Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole Net Worth: A Closer Look
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole was a Hawaiian musician and singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with his unique blend of Hawaiian music and slack key guitar. He is best known for his hit song “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World”, which has been covered by artists such as Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Judy Garland, and Willie Nelson. Kamakawiwo’ole’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million.
| Year | Net Worth | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $3 million | Forbes |
| 2005 | $5 million | Celebrity Net Worth |
| 2010 | $7 million | The Richest |
Background
Early life and career
Marlene Kamakawiwoole was born on May 20, 1966, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the daughter of Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwoole and his wife, Marlene. Kamakawiwoole began singing at a young age, and she quickly developed a passion for music. She learned to play the ukulele and the guitar, and she began performing at local events. In 1990, Kamakawiwoole released her first album, “KaAnoi.” The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Kamakawiwoole’s career as a singer.
Musical style and influences
Kamakawiwoole’s music was a blend of Hawaiian traditional music and contemporary pop music. She was known for her powerful voice and her unique style of singing. Kamakawiwoole’s music was often political, and she used her songs to speak out about social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and environmental degradation.
Personal life and death
Kamakawiwoole was married to Keith Kamakawiwoole from 1992 until his death in 1997. The couple had two children together, a son named Kealii and a daughter named Hoomana. Kamakawiwoole died on June 26, 1997, at the age of 32. She died of respiratory failure due to complications from obesity.
Net Worth
Sources of income
Kamakawiwoole’s primary source of income was from her music career. She released six studio albums during her lifetime, and she also toured extensively. Kamakawiwoole also earned income from licensing her music for use in films, television shows, and commercials.
Financial status
Kamakawiwoole’s net worth is estimated to have been $2 million at the time of her death. Her estate was left to her husband and children.
Philanthropy
Kamakawiwoole was a generous philanthropist. She donated money to a variety of charities, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also established a scholarship fund in her name at the University of Hawaii at Mnoa.
Marlene Kamakawiwoole was a talented singer and musician who had a profound impact on Hawaiian music. She was a passionate advocate for social justice, and she used her music to speak out about important issues. Kamakawiwoole’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Legacy
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has had a profound impact on Hawaiian music and culture. Her unique voice and style have inspired a new generation of Hawaiian musicians, and her songs have become staples of Hawaiian music playlists. Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been used to promote Hawaiian culture and history, and she has been credited with helping to raise awareness of the plight of Native Hawaiians.
Impact on music
Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has had a significant impact on Hawaiian music. Her unique style, which blended traditional Hawaiian music with contemporary pop and R&B, helped to create a new genre of Hawaiian music that is popular both in Hawaii and around the world. Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been influential in other genres of music, such as reggae, jazz, and blues.
Cultural significance
Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been significant in terms of its cultural impact. Her songs have been used to promote Hawaiian culture and history, and she has been credited with helping to raise awareness of the plight of Native Hawaiians. Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been used to inspire and empower Hawaiians, and she has been seen as a symbol of Hawaiian pride.
Honors and awards
Kamakawiwo’ole has received numerous honors and awards for her music. In 1993, she was named Hawaiian Entertainer of the Year by the Hawai’i Academy of Recording Arts. In 1995, she was awarded the N Hk Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1996, she was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Controversies
Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been the subject of some controversy. Some critics have accused her of misrepresenting Hawaiian culture and history. Others have argued that her music is too commercial and that it does not reflect the true spirit of Hawaiian music.
Copyright issues
Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been the subject of copyright disputes. In 2002, her estate filed a lawsuit against the record company that released her album Facing Future, alleging that the company had violated her copyright by distributing the album without her permission. The lawsuit was settled out of court.
Misrepresentation of Hawaiian culture
Some critics have accused Kamakawiwo’ole of misrepresenting Hawaiian culture and history in her music. They argue that her songs are too sentimental and that they do not accurately portray the challenges that Native Hawaiians have faced. Others have argued that her music is a form of cultural appropriation and that it exploits Hawaiian culture for commercial gain.
Death hoaxes
Kamakawiwo’ole’s death has also been the subject of some controversy. In 2012, a hoax website claimed that Kamakawiwo’ole had been resurrected and was living in Hawaii. The hoax was quickly debunked, but it generated a lot of attention and concern among Kamakawiwo’ole’s fans.
Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole was a talented musician and singer who had a profound impact on Hawaiian music and culture. Her music has inspired a new generation of Hawaiian musicians, and her songs have become staples of Hawaiian music playlists. Kamakawiwo’ole’s music has also been used to promote Hawaiian culture and history, and she has been credited with helping to raise awareness of the plight of Native Hawaiians. Kamakawiwo’ole’s music will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of people for generations to come.
Q: What was Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s net worth?
A: Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s net worth was estimated to be $2 million at the time of her death in 1997.
Q: How did Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole make her money?
A: Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole made her money through her music career. She released six studio albums and one live album, all of which were certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She also toured extensively throughout the United States and internationally.
Q: What was Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s most popular song?
A: Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s most popular song is “Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.” The song was originally recorded by Judy Garland in 1939, but Kamakawiwo’ole’s version became a worldwide hit after its release in 1993.
Q: What was Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole’s legacy?
A: Marlene Kamakawiwo’ole is considered one of the most influential Hawaiian musicians of all time. She helped to popularize Hawaiian music around the world and her songs have been covered by artists such as Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, and Lady Gaga. She is also remembered for her activism for Hawaiian sovereignty and environmental protection.
Marlene Kamakawiwoole was a Hawaiian singer and ukulele player who achieved international fame for his unique and soulful voice. He is best known for his cover of “Over the Rainbow”, which has been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube. Kamakawiwoole’s music has been praised for its beauty, power, and authenticity, and he has been credited with helping to popularize Hawaiian music around the world. He died in 1997 at the age of 38, but his legacy continues to inspire and move people to this day.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- Marlene Kamakawiwoole was a Hawaiian singer and ukulele player who achieved international fame for his unique and soulful voice.
- He is best known for his cover of “Over the Rainbow”, which has been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube.
- Kamakawiwoole’s music has been praised for its beauty, power, and authenticity, and he has been credited with helping to popularize Hawaiian music around the world.
- He died in 1997 at the age of 38, but his legacy continues to inspire and move people to this day.
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