Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 – June 26, 1997) was an American singer and musician. He was also known as Bruddah Iz. He is best known for his versions of the songs "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", recorded in 1988 and released in 1993. He also played the ukulele to his songs. He was a Native Hawaiian and supported independence of the U.S. state to become a sovereignty.