Israel Kamakawiwoʻole: Hawaiian musician celebrated by Google Doodle on 61st birthday

Doodle ties in with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Google is celebrating the birthday of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole with a cartoon of the late native Hawaiian musician.

The Doodle sees an animated Kamakawiwoʻole perform his ukulele rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, a song that has featured in multiple films and commercials and is regularly covered by other musicians.

Known as “the voice of Hawaii”, the musician and activist was hugely influential, his music inspiring the Pixar short Lava that precedes Inside Out.

Kamakawiwoʻole, who was best known as Iz, died in 1997 at the age of 38, with Wednesday (20 May) marking what would have been his 61st birthday.

Drawn by Sophie Diao, the Doodle was featured on the search engine’s homepage as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, which celebrates the impact Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have had on US history and culture.

A statement from Kamakawiwoʻole‘s family reads: “The Kamakawiwo`ole `Ohana (family) remains overwhelmed by the worldwide reach of Israel’s music and the reaction of everyone who hears his voice, a voice that instantly touches your heart.

“Having Google create a Doodle for his 61st birthday gives us all reason to again celebrate his life and impact on millions worldwide.”