Behind one of the most beloved songs in the world is the story of a man who had known pain much before fame.
His name was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, but everyone called him simply IZ.
Born in Hawaii in 1959, she grew up in a family deeply linked to Hawaiian culture and language. As a boy he started playing with his brother Skippy and, together, he founded the Makaha Sons of Niʻihau, choosing to carry out the traditional music of their land.
Then life changed.
She lost her mother first. Then the father died. Shortly thereafter, his brother Skippy left prematurely, leaving a huge vacuum.
Despite the pain and serious health problems that accompanied him for years, IZ never stopped making music.
One night of 1988 he entered a recording studio in Honolulu with his ukulele. Seated in front of a single microphone, he recorded a medley of *Somewhere Over the Rainbow* and *What a Wonderful World*.
At first that recording almost unnoticed.
With time, however, it was included on the album *Facing Future*, which became the most sold Hawaiian album ever. His interpretation began to travel beyond the islands, accompanying films, ceremonies and important moments in the lives of millions of people.
Israel, however, never fully saw the world success of its version.
He died on 26 June 1997, only 38 years old.
Hawaii gave him an extraordinary tribute: his coffin was exposed in the State Capitol and thousands of people went to greet him. A few days later, his ashes were entrusted to the ocean he had always considered home.
Even today, his voice continues to excite people from all over the world.
Maybe because it reminds us of a simple truth.
Even those who have gone through pain can be able to give hope to others.