IZ KAMAKAWIWO'OLE - SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW *First Time Reaction*

#IzKamakawiwo'ole #SomewhereOverTheRainbow #Reaction
Hey loves, here's my reaction to IZ KAMAKAWIWO'OLE's SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
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[@mattrogers8280]

When Iz recorded this it was done in the middle of the night in one take. I lived in Hawaii when he passed away. The whole state basically shut down for his funeral.

[@mikemorgan5394]

As well it should have.

[@sticks4166]

Further proof that beauty and talent is only skin deep. His voice made it easy to look past his weight and health problems.

[@philippesauvie639]

I was visiting Hawaii for the first time in June 1997 and having marital problems. I was living in a hut on the island of Kawaii below Kahili Mountain listening to my transistor radio of this beautiful Hawaiian music and I’m hearing IZ For the first time and his band and thinking to myself this music captured The beauty of Hawaii perfectly! One morning if I remember correctly I heard the announcement over the radio that he had passed away. The sadness was palpable. The joy of life is his legacy.

[@GodspeedHawaii]

🥲🥲🥲

[@paulmuaddib3470]

🙏

[@douggaijin]

‘Bruddah’ Iz is the only non government official to lie in state at Hawaii’s Capitol Building, the flag was flown at half staff and at least 10,000 people attended to pay tribute. He meant this much to Hawaii and his fans across the globe.

[@bradmossman7201]

As a former Hawaii government official at the time, I did not think it was a good idea, but I have since changed my mind. Uncle Ben: you made the right call/

[@dougmacdonald3678]

Never knew this, thanks.

[@ktp.]

IZ is a forever burning star. Not many can move the souls of people around the world the way IZ could with his voice.

[@jimmycampos3435]

I nvr knew this. God bless this gentle soul. I'm in tears everytime I hear this song cause he died way to young. R.I.P.

[@turtlebooties]

The song is not about being sad, it's about being happy and yes it's his ashes at the end

[@kay-gw9yt]

It's about having hope

[@no_one161]

yes but as soon as he sings I cannot stop tearing up.. it's his voice

[@leelewisesq]

Brother Iz is a national hero here in Hawai’i. He has over 1,000,000,000 views on this song as well. Lee

[@MarshallWilkinson]

His voice is angelic. The beauty of the voice doesn’t dictate what you look like. Empress you’re the best!

[@t0dd000]

Well. He was a rather good looking dude, so ... there's that.

[@klauskinski5969]

with him ode to joy would be galaxy hymne. lyric: schiller, music: beethoven, voice: ize

[@jimbigboystoys4077]

The way everyone was in the water swimming and with the boats around, spreading his ashes in the water...What a beautiful way to pay tribute and celebrate his life!! He was definitely a beautiful soul! May he Rest In Peace 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻

[@child_of_gaia1836]

RIP IZ The world still misses you.

[@Vaipae.50]

Finna make a nigga cry🥺

[@gng7744]

He was and still sings the best version I have ever heard.

[@hiyadroogs]

Perhaps you haven't heard Eva Cassidy's version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKPHaYmhqblrrrs

[@theeggbreadguy3799]

@@hiyadroogs I have, and this is better

[@Maya-bu2rf]

@@theeggbreadguy3799 I have heard both and definitely prefer this one!

[@trubblesiriahrenn751]

Everytime this comes on the radio My wife and I stop what we are doing and slow dance... Brings peace!!! Thank you Empress

[@EMPRESSJOYJEAN]

❤

[@eharper7]

Oh my gosh, that's so sweet!! 🥺❤️

[@trubblesiriahrenn751]

Thank you... It does make the people in Wimpy's Burgers In Cape Town, give us funny looks...

[@eharper7]

@@trubblesiriahrenn751 Nah, I think that's sweet. Personally, I'd join if I had someone to slow dance with. That is if I knew how to dance to begin with, lol.

