IZ: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Somewhere Over the Rainbow has to be one of the most covered songs, but this version by IZ may be the best of them all.
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March 28th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Hey - pretty cool stuff. I like quite a few versions of Over the Rainbow. There are some jazzy versions out there that do it for me.
Ben O.
BTW - It is “Music Week” over at my blog in case you want to surf over and chime in.
June 17th, 2006 at 8:50 am
I love this IZ song and have been trying to find the full version just to listen to it. thanks for posting it.
June 26th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
IZ was a great person, caring, giving, loving, and such a strong instrument; his Uke and Voice. ‘Over the rainbow’, there is no substitute. Aloha Da Big Island.
July 12th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
IZ - To bad he is gone so young. A man with music in his heart.
July 23rd, 2006 at 10:24 pm
I’ve been wondering who remade this version, it’s so beautiful! Sweet like an island breeze… thanks for making it.
August 3rd, 2006 at 9:06 pm
I’ve looked for this version for 2 years. He is a blessing and a beautiful spirit….even on the other side of the rainbow…as are we all!!
Deanna
August 5th, 2006 at 10:46 am
I LOVE this song. It awakens my passion. It is part of the soundtrack of the movie Finding Forrester. Sooooo beautiful.
August 6th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
Thank you so much! We are making a CD for our 7 month old daughter and were searching for this version. So happy to find it, but so sorry to hear he’s gone.
August 16th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Hi, I really appreciated finding your spot (I typed in Iz “Over the Rainbow”) and listening. So sad to learn of his obesity and death, but what an enchanting legacy… I started hunting after seeing the ER episode, then hearing this again in a commercial… just wanting to hear it some more (since I can’t remember and hum it for myself.) This is an interesting website!
August 16th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
i first heard this song ,when it aired on cold case,it is truly awesome ,the gentleman ,had an extraordinary fell for the song,and played as Karen would,sing it softly.. thanks for the tune ,blessing…
August 27th, 2006 at 12:52 am
I have been wondering who sang this version since it aired on ER when Dr. Green passed away. Just found out today in a sushi bar! Was told years ago it was Bob Marley. No wonder I could never find it. Very sad to hear that there will not be any new music. Look forward to getting the whole CD. Cant explain it but this version just makes my heart feel lifted and open.
God bless his family
August 31st, 2006 at 7:49 pm
What an amazing inspirational song. Truly spiritual and may he rest in peace. Thanks for providing us with a memorable evening listening to this song over and over again.
Mark and Lisa
September 6th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
I wish to thank co-workers for sendind this wonderful,inspirational and soothing song…Where has this music gone in our culture…God blessed this man for sharing his gift with us…and thanks to my friends….
September 8th, 2006 at 6:52 pm
I was looking for this version. My child’s school made a CD with this song and its beautiful.
September 26th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
NO one will believe this but i will forever be tied to this version of somewhere over the rainbow for reasons i cannot explain. after caring for my father during a lengthy illness on the very night that he passed away this song came to me in a dream, in my dream i could hear this song. the soothing tone of his voice was the only comfort i had and only relief. at the point that this song ends my phone rang at 1:00 am and my younger brother was on the phone and he told me that our father had just past. this song was strangly his exit song for i knew that as i heard this song that something was happenning. it was as if i felt my father pass over or through me and that there is something greater somewhere over the rainbow. the odd thing is my dad was not the mushy type, so i don’t understand nor do i try to understand the connection between this song and my dads passing. i just know that this song takes me to a better place. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
September 27th, 2006 at 6:45 pm
George Parks, I believe your story because I believe in miracles and have all my 46 years. I spent the last 2 weeks of my dad’s life by his side as I slowly watched him fade away from the strong man I remember of my youth to a helpless old man with a failing body but a sharp mind. We were lucky, our whole family was able to be there at the end. When he passed, within minutes the radio, which had been silent, came on by itself, and a picture of his grandson who’s named after him, came off the wall and floated to the floor. Months later we brought his ashes to his favorite fishing hole, and sprinkled them in the lake with a violin playing “Shiloh’s Farewell”. A lone eagle circled overhead just as we were about to leave, then disappeared. I got back to my room, and there on the floor was a large feather by my suitcase that wasn’t there when I’d left.
