IZ: Voice of the People

by Rick Carroll, Marlene Ku'upua Kamakawiwo'ole (Foreword)

Here, nine years after his death at the age of 38, is the full story of how a local Hawaiian boy rose to unrivaled celebrity on the strength of his one-in-a-million voice and a four-string ukulele. It is a story about fame and celebrity and triumph over adversity, about a boy who rose from humble origins, overcame drugs, youth gangs, and the loss of his parents and his only brother to give hope to others. It is the story of a man who stood up for his people at a critical junction in Hawaiian history to demand justice and sovereignty and became the voice of a nation. It is the story of the Hawaiian singer who attracted a worldwide audience with a single song about a rainbow. Featuring many never-before-published photos and based on scores of personal interviews, articles, and anecdotes from family, friends, recording artists, and fans, this definitive chronicle examines the life and times of Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, one of Hawai‘i’s greatest musicians.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

182 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Kevin Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent bio. A Hawaiian gentle giant.