Just realized that Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (IZ) died of obesity

I don't know if I was living under a rock or what, but I'd heard his beautiful "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Wonderful World", but I didn't know obesity killed him at age 38. How terribly sad, the man was a musical genius, I can't imagine how much more joy he could have brought into the world.  Anyway, my thoughts go out to all those who died because of obesity--whether is was as a result of WLS or just being too big--and how lucky we are to be alive and well and to have this chance to beat this horrible disease. 

One of my favorite tunes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL-uL2M3xvM

He was born Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole on May 20th 1959. He died on June 26th 1997. He was 38 years old. 6' 2", and weighed in at 758 lbs. He was hospitalized several times due to obesity related health issues, and died from repiratory illness. Due to his size it took 3 attempts to cremate his remains. Over 10,000 people attended his funeral. Thousands of fans gathered and cheered as his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach on July 12,  1997.

His "Somewhere over the rainbow" immediately takes me to many wonderful memories of vacations in Hawaii. I adore that song

Love his rendition of the two songs together . I just added the song to my blog . I didn't realise that he had passed away , until tonight . Too sad . Kathy

 Are you talking about the pride of Hawaii?      I had never even heard of him until after his death, when a Hawaiian friend of mine who had RNY told me about his talent ..     Very sad that the big O. claimed him a few years back ..   &:-(...