COURTESY KGMB
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole died in 1998, leaving a musical legacy that has been embraced around the world.
TV special pays tribute
to Hawaiian musical icon
KGMB 9 will air a comprehensive, authorized television biography of a Hawaii hero, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, at 9 tonight.
"IZ: The Man Behind the Music," includes intimate interviews with people who knew him best. Laced through these oral histories are musical performances by Kamakawiwo'ole from the KGMB 9 archives.
After a successful career as part of the Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau, Kamakawiwo'ole released his solo CD, "Facing Future," which remains one of the world's top-selling Hawaiian music releases.
IZ's music quickly gained national attention after being featured in numerous television and film projects. His 2001 release of, "Alone in IZ World," debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's World Chart and remains in the Top 10.
Kamakawiwo'ole's music transcends geographic, cultural, and stylistic boundaries and has been embraced by people around the globe. Many believe he brought the voice of Hawaii's younger generation to the rest of the world. The biography includes never-before-seen concerts and recordings, including a performance at Halawa Correctional Facility and the Hawaii premiere of Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow" music video.
Executive producer Phil Arnone said the special will give audiences an even greater appreciation for the Hawaiian music icon.
"It was a treat to meet the family and friends of IZ," he said. "You can feel their aloha for Israel as they shared many wonderful and personal stories with us."
"IZ: The Man Behind the Music" is written by Robert Pennybacker, co-produced and edited by Lawrence Pacheco, and narrated by KCCN radio's Billy V.
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