Stage Presence coach reacts Israel Kamakawiwoʻole "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"

[@lizardkingof1968]

One of the most beautiful and emotional songs ever recorded. Izzie was inspired one night so he called his friend, who had keys to the local studio, at 3 am, and recorded this in one take.

[@mattfraser1096]

YES! One take. love that fact

[@Makiaveli01]

It’s almost supernatural, like it was destined for him to sign this

[@Homer-pc6oj]

He knew he wasn’t going to live a long life. RIP IZ 🙌

[@kingwacky184]

For sure. I have always claimed this to be the best recording of all time and that IZ have the most beautiful voice of all time!

[@thetruth9952]

Don't call him izzy lol, that's IZ at the very least

[@SirOtter1]

I've told my kids that if this is not played at my funeral, I will come back and haunt them.

[@grimm_satisfaction1292]

My late Grandmother said the same thing and we did, on loop.❤

[@oscarwilde6649]

​​@@grimm_satisfaction1292 My late, GREAT Mom (❤️R.I.P., ma) also said the exact thing if I didn't bring in 3 songs at her hospice bedside to hear days before she passed on. "Imagine" (John, of course), "Heart of Gold" (Neil Young), & "Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out" (John, too. John was her fave of all-time with Neil "in a close 2nd place" as my Mom put it❤). Anyway, great comment to a great song & singer. R.I.P. to your Grandmother, as well❤

[@IKenichiSmithI]

As a Native from Hawaii at funerals we mourn and celebrate our loved ones life, with both tears and laughter, pain and joy, we celebrate their life and their passing. Our people are small in number in our own homes so each loss is challenging but we've overcome worse, seen hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and wars but still we hold a smile.

[@IsleBoyDLB]

I wholeheartedly "Hana Hou" this comment!!

[@sparkyfromel]

death is the price of life , it's not an end , it's a return

[@michaelfink64]

I am several of those 1.4 billion views. I find it so moving and the funeral scene always gets to me. I wish I could have seen him perform in person. May he rest in peace.

[@j0hnn13K]

I love how Hawaii hold their traditional funerals, instead of mourning that day, they celebrate the life of the loved one who passed. There is all the room for mourning, but that ceremony is about celebration, remembrance and love, and this video shows all the love they have for IZ.

[@kiaayo33]

Most indigenous cultures are that way, my tribe we are to celebrate their life for a couple of days and not morn for one year.

[@j0hnn13K]

@@kiaayo33 I personally think that such a tradition, is far superior to the way we do it. Simply put, we focus on the end of life of someone, while i feel it should be about celebrating their life, sure the loss is sad, but the life lived is more important to me. And the traditions of your tribe sound beautiful to me :)

[@randieandjodistrom854]

As others have posted, the end of this video was the spreading of the ashes of Mr. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole after his passing. We lived in Hawaii during the lifetime of Mr. Kamakawiwo'ole and we were there when he passed away. We’re haoles (non-native Hawaiians) which is why we don’t presume to refer to Mr. Kamakawiwo'ole as “Bruddah IZ” as he was affectionally known by his countrymen. We do this out of respect for Mr. Kamakawiwo'ole and the Hawaiian people. He was a treasure to the world, and especially to the people of Hawaii. He embodied the spirit of Aloha and the world is a dimmer place without him. He continues to bring us much joy in his songs in our playlists. So, if we may be so bold, Mahalo Brother IZ.

[@NickCTorres]

if i ever make it to another country, im going to embrace it and be a part of it, i wont be living the rest of my days treating myself as an outsider in my new home

[@chucknonverbal]

Your intelligence, authenticity, and sensitivity is on full display today. Thanks for being so real.

[@philduclos9056]

A gentle giant with a beautiful voice and a heart of pure love! Impossible to watch without dropping some tears

[@TerryMundy]

Agree with you about the tears. Pass me the full box of kleenex.

[@jeffscharpf]

My heart... every time I hear this version... I love people.

