HONOLULU (November 17, 2010) – One of Hawaii’s most beloved recordings – “Over The Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole – is currently reigning the German singles charts, having enjoyed eight straight weeks in the number one position.
Featured on the record-breaking CD “Facing Future,” “Over The Rainbow” entered the German singles charts nine weeks ago and quickly climbed to the number one position, where it continues to capture the hearts of new IZ fans. The music of “Bruddah IZ” truly has the power to cross boundaries of language, geography and musical genres.
A new IZ compilation CD, titled “Over the Rainbow,” is also set for release on December 27 in the United Kingdom – just in time to bring the warm breezes and sweet inspiration of Hawaii to fans across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the New Year.
Today, the music of IZ is experiencing a renaissance as new fans outside the United States hear his songs for the first time. In Europe in particular, IZ’s legacy continues to grow as fans embrace his message of peace and understanding, and rich musical heritage founded in traditional Hawaiian culture.
Internationally, fans have enjoyed IZ’s timeless songs in popular films (“Meet Joe Black,” “Finding Forrester,” “Made,” “50 First Dates,” “Snakes on a Plane,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”), commercials (Hallmark, Sony, Kellogg’s, Fiat), and television programs (“ER,” “Cold Case,” “Scrubs,” “Glee,” “Brothers & Sisters” and the new “Hawaii Five-0”) for more than 15 years.
Produced and distributed by The Mountain Apple Company HAWAI’I, “Facing Future” became Hawaii’s first certified platinum album, selling close to two million CDs in the United States alone. “Facing Future” was followed by the release of another five remarkable IZ recordings, “E Ala E” (1995), “N Dis Life” (1996), “IZ In Concert: The Man and His Music” (1998), ““Alone In IZ World” (2001) and “Wonderful World” (2007).
To learn more, visit the official IZ site at www.izhawaii.com/.
The Mountain Apple Company HAWAI’I is a multifaceted record label that also publishes, licenses, produces, and distributes scores of island music. The Mountain Apple Company HAWAI‘I provides talent management and consulting for many of Hawaii’s most successful entertainers in addition to providing innovative concert and talent promotion, stage design, and production.