About 6 months later I was driving down the road and flipping through radio stations when I heard “Shiloh’s Farewell” on the radio. I’ve never heard it played before or since on the radio, and the day I heard it was my dad’s birthday. So you can believe in the miracle of your dad sending you this beautiful song when he passed, because I think the angels gave this rendition to IZ. I’m planning to use this song for my son’s graduation with pictures and video of him growing up. It’s a song that captures you’re soul and THANK YOU for this blog for sharing it. I’ve listened to it non stop for almost an hour!
September 27th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
I love reading this stuff. Thanks for sharing guys. God Bless you
October 6th, 2006 at 5:34 pm
hey guys i actually found this website when i put in somewhere over the rainbow by bob marley and found this it is truly an amazing song i have enjoyed reading your stories of connections and miracles all the music on this website is the most beautiful i have heard in awhile thank you for bringing it into my life if any of you have heard the song angel by Sara McGlothlin well two years ago i lost someone very close to me a lifetime family friend it was my 11th death in 3 years and the pain of losing people was really starting to take a toll on me well for his funeral my sister was asked to sing that song it is a beautiful song but so painful for my to listen to well last year on the anniversary of his death which happens to be halloween i was lying in bed i shortly after fell asleep i sleep with my radio on each night and suddenly in the middle of the night i awoke and didn’t know why, i looked at the clock and saw it was 3 o’clock the same time my friend died and then i released angel was playing on the radio it was the first time i heard the song and didn’t cry i was so moved and happy i felt him with me and i felt safe and loved it well the next day i told my mom about it and she went to a party and was telling the story and realized that as she was telling it it was playing on the radio in the backround at the party i know he is with us now and that we don’t have to be sad anymore thank you for sharing you wonderful music and stories
October 12th, 2006 at 6:39 am
I relate to the “over the rainbow” lyrics too..
Does anyone know who sings the contemporary version in a folk- style way sung by a male singer? There is a recent cereal commercial with that song that has taken a few seconds of the beginning riffs. I would love to know if there is a wav version out on the web. Thanks
October 12th, 2006 at 7:08 am
>>Ellen,
Shawn McDonald on his live album, ‘Live in Seattle‘ does a very good rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’. Plus, that entire album is great. I would highly recommend it.
October 13th, 2006 at 11:44 am
Thanks. I shall check it out.
October 17th, 2006 at 7:38 pm
I find it depressing that they never played any of Iz’s music until after he died. I think the first time I heard this song I was 9 and my grandmother and I were in the car when they played it because Iz had died. Then we went out and bought all of his music that we could find!
Anyone else agree that its depressing? E~Mail me
hottiedm0025@yahoo.com
October 21st, 2006 at 12:05 am
Hey i am so moved by your song my mother and father recently died in a car accident i was the only one to survive. When i woke up from surrgery this song was playing on 50 first dates. me and my 23 year old sister live together now. she was in canada when the accident took place. I love IZ for giving me a little peice of heaven everytime i listen to this song.
November 2nd, 2006 at 8:22 am
This song does do something to me every time I hear it…last night I had rented a movie for my wife which I did not want to see (Chick Flick)..it was called “Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School”, I put it on for her and started to walk away from the family room when at the beginning of the movie the song came on as a baker was driving down the highway crying……..I will not tell you the story but because of the song I watched the whole thing….needless to say my wife fell asleep around midnight but I just stood there teary eyed…..so much for manliness……..this song does open some king of porthole to something better.
November 3rd, 2006 at 7:07 am
I have been through quite a lot problems in my 21 year life span. Though i am not going to go through them, listening to you guys i feel touched. I heard this song, in a very painfull part of my life… i had the chance of hearing it on the movie, 50 first dates. And it motivated me to keep dreaming ‘cos there would be a chance for me through all the pain.
Its really sad to hear about IZ, i’ve been playing this song over and over again…. it manages to touch me in a way, i have no words to explain…. great inspirational song.
He speaks to us through this song, his cheery nature maybe.