[@guittadabe5214]

In my opinion this is the most touching version of this song, a soothing and optimistic song. That's why it has so many views.

[@kingwacky184]

100%. In my opinion he have the best voice of all time!

[@triradial]

What a respectful and honest reaction.

[@freedomvideo995]

I can’t watch without crying my eyes out! I’ve watched countless times! I’m watching and crying(again)😂. I cry Happy for Izzy!❤

[@kentovewagenes1141]

The most beautiful version of this song ❤ What a voice he had ❤

[@danb2020]

I'm many of the 1.4 billion. As a hard-core progressive rock fan & classic rock fan, I'm brought to tears everytime

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

Izrael was a true gift. He offered to people joy, comfort & happiness with his given blessing. His music was something that the Hawaiian culture(s) shared in. It was a special thing. His passing was a celebration for his life. Thank you for sharing this one.

[@gerardbyrnes5780]

IZ Lives! Beautiful man. Beautiful soul. The world is a little bit better for him having lived in it.

[@Seven50ml]

Iz has created so many smiles. Can't think of a better way to go. Thanks big guy ❤

[@ewthomp]

Iz was most definitely awesome...larger than life...great soul...love that he sang this song from my most favorite movie!!!

[@mtheberts]

That was a celebration of life that was amazing and beautiful and we can all only hope when we pass to be surrounded by that many people so happy and sharing the joy that he brought them during his too-short life. 1.4 billion views shows how his magic continues to bring joy all across the planet. Lord knows it needs it!

[@klaymor73]

Israel took this song to an epic level.

[@shannongalligan4351]

This song is my heart song. I’ve listened to it through all the fazes of my life. It touches the soul deep down where light never shines. I’m so grateful that God made such a beautiful and amazing man.

[@tommyo2450]

Beautiful soul, beautiful talent... I didn't know this video was going to be his memorial.. An amazing send off.. RIP my man...

[@robertutecht3125]

Heard this many years brings tears to my eyes every time

[@mikedauplaise7477]

The combination of Iz's performance, recognizing many of the scenes from our visits to Kaua'i and Oah'u, and watching the funeral scene always brings me to tears ... and I've watched this video many times over the years.

[@user-tb9dx9mg2njsb]

This was played at my mom’s funeral. Born in Honolulu a military brat so this song goes straight to my heart. Thank you for sharing this !

[@thseed7]

Iz performed this song is so joyfully and beautifully. Such uniquely warm and moving tone. When I saw this video, it was years after I'd first heard his performance and it was only then that I realized Iz was already gone. I never wait to find more music from artists now.

[@TheToscanaMan]

Yeah... mixed feelings. I am always brought to tears watching this video. Israel was beloved by many and the world needs more people like him not less. Loved your heartfelt reaction to this.

[@keymack2477]

I had to find this video after hearing a local group of excellent musicians covering his version of this classic song. I have seen it many times and it makes me cry every time, so, yes, I feel both joy and sorrow every time I hear and see it.

[@Dmitry.Rodionoff]

RIP Israel Somewhere Over The Rainbow...

[@rimasmuliolis1136]

Izzy was an angel, and a patriot of America as well as the nationality of the Hawaiian people.

[@plandl1]

I fell in love with his style and voice and searched for his music. I bought 3 CDs and then searched on the Internet before I found out he had passed several years before and I was devastated. I wept. I still do but now I weep for our loss for not seeing him until I meet him again.

[@michaelg6932]

Strange, i felt the same thing. Sad but happy. I do not know Israel but I believe that is how he wants us to remember him and honor him. Not with sadness but to be happy and LIVE. LIVE life to the fullest. Whatever life has to give and to enjoy it. Far to many people hang in the muck of negativity and darkness and are depressed from it. Cherish life, live in the good vibes and you will radiant joy to others just like Israel did.

[@kylekerwin4993]

There is an undeniable reason that I have that touch’s me in every way with this version and it is called perfect. I don’t think this song can be done any better than this. Because it is perfect.

