Most beautiful song

I took this picture in the highlands of Iceland, with its stunningly barren black lava gravel, immense sweeping views, grand changing skies of rain and sun... but the rainbow is universal. This song by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole makes me cry every time I hear it - the music coupled with the tender words makes me crumple into soaking tears without fail. (Hence my tissue is soaked because I've now watched these two slideshows numerous times in making this post).

Israel "Bruddah Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole (May 20, 1959 - June 26, 1997) was a musician who lived in Hawaii until his death at the age of 38. He became famous outside Hawaii when his album Facing Future was released in 1993 with his medley of "Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World", which was subsequently featured in several films, television programs, and commercials.

Kamakawiwo'ole was nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" by his admirers. He was described as always cheerful and positive, and he was best known for his love of the land and of the people of Hawaii. Through his consummate ukulele playing and incorporation of other idioms (such as jazz and reggae), Iz remains one of the major influences in Hawai'ian music over the last 15 years.

I was so sad to hear of his passing at such a young age - truly his music was beautiful and caused happiness and good feelings to surround all who listened. The world lost a lot with his moving on..