There are many songs that call for world peace, but few are as poignant and moving as Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's medley of "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World."
It's not often that a musical artist can simply take two existing songs, put them together, and be praised for the result. Yet that's exactly what Kamakawiwo'ole, a Hawaiian musician, did on his 1993 album "Facing Future." The medley has since been used in a multitude of films and TV shows and still remains his most famous work after the singer's death in 1997.
"Over the Rainbow" comprises the first part of the song. The Judy Garland hit was famously featured in the film "Wizard of Oz" and has since become a true anthem of hope. The other part of the song "What a Wonderful World," was made famous by Louis Armstrong and is generally seen as a celebration of life.
Both songs are classics in their own right, but Kamakawiwo'ole brings his own touches to the medley. Sung in his light and easy-going voice and backed by simple ukelele strumming, it's difficult to listen to this song and not smile.