[@nathansellers8454]

I love your heartfelt words and reaction. I love watching all your reactions.

[@robertVirtue-mc2yw]

He did a medley of this song and "What a Wonderful World" One of only 3 civilian who's body laid in state in the Capital. A great Hawaiian video. "Hawaii Aloha" Playing For Change Song around the World.

[@deathgrinderb3284]

ive always loved this song.

[@charlesh796]

I have watched you many many times and never commented but I always felt something . I think it's that I believe you have a good and pure heart. I wish I was your friend . God bless you

[@stevekushlak]

1 of the only covers that is truly as iconic as the original!

[@jusjohn]

IZ was such a beautiful and gentle soul. The world truly lost an angel when died. I hope he’s watching and knows how loved he was and the legacy he left behind in such a short short life.

[@brucevidito4923]

His rendition of this classic is absolutely beautiful. Now, new artists are emulating what Israel did. He transformed this song into something way better than the original with just a ukulele and a voice that emanated tranquility.

[@MQuinn-eb3zz]

"Sad but happy; sorrow but comforted..." Yep, the perfect funeral. Goddess bless.

[@ButchPerdition]

Great review. I remember when he died. Really good dude and an inspiration. Big dude with a heart of kindness, love.

[@richdanchik4428]

He was definitely loved. The first time I’ve heard this song he was still alive. It was such a soothing version of this famous song. He was inspired one day and contacted a friend at a recording studio. He did this in one take. It was reported that he was 500pounds at the time of his death. You can tell how much he was loved by over a billion views and how many people attended his funeral.

[@ezgolfer2]

I lived on Oahu in ‘95 and ‘96. One night I was hanging out in a bar in Haleiwa when Israel popped in and graced us with a song. I was awestruck.

[@MichalMittermayr]

Made me "cry!": Living in Munich/ London/ NYC/ LA... . We have also a little House inKAWAI- Met IZ there several times: Our Daughter 16 spending their holidays there fore years doesnt even know his Name ( too)❤.

[@dabegmister]

Listening to him sing this song makes me want to change my life every time

[@royborg6455]

in his voice is the sound of honesty

[@juanitacrump2740]

IZ he an amazing man. I have always loved his music since I saw his video.

[@guanyin19]

It's okay. That feeling you're trying to describe is what we call a warm hug from Braddah IZ 🥰

[@iancopsey8960]

We should all be so lucky to have so many friends / people who love and respect you and send you off to see your ancestors

[@cristianesouza-im3mr]

Gostei muito de sua reação ao Israel é um cantor incrível e adoraria vê-la também reagindo ao brasileiro Gabriel Henrique cantando " I Want to Know What Love Is " com o Coral Black to Black postado no seu canal oficial no KZbin ❤😊 Obrigada 🇧🇷

[@dirks6550]

His voice is so clear and as you said soothing. Something almost slightly sad too.

[@michelpaquette2722]

Wow wow wow ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@FrankDaddy-g1q]

Such a beautiful song, sung by a beautiful soul, reacted to beautifully. This was a wonderful reaction! Thanks

[@lonesomelenny7606]

Iz recorded that song in one take dropping in on a friends studio at midnight. The song stayed in the can for 5 years when he recorded an album with the same engineer who suggested Iz include that song on the album. RIP Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

[@jodybasconcillo749]

This is why in Hawaii we call this a Celebration of Life. We mourn for the persons passing but also celebrate the life they lead and how they uplifted our lives. Like you said, sad but happy.

[@inkoinfinity2]

Songs like this come around once in a lifetime

[@tammyphxaz]

6:05 those feelings, if its like me, i feel sad that he is gone, yet glad that i met him, even if it was only on this youtube video,,,,,,,,,its a bittersweet thing

[@markcainyourfriendinthecar3387]

When I was in 11th grade, my parents took our family to Hawaii. We got to hear him sing. After the performance, he came down and mingled with the crowd. He died the next year. When my parents told me, I cried.

