Ever heard Israel Kamakawiwo'ole singing Somewhere over the Rainbow?

Well, up until this weekend, I had never heard of this guy. However, like me, you it is very likely you have heard his medley of Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World. Israel was an award-winning Haywain singer who lived from 20 May 1959 to 26 June 1997.

What a coincidence, tomorrow is 20 May, so happy birthday, IZ, wherever you are. You have given us all a blessing with your music. You have been a superb example of what it means to be a human being. Your passion and love shine through your music every time it is used in a movie. “Somewhere over the rainbow/What a wonderful world” was used at the end of the Forbidden Kingdom (Jet Li, Jackie Chan), which I watched this past weekend. Anyway, here’s the brilliant tribute to IZ. If you find yourself shedding a few tears like I did, don’t worry, be happy…