Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was a Hawaiian musician, singer and songwriter, popularly known as Bruddah Iz or just simply IZ.  Born into a musical family, he was the apple of his parents’ eyes, who pampered him more than their other children, instinctively knowing that he was someone very special. At the age of six, he learned to play the ukulele, which later became his favorite instrument. Soon, he was accompanying his parents to the nightclub where they were employed, imbibing the music there. He also accompanied his elder brother Skippy to the beaches, where they performed for the tourists, eventually forming their own band, Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau at the age of seventeen, touring both the island and the mainland with them. At the age of 34, he began his solo career, releasing only four albums before his untimely death from obesity at 38. A stout supporter of Hawaiian rights, he promoted Hawaiian sovereignty through his lyrics and other activities