[@ericules5558]

Iz was one of the sweetest people with a heart if magical gold. He was so friendly and loving, sadly before making that song he lost a lot of family members. He wouldn't want you to be too sad he'd say "don't cry for me, live in the music and warmth of every day" "I may have passed but I am still playing for each of you in my heart." "Enjoy each moment so each moment is worth living." You'd enjoy is Hawaiian superman song, that one's fun He has a number of good ones unfortunately can't recall them at the moment, I'll have to listen to his cd again.

[@davidclarkson6029]

To me It's the love of life we lost to soon..what a great loss ...such a pure heart to the people around him..xxx.

[@michelpaquette2722]

Magic voice of Hawaii

[@imuawarriors]

Iz = iconic in Hawai'i. mahalo for reacting to this. I've lived in Hawai'i all of my life. I can recommend other Hawaiian artists if you like. so much culture and talent in Hawaii...

[@alinougameur]

mille merci pour votre reaction, pour êtres franc j'ai ressentis la même choses tristesse joie, douceur et humilité merci pour votre vidéo, très belle chanson 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲😪😪😪😪

[@markgotschall2914]

Celebration of a life well lived video.

[@rickdoner5181]

You said it perfectly. Iz was fantastic.

[@Krispy1011]

This rendition and Eva Cassidy's are two of the best ever covers of this wonderful song! so sad they are both not here - hopefully the are singing in heaven together!

[@Balthazare69]

I have this song as my ring tone on my phone over 10 yrs 😊😊😊

[@petemartin295]

There is an urban legend about this song that may or may not be true. Izrael scheduled recording time to make this record and he showed up ten minutes before the studio closed. Izrael quickly tuned his ukulele and they recorded this in one take. No overdubs, no mixing, no repeated takes, just Izrael singing and playing his ukulele in one take.

[@MikeB-in1nd]

I love your review at the end!

[@mroilcat-b6x]

When Izzy passed, it was the largest funeral in the Isles since the last king died so many years before. Over 20,000 people celebrated his life and mourned his passing.. The Governor gave a speech. He cried....

[@srv451]

It's amazing that this and Eva Cassidy versions are my two favorites

[@joetengler9251]

He was such a great talent

[@toddlevin]

“…We’re off to great places, so let’s be on our way…Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened…” - Theodore Geisel aka Dr. Suess) LONG LIVE IZ!

[@DWilliams-ce8nb]

Israel's version is a cover of Cliff Edward's 1940's recording of ''Over the Rainbow''. . Very, very similar. Cliff Edwards was also known as ''Ukulele Ike''.

[@davidryan7386]

an incredible peak moment of music - high on my busking covers list. i rarely make it thru the song dry eyed.

[@briangreen9677]

This is a great video. There's a better version of this song where IZ also mixes in "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong to the middle of this song. It's my favorite version because it's two incredible songs sung by a voice that seems to come from an angel.

[@asahmosskmf4639]

ive never actually seen this exact version, or i dont remember. i saw one where it basically ends at 3:55 and the little clip at 4 :45 is him fading out.

[@YachtMaestro]

He didn't have to get any coaching on Stage Presence. ...He WAS the Presnce on stage!

[@waynewerner9042]

That was beautiful. ❤

[@JackPeters-yk9wg]

First time I heard this yeaes ago, I was memorized...Stunningly beautiful......watching the video, brings you to your knees...

[@irob2jz]

When I heard this song for the first time, I broke down and started crying

[@damirsarajcic336]

The song was originally recorded in a spur-of-the-moment demo session in 1988. Israel called the recording studio at 3 A.M., and was given a 15-minute deadline to arrive by recording engineer Milan Bertosa. Bertosa recalled, "Israel was probably like 500 pounds. And the first thing at hand is to find something for him to sit on." The building security found Israel a large steel chair. "Then I put up some microphones, do a quick sound check, roll tape, and the first thing he does is 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' He played and sang, one take, and it was over."

