TheBuzz
TheBuzz
Iz brings home
the goldThe words "gold" or "golden" have surely been used numerous times in reference to the late Israel Kamakawiwoole. Now, however, it's official and it's a first.
His 1993 album "Facing Future" has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, based in Washington, D.C.
Released by Kamakawiwoole's Bad Boy Records, it is the first full-length album by an independent, Hawaii-based record label to achieve certified sales of 500,000 units.
"Don Ho's Greatest Hits," released by mainland-based Reprise in May 1969, was certified gold in August last year.
The Mountain Apple Co., distributor for the Bad Boy label, requested the audit and the word "excitement" doesn't go far enough to describe the company's spirits.
"It was a mind-blower," said Jon de Mello, chief executive officer.
The album has gotten worldwide attention since Iz's medley "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" was used in an e-Toys commercial and over the end credits of the 1998 film "Meet Joe Black." The massive TV audience for the first and second runs of last season's conclusion of "ER" gave it another huge boost.
"We pursue that heavily for all of our music," de Mello said. "We license a lot of music, not just Israel's," although he estimated that 75 percent of the requests are for Braddah Iz.
The recording's own credits are extensive and include newspaper and magazine coverage, as well as international radio play and in movie, television and commercial productions.
"He was selling skim milk in Austria," de Mello said.
"Facing Future" has been on the Billboard world music charts for 177 weeks, including at least a second run at No. 1 over the summer.
Kamakawiwoole's latest posthumous release, "Alone in Iz World" has ranked in the top five of Billboard's world music chart for 51 weeks, 13 of them at No. 1.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com