[@cancionesromanticasparaela1307]

@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN iz tenía la voz de un ángel ahora hace duetos con el rey del pop, es injusto que se hayan ido tan demasiado pronto

[@User2718218]

This song is a cultural icon first sung by Judy Garland in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.

[@petedz9772]

Now there's the historical reference! My dad grew up in that era and played guitar, so as a kid I heard this song many times coming from that beautiful old Gibson archtop. Even for a 10 year old it was a likeable song.

[@michaeleagle2]

He was very happy.. This is a celebration of the life of a special soul.. IZ lives 4Ever!!

[@cuttermasterson]

Yes, this was made after his death. His funeral was so massive. They had it in the state capital. The lines we’re so long. That police had to close off several city blocks. Many of the people were not even from Hawaii. It was a moment in my life I will never forget

[@petercsigo3314]

I think this song is about celebration of life.Somewhere over the rainbow is that next place and he knew it.He also celebrated the beautiful natural world we live in.

[@velvetjones1856]

Iz passed away in 1997. Such a sweet voice and gentle giant.

[@ashleydixon4613]

South Pacific islanders (he was Hawaiian) tend to be big people. I don’t necessarily just mean overweight, I also mean tall. Just...big. Since adopting a western diet and lifestyle many do have a problem with obesity because they’ve been genetically predisposed to be adapted for living on a diet low in calories and fat. Mostly just lots of vegetables and fish. Switching to a modern Western diet while also becoming more sedentary has particularly hit them hard.

[@davidphillips4476]

Absolutely love this song!!! He did such a tender rendition. Wonderful reaction to this.

[@thepunadude]

AFTER HIS PASSING! I ONLY GOT TO SEE HIM PERFORM ONCE, HE WAS A TRUE HAWAIIAN/HUMAN.

[@paulkmetko6979]

We are losing a lot of great singers but i know that he is in Heaven god bless him.

[@dr.hanniballicker4951]

I get goose bumps every time I hear this song.

[@janiceschwab4321]

The angels sing even more beautiful when he joined them.

[@teenystudioflicks1635]

And this is how 'IZ' lives!! Thanks to KZbinrs and social media... Washington State USA here! Love the "IZ" !!!

[@Guitibaca]

Yes he passed away. This song was his version of an old song... they actually used this version in a movie when it first came out. When he passed away, they used this song at celebrations to honor his death.

[@Guitibaca]

I was trying to remember the name of the movie... it was called “Meet Joe Black” and came out back in 1998... didn’t realize the song came out that long ago

[@paulkmetko6979]

Yes he was a good man an a great Singer he will be misses but he is Heaven.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@Guitibaca I think it was "Finding Forrester"

[@fidenemini111]

Since I saw this video first time several years ago, I can not listen to this song wothout tears in my eyes.

[@Tr1hawaii]

Braddah Iz was a great man! He always standing strong for da Hawaiian people. I miss him...

[@ambroseasylum9777]

His voice always gets me 🥺🥺🥺

[@lenelle410]

I’m from Hawaii and grew up listening to Braddah IZ music. Some people in Hawaii say He was a big man but he had a bigger heart ❤️. Some clips are from his funeral and some clips are when he went down to a little town call Miloliʻi to perform. He was a true Kanaka Maoli.

[@dudeski55]

Every time I hear this and watch this I think about hope and beauty

[@markmiller5507]

Just beautiful, I tear up every time I see this video joy, sadness, and pure love

[@dianeryder5895]

“Over the Rainbow” was written for the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz and was sung by actress Judy Garland in her starring role.

[@ChrisGenXer]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard, it’s absolutely peaceful.

[@jackdorman4894]

This song/video was such a beautiful send-off for this beautiful spirit that Iz was/is thank you for your most wonderful reaction 🎶😍

[@TherealSBlair]

"Has the voice of an angel" My first impression exactly.

