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Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 -- June 26, 1997) (pronounced [kaˌmakaˌvivoˈʔole]) . 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. Nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" by his admirers, he was described as always cheerful and positive, and he was best known for his love of the land and of the people of Hawaiʻi.