Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) (pronounced [kamakaʋiwoˈʔole]) was a Hawaiian musician. He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and commercials. Kamakawiwoʻole was nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" by his admirers. He was described as always cheerful and positive