I must have been living under a rock, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
I had never (before yesterday) heard of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and his rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. My wife considers this to be the best ever version of this song, and I agree. Israel's voice is something to be experienced.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: henryaz,
When in doubt, mumble
August 21, 2024, 04:54 AM
mttaylor1066
Things I learned from Mark Steyn and his fascination with the process of writing and recording popular songs:
Israel got inspired by the song late in the day and called up his pal at a recording studio. His friend said he was leaving for the day but if Israel wanted to spend 45 minutes putting something on tape, sure, come on down.
That’s about all the time Israel spent… no second or third takes… and you’ll note he gets the lyrics jumbled right off the bat. No time to correct that either.
But, lightning in a bottle, it’s a moving rendition of a classic.
Loved hearing it again.
___________________
Company, villainous company hath been the spoil of me.
August 21, 2024, 09:40 AM
iron chef
That cover is frequently used in movie, TV, commercials, etc, so yes, you've been under a rock.
August 21, 2024, 11:08 AM
bald1
Dude died way too young at age 38 weighing ~700 lbs back in 1997.
This rendition of his has been widely viewed and heard. Not sure how you could have missed it. Rock indeed! LOL
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192
August 21, 2024, 11:32 AM
PCWyoming
One of my wife's favorites. We played it at her celebration of life - not a dry eye in the crowd.
PC
August 21, 2024, 10:26 PM
benny6
He achieved immortality with that song.
It's in my music library and I enjoy it every time I hear it.
Originally posted by iron chef: That cover is frequently used in movie, TV, commercials, etc, so yes, you've been under a rock.
Finding Forrester being the most notable, and it was used, or I should say, timed, perfectly in the film. Just happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. Sean Connery as his finest.
What am I doing? I'm talking to an empty telephone
August 22, 2024, 12:03 PM
sjtill
I've noted before: I knew his widow a little bit. She continued to work as an EKG tech at the Kaiser Moanalua hospital in Honolulu. She was a quiet, small, pleasant lady, you would never know she was worth millions and didn't have to work.
_________________________ “Remember, remember the fifth of November!"
August 22, 2024, 03:47 PM
SigSauerP226
Welcome out from under the rock, sir! There is a whole wide world of great things out there, like this song. Enjoy exploring! Ya it is a great song and the haven’t heard it in a little while so glad to hear it again.