Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Trivia Quiz

Answer: IZ

I only know of him as IZ (especially since I cannot pronounce his last name). IZ died in 1997 at the age of 38 but I did not discover him until 2002, on a visit to Hawaii. I have loved his music ever since.

Answer: Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World

Although ALL of the initial songs are famous Judy Garland songs, I am not aware that Louis "Louie" Armstrong was famous for any of the other songs.
The popular version of "Midnight Train to Georgia" is by Gladys Knight and The Pips.
Both "Georgia on My Mind" and "The Christmas Song (AKA Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" have been recorded many times but my favorites are Ray Charles and Nat King Cole (respectively).

Answer: Take Me Home, Country Roads

A sampling of the IZ version lyrics:

"Almost Heaven, West Makaha,
high-ridge mountain, crystal-clear blue water.
All my friends there hanging on da beach,
young and old among them,
feel the ocean breeze.

Country road, take me home,
to the place I belong,
West Makaha, Mount Ka'ala.
Oh, take me home, oh, country road."

Answer: The fearless eye or the bold face

Hawaii's state fish is indeed as difficult to pronounce as Kamakawiwoʻole but it is actually the humuhumunukunukuâpuaʻa,

Answer: Because he weighed over 500 pounds at the time

IZ suffered from obesity for his entire life. His heaviest weight is recorded as over 700 pounds. Although he was also tall (74 inches) his BMI was over 95. This enormous weight is likely what accounted for his death at such a young age.

Answer: True

Not only that but he was the only non-government official to be so honoured. The flags were also flown at half-mast and approximately 10,000 people attended his funeral with thousands later turning out to watch as his ashes were sprinkled into the Pacific Ocean (a traditional Hawaiian burial).

Answer: All are correct

All of these are correct.

The quote is ascribed to King Kamehameha III in a speech after Hawai'i regained its sovereignty in 1873.

This line (and the entire song, actually) reflect IZ's commitment to the movement to regain Hawai'ian sovereignty.

Answer: Respiratory failure

Because of his size, IZ was hospitalized many times for issues involving his heart, lungs and other health issues before he finally succumbed on June 26, 1997 at the age of 38.

Answer: Ukulele

It is listed in several sources as a "tenor" ukulele. I didn't realize there were different tones for ukulele. Here is some bonus ukulele trivia:

They usually come in four sizes: Soprano, Concert, Tenor and Baritone with differences in tone usually depending on size and construction. The preferred wood is Koa, a hardwood native to Hawai'i.

Ukulele is a Hawaiian word and the instrument is thought to descend from machete de braga brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants.

Answer: Lava

The song that inspired Producer James Ford Murphy's touching short "Lava" was IZ's cover of "Over the Rainbow."

If you think you have never heard anything by IZ, then listen to this song. Chances are you have probably heard it in the background of the many TV shows, commercials and films that have used it!