii

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii plate lunch foods

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii small towns

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii-filmed movies

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii snacks

• Top 5 favorite Hawaii beaches





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