During a trip to Costco yesterday, we happened across an author book signing. B has been wishing for IZ: Voice of the People. With the chance to meet the author and have a signed copy, how could I possibly turn him down?

Author Rick Carroll gave us a synopsis of the book, telling us that Israel Kamakawiwo’ole was born in 1959, the same year that Hawaii became a state. But he was born into a world that was Americanized, where “Mack the Knife” was more recognizable than any traditional Hawaiian music. Thankfully, his grandfather regularly took him to visit the island of Ni’ihau where Iz absorbed much of the culture and the old ways. Seeing the importance of this culture, Iz was a vocal supporter of teaching Hawaiian language, hula and other cultural skills. Through his music he shared his love of the Hawaiian Islands and his wish for the Hawaiian people to be proud of their heritage and carry it on to future generations.

You may not be able to pronounce his name, but you may recognize his touching rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that has become very popular nine years after his death.

PS: B has a review up, here.