Today in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the U.S., Google is celebrating Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter Israel Kamakawiwo’ole on what would have been his 61st birthday with a Google Doodle, which displays any time somebody goes to google.com. The animated video Doodle is overlayed to his iconic version of “Over the Rainbow.” This celebration of Israel’s legacy happens to come at a time when rainbow images are showing up around the world as a symbol of hope, making his iconic song even more cherished.
The video illustrates Israel’s life and features pieces of kapa — traditional Hawaiian fabric/prints made from plant bark and pressed with designs from natural dyes — made in collaboration with Waiʻanae-based guest artist Dalani Tanahy of Kapa Hawaii. You can read more about the Doodle here.