[@bjennings1067]

For the short time we had izzee boy didn't he leave his mark beautiful person beautiful voice he made a lot of people happy and now who nows maybe he is over that rainbow with the bluebirds gone to soon

[@robertomatos8041]

Congratulations on the channel! How about reacting to the song Stand Up with Gabriel Henrique and the Back to Back choir. I really liked it, I hope you like it too. Thanks!❤

[@chefdaddy37]

I was on the big island of Hawaii the day when bruddah Iz passed. All of Hawaiian nation mourned and celebrated this special bruddahs life. He was the definition of ALOHA. MAHALO NUI 👊🏽🤙🏽

[@eastcoastaj5048]

He is also known for Hawai'i 78. I think it's worth a listen to.

[@Lue_Jonin]

IZ singing "A beautiful world" 💘 🎶 🌴

[@nataliadesouzabraga_1]

Incredible and very good reaction, please react the Brazilian Gabriel Herinque singing I want to know what love is with the black to black choir, it's on his official channel

[@deepbluehue3]

I read he went at 4 in the morning to the studio to record this ... It explains to me a bit non-linear fashion of not being concerned the lyrics were perfectly in place ... ~ Like being in a dream state ..

[@JohnHazelwood58]

The song and performance of IZ is so beautiful, but I always do cry at the end of the video ...

[@mikavaldez-em1dj]

My favorite song

[@paulosergioalmeida1000]

#GabrielHenrique 😊 thank you for the content provided! I recommend the talented Gabriel Henrique. In his voice STAND UP whit coral black to black. You can be sure, he is different

[@daraluz75012]

Israel avails a beautiful voice. Thanks for your reaction. Please can you react to Gabriel Henrique feat coral Black to black singing O Want To Know What Love Is? Thanks ❤

[@lucasbrendler9571]

I loved your reaction, could you react to the Brazilian singer Gabriel Henrique singing the song I want to know what love is with choir Black to black? Gabriel It's incredible

[@lddulcimer]

The only other performance of this song i have ever heard that rivals this is by Eva Cassidy - someone you should definitely react to.

[@M.Arbogast]

This version makes me cry

[@davidryan7386]

there is a better one that combines what a beautiful world.

[@hadinapokalix7329]

i believe God gave him the song in a dream cause ONE TIME I dreamed of a song so beautiful I couldn't believe it but when I woke up I couldn't remember it but I just remember it was so freaken beautiful and i was sad cause i couldn't remember it

[@BelleDede01]

I can't remember where the article that I read before, but Israel was the inspiration behind the Polynesian Maui in the movie Moana. RIP Israel.

[@neoplan6116]

For me as a nearly 60year old German there are/were only 4 persons on this world which I respect enough to hear there version of this song because IMHO they have the soul and format to give it justice: first: ofc THE original: Judy Garland second: her daughter Liza Minelli third: Barbra Streisand fourth: this gentle giant IZ which left us sadly much to early

[@neoplan6116]

Ok - now that I am at the end I want to answer your question: for several reasons this song touches always my soul, depend on my mood more or less in a sad way and sometimes in a positive when he gives me comfort and IZ's version mostly sad, especially with the video because he didnt even live to see it how much peoples soul he touched with his voice and personality. You should look for the story why and how he even recorded it.

[@rickpopham5400]

For me it's only 3: 1. Judy Garland 2. IZ (left us too early) 3. Eva Cassidy (left us too early)

[@neoplan6116]

@@rickpopham5400 Interesting! I love how it looks like we have similar feelings about this song, just with slightly different preferences, for sure founded in the way we went our life!

[@rickpopham5400]

@@neoplan6116 That's true for sure. I grew up with Judy Garland singing this song every year when "The Wizard of Oz" was broadcast on American TV. But I love the way Iz and Eva Cassidy took the song and made it their own. Three wonderfully different interpretations.