Thanks guys for posting this song, cos i have been looking for this song since 2004…..
November 6th, 2006 at 11:38 am
thank you for the lovely song in was very nice to listen to something not to in your face but very peacefull.i felt i was drifting of in to anothere land
see ya
thanx
November 17th, 2006 at 3:35 am
Wow…..TY so much for posting this. I’ve looked all over for it. This song inexplicably brings tears to my eyes. Thanks again…..
November 18th, 2006 at 6:05 pm
awesome!!! love this song! wish I could find the nora jones version also!
November 30th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
By far the best version of this song. Searched for ever to find it. Beautiful song!
December 11th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
Takes me to Hawaii and I’m standing next to a waterfall. Surrounded by flowers and sunshine. By myself. Wonderful. A truely wonderful world.
December 13th, 2006 at 12:59 am
I finally found the artist of this great song, but was sadden that he has past on. So sad that he had to leave at such a young age, but I know his music will live on forever in my heart. Thanks !
December 15th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
how can we purchase this cd online? One song that makes me feel all my innocence has never been taken or given away. I could listen to it over and over all night and the next and next….
December 15th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
This is one of the most beautifully choreographed song compilations I have ever heard.
December 22nd, 2006 at 3:51 pm
When the angels heard his voice, they knew they had found the one.
His voice is what we would imagine music sounds like in heaven.
December 24th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
This song has truly touched my spirit, I’m coping with the loss of a friend and i know he’s listening to IZ and his wonderful voice at this moment…..and i’m feeling more at peace….i’m so glad that heaven brought such a wonderful person and his music to this world. =)
Thank You so Much, IZ!!!!!
December 31st, 2006 at 9:31 pm
Hi. A couple of years ago, I went to Hawaii with my family on summer vacation. We visited Mount Kiluewea (i think thats how you spell it), we went to a luau, bought many cool clothes and jewelry. But the most fascinating thing I discovered was IZ. We were just browsing through the store and I played the cd, and it was like nothing I had ever heard before. I instantly bought it and my family fell in love with it too. I almost have one whole cd on my ipod already and i hope so many more people can be inspired with this cd…THANK YOU IZ! WE MISS YOU AND WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!
January 1st, 2007 at 10:28 am
this song is very beutifull and i like this song . IZ YOU ARE SUPER MAN
January 26th, 2007 at 7:43 am
everyone with eyes to see,
I first heard over the rainbow while I was half asleep with my
headphones on and suddenly I was awaken by IZ’s voice singing this wonderful version of OVER THE RAINBOW on COAST TO COAST hosted by george noory. every time I hear this version it fill’s my
soul with love for GOD for creating this beautiful human being!
January 28th, 2007 at 9:55 am
B-E-A-U-TIFUL! This song represents the hope in life. Only If this song and jack johnson could merge, What a beautiful day! This should be the song t every person in the world!
January 28th, 2007 at 9:56 am
Lets brainwash everyone! With this song….. what a wonderful world it WOULD be!
February 6th, 2007 at 9:53 pm
This song is truly very special. Love, Peace and sadness comes to my heart every time I play this song. IZ sang this wonderful song with such passion and sweetness in his voice. May all the blue birds send him my prayers and only the best wishes. God called him home and needed him more than us. He left us with this special song and will always be remember for his great talent. Peace to everyone and God Bless
Ulla
February 14th, 2007 at 5:09 am
I echo the sentiments of all above. I heard this for the first time 12th Feb 2007 driving home from the dentist. I rang the radio station to check the details and ordered the album the next day. As eveyone else has said, for some strange reason it brings tears to my eyes and opens wide my heart. Thankyou blessed IZ.
February 19th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
this is the most fantastic version of this track i have heard - i first heard it on the radio and thought it would be an instant hit so hoped to hear more of him. it was a while before i heard it again and waited to hear who it was by. not surprised to hear it has sparked memories and started new ones. lots of love Xx
March 1st, 2007 at 10:23 am
Your song is very fantasic. This song is for ALL WORLD
March 8th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
thanks soo much, this is by far my favorite version of the song. it makes me cry when i hear it and i was having a devil of a time finding this version. yay for blogging about everyday things!!
