Now, half way around the world from his island home, Germans find themselves singing along. IZ's version of "Over the Rainbow" was released in Germany by Universal Music and B1 Recordings on Sept. 3.

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - After nearly 30 years since its original release, Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwaole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” hit over one billion views on YouTube.

Israel “Bruddah Iz” Kamakawiwo‘ole’s classic medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World” was added to the National Recording Registry today.

Hawaiian music great Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole has posthumously entered YouTube 1 billion views club with his classic cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." By Heran Mamo Hawaiian music great ...

Israel Kamaka­wiwo‘ole’s “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” was recorded in 1990. Kamakawiwo‘ole is pictured performing at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in 1996.