[@auntydale]

Yes, from 4:05 onward, that's is the paddle-out for his death. A paddle-out is where folks, well, paddle out into the ocean on surfboards, paddleboards, canoes or whatever to honor someone who has died. The ashes are released into the ocean. Flowers too. Iz's spirit is out in the waters now. Always.

[@sharmainetaua5436]

IZ is an inspiration and was loved by all. I was at Makua when they spread his ashes from the Hokule'a. Cars stopped along the 2 lane road leading to Ka'ena bringing traffic to a stand still. A procession of big rigs blew their horns echoing through the valley while his ashes were placed into the ocean making it sound as if the State of Hawaii was crying . . . it's a moment I will never forget!

[@wreybies]

The Hawaiian people gave him a king's sendoff. That's how much they loved him, and so very well-deserved.

[@brucehamm2072]

My uncle met him and said that he was one of the most kind and gentle hearted people he ever met.he loved people and loved life.

[@davidbozanovs1620]

There are many good cover songs. Then there are covers of a song that move you. Iz's version of this song, Disturbed's version of the Sound of Silence, to name a few. This version by Iz is what I like to call a "your view at the time" song. I have heard it at funeral's but I also agree with you that it is a "heart warming song". There have been time in my life when everything seems like its about to overwhelm me - - - then I here this version of that song and I know I JUST KNOW that better times are always ahead.

[@keymack2477]

Thank you for your beautiful reaction Empress JJ! So sad to think that this gentle man with the voice of an angel so much talent has passed far too soon. He took this Judy Garland classic from The Wizard of Oz and made it his own with only his voice and a single ukulele. Amazing! You are right, the song is happy and hopeful. For another beautiful song you may want to check out one day, once you have gotten to the rest of them on your list, please give a listen to Mmmmm Mmmmm by The Crash Test Dummies. Another song with a great tune, meaningful lyrics and a beautiful (though very different) voice! Peace, and keep up the great work on your channel!

[@jeffstone7912]

The song is from the movie “ wizard of Oz”. Israel covered the song and made it famous again. He was unknown except to family and friends until he recorded the song. He died very young.

[@SlyDogAmigo]

They played this at both my grandparents funerals, hits me extra hard when I hear it.

[@mikeyrebs8259]

IZ a Beautiful Soul ...

[@bellephegor]

Melancholy is a strange yet beautiful kind of sadness. The end of the video is people celebrating Iz's life at this funeral, where they ritually pour out his ashes into the ocean.

[@kevinbejkoxdxd1514]

When he had a few more months left to live, he sang songs with a nasal cannula under his nose. 😢❤

[@PRGidaro]

Talent is talent, you don’t judge a book by its cover.

[@yak4772]

I don’t think it’s a sad song I just think it’s so beautiful it can move you to tears so you really don’t know how to feel your just in awe of such a beautiful masterpiece

[@markcain9312]

I got to hear him in civet in 11th grade. After performing he came out and mingled with everyone. And I remember thinking what a sweet guy. He died the next year When my parents told me I broke down crying.

[@eddiemcgee8667]

Im a guitar player, however I bought a Uke and learnt this song purely from this great man. You live, enspire, you pass on.

[@jackpeters9048]

When I first heard this years ago, I was blown away....Then I saw the artist and was even more amazed.....Absolutely a stunning song...never tire of it...

[@shaunelijah455]

The Mainland says: WHY did you brother Moke keep this amazing man all to yourselves for so many years ??? ha ha ha. God what a Genius !! Miss you so much brother

[@danalyntuthill1538]

There is something hypnotic about this version. I think I've heard some if it somewhere. Empress, you should also react to Eva Cassidy's version. It's absolutely gorgeous. Both versions I prefer to the original by Judy Garland. I think a truly great song can have multiple interpretations that are equally beautiful.

[@auntydale]

This is the second reaction video that used the word "haunting" to describe Iz's voice.

[@chrismadden132]

Iz was needed elsewhere his journey was amazing short though it was. He always had time for anyone who walked up to him to talk. I met him when I was stationed in Hawaii. He and I talked for about an hour. He still visits his home to this day every time a wave touches the shore of his "White Sandy Beaches".