March 9th, 2007 at 9:30 am
This song has touched me as nothing else has. I want it to be a part of my wedding but I only have a violinist playing. Does anybody have a violin rendition of it. It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
March 20th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
A couple of years ago a good friend of mine died of cancer. Although I had not seen her for a number of years, she had remained an important part of my life because of her very special nature and personality.
She had chosen IZ’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as the theme for her memorial video. Upon hearing the song I was struck by how the song’s gentle reminder of all things beautiful so reflected my friend’s sweet optimistic and loving soul.
An odd thing happened a few of weeks ago. I was at my work’s fire exit sorting through our boxes when I heard IZ singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. I couldn’t really tell where the music was coming from so I looked around. There were a few cars parked about but no drivers and no one present. I listened for a bit and thought of my friend. I’ve come to associate the song with her and it usually stops me in my tracks while I recall very wonderful memories. Anyway I figured she was making the rounds and dropped in to say Hi! I imagine she’s been really busy so I appreciated her taking the time to wish me well. Maybe forgive me too. She was always a generous human being.
Thanks for posting the song. Everyone’s comments are wonderful
June 9th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
This song is amaazing!! It’s asolutley gorgeous, we first heard it when 50 first dates came out with adam sandler and drew barrymore. Its one of the best renditions but obviously you can’t forget eva cassidys version and if it wasn’t for judy garlands song writers and judy garland singing it, then this version wouldn’t exist so thanks Judy!!!even more thanks IZ for creating this amazing version.x
July 1st, 2007 at 2:26 am
We just heard this song on a Safari Helicopters tour of Kauai which really went over the rainbow. This song came on in the last five minutes of the tour and it was an incredible homecoming landing. I have purchased IZ’s Facing Future album, and in my mind I will hear a helicopter landing everytime I play this song from the album. Thank you IZ. May all your dreams cme true.
July 9th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Eva Cassidy sang another really nice version of Over the Rainbow. She, too, died young.
July 29th, 2007 at 3:27 am
When I heard the melodic tune by IZ, it touched me! I knew the song, although I didnt know the singer. It took me a while, but I’ve found aritist, the late “Bradah Iz”…somewhere under the rainbow…
December 21st, 2007 at 1:36 am
Israel Ka’ano’i Kamakawiwo is not only over the rainbow, but over the top… this is the best version of OTR of all time. IZ I hope that you’re still strumming and singing wherever you are. Well done dude.
March 15th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I visited Hawaii for the first time last Month and whilst at the Imax in the Polynesian Centre ‘Some where over the Rainbow’ was played. I did not know that IZ sung it. I decided to track it down on arrival back in UK. I wish I had done this on Hawaii and I could have immediately bought all of his available music. I knew a famous singer had recently died because of the publicity on the Islands but did not realise it was the singer whose voice had affected me so much. I look forward to getting his music now to enjoy all of it.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
I find IZ’s “Over the rainbow” incredibly moving every time I hear it. It makes me very sad he is no longer here, gracing us with his talent, but very glad he left such beautiful memories with his music. It is comforting to know how much the people of Hawaii loved and appreciated him during his short time on this earth. What a beautiful tribute they gave to him after his death.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:39 am
Thank you times a million for answering this question. I have driven myself mad trying to find the author of this rendition. I have never heard of IZ but somehow this melody has been with me for some time now and when I heard it beautifully sung by Carlos on Idol the other night I began to sob. What a gift he has left us with this song.
The real beauty of this is that I have never read a more loving blog
and such inspirational stories. I thank everyone for the courage they have shared and the warmth this moment has left me with. IZ has left us physically but he very present in my soul.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
What a great song it will stay with me for life ………..happy happy
May 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I have been hunting this song for several years. Now I have to figure a way to download it on my phone.
What a gentle soul of a man and to watch him sing amoung his people was beautiful…..and a shame he couldn’t have been with us longer. The rainbow is a much richer place and the world is a much richer world for having had him for the short time that we did.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I work in a mens prision in alaska and I need to here this. Thanks