Jun 20, 2025
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Ukulele Song That Touched the World
Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Ukulele Song That Touched the World
If you've ever picked up a ukulele and strummed Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World, you're not alone — it’s one of the most beloved and requested ukulele songs of all time. But behind this peaceful mashup lies an unexpected story of spontaneity, sorrow, and cultural pride that made Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s version legendary.
🌈 The Midnight Recording That Changed Everything
Believe it or not, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (affectionately called “Bruddah Iz”) recorded his version in a single take — at 3:00 AM.
Legend has it, he called a Honolulu studio late one night with a simple request: “I need to come in. I have an idea.” The engineer, Milan Bertosa, agreed. Within 15 minutes, Iz showed up with his ukulele, barefoot and 500 pounds of aloha spirit. They recorded the medley in one shot.
That was it. No retakes. Just voice, ukulele, and pure feeling.
“When he was done, I was in tears,” Bertosa recalled. “It was that simple, beautiful, and direct.”
🎶 Why the Ukulele Matters
Iz’s sparse arrangement — just vocals and ukulele — stripped away all excess and left the raw beauty of the melody and lyrics exposed. The ukulele wasn’t just an instrument; it was a conduit for emotion.
His use of the ukulele reminds us that you don’t need a wall of sound to make an impact. In fact, the ukulele’s gentle, resonant tone was part of what made the track so comforting and universal.
If you’re a beginner or intermediate player, this song is an excellent one to learn — not only for its relatively simple chord structure, but for the powerful musical lesson it teaches: less is more.
🎸 Looking to play with heart like Iz? Check out our Handcrafted Hawaiian Ukuleles — chosen for their warmth, clarity, and soul.
🇭🇲 More Than a Song — A Cultural Emblem
Israel’s version went global — appearing in 50 First Dates, ER, and countless weddings, memorials, and life moments. But in Hawai‘i, the song is sacred.
Iz was a passionate advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and a powerful voice for native identity. His music wasn’t just art — it was activism wrapped in aloha.
He passed away at just 38, but his version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow remains a symbol of peace and cultural pride — especially in the hands of ukulele players around the world.
✨ Final Notes for Fellow Players
When you perform this song, whether at a jam or for yourself, remember: it's not about flash. It’s about feeling. Let your ukulele breathe between chords. Sing gently. Let the spirit of the song come through.
If Iz could make the world weep with four nylon strings and one take, so can you.
🔗 Sources
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NPR: The Voice of Hawaii
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Hawaiian Magazine Interview with Milan Bertosa