[@bradmossman7201]

Yes, the crowd portions of the video were his neighbors/community celebrating him after he died, and that were his ashes being poured into the waters. That is Hawaii. I will go the same way (probably with a lot fewer people). You go back to the land and sea. I will join all of my family there.

[@pamagnolia]

What a gorgeous voice and a beautiful version of this song. Thanks Empress! Always a quality job! 😊🌹

[@gordondafoe3516]

Empress, IZ was not an "Angel", he was a human being, singing a song of hope. He lives on.

[@carlosmontgomery1820]

For some reason the part that always gets me is the part where he says “why cant I”, such an amazing singer...a credit to this world

[@jettechdonatkins]

Sometimes God sends an Angel to earth to be with us for a while,IZ was one of those Angels.Rest easy Israel.

[@michaelloew169]

The second most listened version of this song behind Judy garland

[@atorothcassidy4866]

Actually based on views alone Judy is second, IZ has over a billion views

[@bmille2121]

he is over the rainbow. sad and happy at the same time. ❤️

[@williammcguinness795]

I remember the first time I heard Iz sing "Hawai'i 78. I broke down in tears...He was a talent like we shall never hear again. I think you can find concert footage on KZbin.

[@Jamesdylandean]

Some performances bypass the ears and mind and go right strait to the heart, this is one of them.

[@scapelaine4529]

He was a beautiful man with a beautiful soul and a beautiful voice! Right his voice is so pure it's like an angel! 💜

[@davidmichaelson1092]

Thank you for reacting to this! I love his voice. And your face is so expressive!

[@jowbloe3673]

Emotional song and video. Some sadness with the spreading of his ashes, but the celebration and remembrance of his life is very joyful. RIP

[@KHallesy]

The entire state of Hawaii loves Iz! His music lives on the radio and will live forever!

[@carynwhitfield2956]

The Man . The Myth, the Legend , Long Live Braddah IZ☝🏼🙏🏼

[@Damienetri]

He really does rest somewhere over the rainbow now 🫶🏼

[@SirFloofy001]

This is the only non live recording if IZ singing somewhere over the rainbow that i am aware of, he walked into the recording studio one night and recorded this song from memory in one take and that's what you hear. Someone put this video together after IZ went on his own journey over the rainbow.

[@danielmesery2904]

To be able to follow him thru the years ,brings a big smile 4 me.🎵😎

[@timfeeley714-25]

The ukulele is a Portuguese instrument called a port au braga, and was renamed by Hawaiians. uku being "flea" and lele "leaping" due to the motion of the hand while playing. In Hawaiian W is V. So it's Kamaka (kah mah kah) vivo (veevo) ole (olay). The canoe they poured IZ's ashes from is the famous Hokulea, which has sailed all over the world.

[@rayj1011]

Yes, that was after his death and those were his ashes being spread in the water.

[@petedz9772]

Hi Empress, you've reacted to several ballads like this one. If you're a sucker for these the Beatles recorded many, one of their early ones was "If I Fell". A short but beautiful song.

[@stevennpitt]

Empress - I just discovered your channel and I have watched a few of your reactions. I think that on this one you showed so much great emotion and deep respect for Iz… as much as listening to the song, watching you react also makes me hopeful. Please keep doing these!

[@Splagnate]

Is it a sad song? You said what it is. It’s just happiness!♥️ That’s what life is happiness enjoying the simple things!😁 Chimney tops? Lemon Drops? It’s your smile! Everyone can see it but only you know what makes it happen! Keep smiling! 😁

[@timconnecticut6263]

Even if you don't react to it you need to hear him sing "White Sandy Beach."

[@douglashayes3167]

This is why I LOVE YOU 1/2 from way around the world Empress.... YOU ROCK!! most genuine reactions ever....

