as he was affectionately called. IZ was born on May 20, 1959 in Honolulu Hawaii, and is one of the most beloved and fondly remembered Musical Artists in the Hawaiian islands who recorded the now internationally famous Hawaiian version of the "Somewhere Over the Rainbow Song". IZ was native Hawaii born, and upon his death on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38, was only the second Hawaii State citizen to receive the honor of having his body lay in state at the capitol building in Honolulu Hawaii.

From 1915 to 1930, mainstream audiences outside of Hawaii became increasingly enamored of Hawaiian Music, though by this time the songs marketed as Hawaiian had only peripheral aspects of actual Hawaiian Music. Tahitian and Samoan Music had an influence on the Music of Hawaii during this period, especially with their swifter and more intricate rhythms. The following era, from about 1930 to 1960, has been called the "Golden Age of Hawaiian Music" when popular styles were adapted for orchestras and big bands, and Hawaiian performers became mainstream stars. In the 1960s, Hawaiian-style Music declined in popularity amid an influx of of Rock, Soul and Pop acts from the American mainland. This trend reversed itself in the final period of Hawaiian Music History, with the modern period beginning with the Hawaiian Music Renaissance in the 1970s and continuing with the foundation of a variety of modern Music scenes in fields like Indie Rock, Hawaiian Hip Hop, and Jawaiian Reggae Music. Queen Liliʻuokalani was the last Queen of Hawaii before the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown. She was also a Musician and prolific Composer who wrote many musical works. She was best known for the song, Aloha 'Oe. A compilation of her works, titled, "The Queen's Songbook", was published in 1999 by The Queen Lili'uokalani Trust.