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{{short description|American artist}}
{{Short description|Hawaiian musician (1960–2020)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Willie K
| name = Willie K
| image = William "Willie K" Kahaiali'i.jpg
| image = William "Willie K" Kahaiali'i.jpg
| caption = Willie K Performing on [[Maui]]
| caption = Willie K performing on Maui
| birth_date = {{birth date|1960|10|17|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1960|10|17|mf=y}}
| birth_place =
| birth_place = [[Lahaina, Hawaii|Lahaina]], [[Maui, Hawaii|Maui]], Hawaii, US
| birth_name = William Awihilima Kahaiali'i
| birth_name = William Awihilima Kahaiali'i
| death_date = {{death date and given age|2020|5|18|59}}
| death_date = {{death date and given age|2020|5|18|59}}
| death_place = [[Wailuku]], Hawaii
| death_place = [[Wailuku, Hawaii|Wailuku]], Maui, Hawaii, US
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|musician|entertainer }}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|musician|entertainer }}
| years_active = 1970-2018
| years_active = 1970–2018
| home_town = [[Maui]], Hawaii, US
| awards = [[Na Hoku Hanohano Award]]
| awards = [[Na Hoku Hanohano Award]]
| website = {{URL|williek.com}}
| website = {{URL|williek.com}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
⚫
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|ukulele|}} <!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument --->
| background = solo_singer <!-- mandatory field -->
⚫
| genre = {{hlist|Hawaiian music|blues|rock|opera|cachi cachi}}
⚫
| instrument = {{hlist|Vocals|ukulele}} <!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
⚫
}}
⚫
| genre = {{hlist|Hawaiian music|blues|rock|opera}}
⚫
}}
}}
}}


'''William Awihilima Kahaiali'i''' (October 17, 1960 – May 18, 2020), known as '''Willie K''',<ref name="Lib">{{cite web
'''William Awihilima Kahaialiʻi''' (October 17, 1960 – May 18, 2020), known as '''Willie K''',<ref name="Lib">{{cite web
| url = http://www.marinij.com/article/NO/20151203/FEATURES/151209946
|url = http://www.marinij.com/article/NO/20151203/FEATURES/151209946
| title = Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti
|title = Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti
| work = Marin Independent Journal
|work = Marin Independent Journal
| author = Paul Liberatore
|author = Paul Liberatore
| date = 2015-12-03
|date = 2015-12-03
| accessdate = 2016-04-09
|accessdate = 2016-04-09
|archive-date = 2016-04-20
⚫
}}</ref> was an American musician who was a [[Music of Hawaii|Hawaiian music]] performer along with a variety of other styles, including [[blues]], [[Rock music|rock]] and [[opera]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |title=Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386994/willie-k-obit |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=20 May 2020 |date=20 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="Lib"/> Born and raised in a family of musicians in [[Lahaina, Hawaii]], Willie began performing at the age of 8 alongside his father, Hawaiian jazz guitarist Manu Kahaiali’i.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campos |first1=Samantha |title=Who Is Willie K? |url=https://mauitime.com/culture/who-is-willie-k/ |website=Maui TIme |accessdate=4 November 2019 |date=25 May 2006}}</ref>
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160420113131/http://www.marinij.com/article/NO/20151203/FEATURES/151209946
|url-status = live
⚫
}}</ref> was a [[Native Hawaiians|Hawaiian]] musician who performed in a variety of styles, including [[blues]], [[Rock music|rock]], [[opera]] and [[Music of Hawaii|Hawaiian music]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |title=Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386994/willie-k-obit |publisher=Billboard |accessdate=20 May 2020 |date=20 May 2020 |archive-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523180045/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386994/willie-k-obit |url-status=live }}</ref>{{r|Lib}}


==Early life==
Born and raised in a family of musicians in [[Lahaina, Hawaii]], Willie began performing at the age of 8 alongside his father, Hawaiian jazz guitarist Manu Kahaialiʻi.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campos |first1=Samantha |title=Who Is Willie K? |url=https://mauitime.com/culture/who-is-willie-k/ |website=MauiTime |accessdate=4 November 2019 |date=25 May 2006 |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104232703/https://mauitime.com/culture/who-is-willie-k/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="lahainanews">{{cite news | title=Hawaii mourns the loss of amazingly talented musician William Awihilima Kahaiali'i | newspaper=lahainanews.com | date=May 28, 2020 | url=https://www.lahainanews.com/news/local-news/2020/05/28/hawaii-mourns-the-loss-of-amazingly-talented-musician-william-awihilima-kahaiali-i/ | access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref>