[@DublinJimmy80]

You are a magical balloon of happiness and emotion, just waiting to burst, it's amazing 🙏💖

[@berenlevia8486]

IZ was given the honor of lying in State at the H i State Capital building and is considered a national treasure.of HI He was a devoted Christian .

[@Rainbow.Pegacorn.Cosplay]

My favorite cover of a Judy Garland classic song.

[@bronsonbrown3185]

I just subscribed to your channel and I couldn't believe you reacted to this man. He was my idol growing up. I live in Hawaii and I have all his albums. He was a legend and his voice is still remembered today... RIP Braddah IZ

[@EMPRESSJOYJEAN]

🤎🤎🤎

[@bronsonbrown3185]

@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN thank you again...lol forward to more beautiful songs you react to

[@gsadventures678]

Somewhere over the rainbow, Empress will be waiting for me!

[@scapelaine4529]

Yes this was done after his death and that was his funeral if you want to call it that and yes he's definitely somewhere over the rainbow if anybody deserves to be ,he does!

[@trudywolfe2795]

I could listen to this song every day. It's too bad his death was in this video but they all paid him great respect. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@justincowan7486]

Love this! 🥰 It's a bittersweet music video. It shows how much he was loved and what kind of person he was, even after his death. Really a beautiful song. Always happy to see you react to wonderful music. You're such a sweet person and so beautiful. 💕

[@hannahmaebeaver9521]

Your hearing pure beauty from a loving heart ❤

[@johnhodkinson2063]

This song was written in 1939, a time when America was still coming out of the Great Depression and much of the rest of the World was preparing for or already at war. The song is intended to be one of hope for a better time

[@danor6812]

Yes it was a memorial video to his life.

[@rx7dude2006]

I love his version of White Sandy Beach of Hawaii even more.

[@isaiahobannon6482]

I love her reactions and she is 6eautiful

[@kkahuna4263]

No one will ever replace him

[@c4wolf_]

A free spirit lived!!

[@petercsigo9935]

It was a celebration of life and his life and all life.

[@harrycallahan686]

IZ died of respiratory failure soon after success knocked on his door. We can project IZ lived a tormented 38 years, the good news we have infinity to recover and conquer all challenging mountains. Fantastic cover Well Done. Lovely heartfelt reaction, you spoke with your eyes. Very Nice.

[@dzopower]

Braddah you dont no braddah IZ

[@harrycallahan686]

@@dzopower And you don't know Jesus sister Kalei.

[@dzopower]

I was yalking about how you said soon after his success. He has been succesful long before he went solo when he was with his brother skippy in Makaha Sons Of Ni'ihau. And i hope you not calling me a sister

[@harrycallahan686]

@@dzopower We're all family under one sky, of course you're my sister. Then the article supplied fake news, it read soon after success complications arrived. We're all forwarded 100 years to do the best we can, it goes by fast and no one escapes. The numbers are endless of our people who exit while young. I stumbled on his cover 5 years ago thinking WOW this is Amazing. Stay safe kid!

[@harrycallahan686]

@@dzopower Maybe there's a misunderstanding. I thought your name was female. There's a good chance I messed that up and you're a guy. That makes you my brother from another mother.

[@ronniestobbart5249]

Miss him❤

[@7USC7]

It always carries me to a place where the world is PERFECT, NO WAR, NO POLITICS, BROTHERHOOD AND LOVE..........THANKS MY BROTHER....GOD BLESS

[@berenlevia8486]

I lost my cousin in 95 dur to complications of breast cancer , this song makes me think of her ; I'm learning how to play it on my Ukelelee , hard to se the chords through the tears .

[@lilyadams991]

Yes. After his death. But he is still loved.

[@JuanGarcia-qp7it]

Man imagine if he was still around the soundtrack for Disney lilo

[@editname8536]

Brudduh IZ lives on!

[@ptournas]

Beautiful. I've never heard of him before. He's as new to me as you and I am very impressed.

[@Incarn]

A beautiful soul, who will leave his mark on history.