01/06/2026
In 1988, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole phoned a recording studio in Honolulu at 3 a.m. and asked if he could come in to record a song. The engineer on duty, Milan Bertosa, reluctantly agreed and told him to hurry before he changed his mind.
Just 15 minutes later, Israel arrived carrying only his ukulele. A single microphone was set up, and he began performing a medley of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World.”
What happened next became music history.
Recorded in a single take with no edits, no overdubs, and no second chances, the performance captured the warmth, sincerity, and unmistakable soul that made Israel so beloved. His gentle voice and simple ukulele accompaniment transformed two classic songs into something entirely his own.
Years later, the recording would become a global phenomenon, appearing in films, television shows, and countless memorable moments around the world. Yet it all began during a quiet late-night session in Hawaii—one man, one microphone, and one unforgettable take.
🎶🎶 Sometimes the most timeless music happens when no one expects it.