==Career==
In 1993, Willie began a collaboration with [[Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom]] that would last for nine years. The pair recorded, performed, and toured together, and also shared a personal relationship.<ref>{{cite web
In 1993, Willie began a collaboration with [[Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom]] that would last for nine years. The pair recorded, performed, and toured together, and also shared a personal relationship.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.frolichawaii.com/stories/amy-hanaialii-willie-k-are-reunited/
|url = http://www.frolichawaii.com/stories/amy-hanaialii-willie-k-are-reunited/
| title = Amy Hanaiali‘i and Willie K are reunited
|title = Amy Hanaialiʻi and Willie K are reunited
| author = Olena Heu and Melissa Chang
|author = Olena Heu and Melissa Chang
| website = Frolichawaii.com
|website = Frolichawaii.com
| date = 2014-10-26
|date = 2014-10-26
| accessdate = 2016-04-09
|accessdate = 2016-04-09
|archive-date = 2014-10-18
⚫
}}</ref> Their recordings won seven [[Na Hoku Hanohano Awards]], part of Willie's total of 19 Hokus as a musician and producer.<ref name="KITV">[http://williek.com/artist/awards/] {{dead link|date=May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Schweizer |first1=Laura |title=Willie K. shares his healing process, citing the 'power of prayer' |url=https://www.kitv.com/story/40241252/willie-k-shares-his-healing-process-citing-the-power-of-prayer |publisher=KITV |accessdate=4 November 2019 |date=2 April 2019}}</ref>
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018152808/http://www.frolichawaii.com/stories/amy-hanaialii-willie-k-are-reunited/
|url-status = live
⚫
}}</ref> Their recordings won seven [[Na Hoku Hanohano Awards]], part of Willie's total of 19 Hokus as a musician and producer.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Awards|url=https://williek.com/awards/|website=Willie K Hawaiian Music Maui Live Music Maui Entertainment|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-date=2019-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624200842/https://williek.com/awards/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Schweizer |first1=Laura |title=Willie K. shares his healing process, citing the 'power of prayer' |url=https://www.kitv.com/story/40241252/willie-k-shares-his-healing-process-citing-the-power-of-prayer |publisher=KITV |accessdate=4 November 2019 |date=2 April 2019 |archive-date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403044207/https://www.kitv.com/story/40241252/willie-k-shares-his-healing-process-citing-the-power-of-prayer |url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2005, Willie's reunion album with Gilliom, ''Amy & Willie Live'', was nominated for a [[Grammy Award|Grammy]] in the first year of the [[Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album|Best Hawaiian Music Album]] award.<ref>{{cite web
In 2005, Willie's reunion album with Gilliom, ''Amy & Willie Live'', was nominated for a [[Grammy Award|Grammy]] in the first year of the [[Grammy Award for Best Hawaiian Music Album|Best Hawaiian Music Album]] award.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/06/21/news/story02.html
|url = http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/06/21/news/story02.html
| title = Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut
|title = Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut
| author = Wilma Consul
|author = Wilma Consul
| website = Archives.starbulletin.com
|website = Archives.starbulletin.com
| date = 2005-02-11
|date = 2005-02-11
| accessdate = 2016-04-09
|accessdate = 2016-04-09
|archive-date = 2009-02-10
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090210143411/http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/06/21/news/story02.html
|url-status = live
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


In 2007, Willie K became one of very few artists to win a Hoku as part of three different acts - his collaboration with Eric Gilliom won Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album, in addition to wins already achieved with Amy and as a solo artist.<ref>{{cite web
In 2007, Willie K became one of very few artists to win a Hoku as part of three different acts – his collaboration with Eric Gilliom called "Barefoot Natives" won Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album, in addition to wins already achieved with Amy and as a solo artist.<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4492881
|url = https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4492881
| title = Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi
|title = Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi
| author = John Berger
|author = John Berger
| website = Npr.org
|website = Npr.org
| date = 2007-06-21
|date = 2007-06-21
| accessdate = 2016-04-09
|accessdate = 2016-04-09
|archive-date = 2005-02-14
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050214104606/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4492881
|url-status = live
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


== Genres ==
⚫
In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with [[lung cancer]] and promptly cancelled upcoming performances in [[Honolulu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37422426/willie-k-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-cancels-performances|title=Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances|publisher=Hawaii News Now|date=February 5, 2018|accessdate=February 20, 2018}}</ref> In April 2019, Willie announced via his [[Facebook]] page that he was undergoing [[immunotherapy]].<ref name="KITV" />
Willie K played many different genres of music including Hawaiian music, blues, rock, opera, and [[Cachi Cachi music]].<ref name="Willie K">{{cite web | title=Mayor Proclaims "Willie K Month" in June | date=May 31, 2021 | url=https://mauinow.com/2021/05/31/mayor-proclaims-willie-k-month-in-june/ | access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref><ref name="hawaiinewsnow">{{cite web | title=McKenna Maduli presents 'A Talk Story Kalikimaka' featuring Amy Hanaiali 'i sharing her memories of the Island Music Island Hearts 1998 Christmas Special with Willie K | website=hawaiinewsnow| date=December 15, 2020 | url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/12/15/mckenna-maduli-presents-talk-story-kalikimaka-featuring-amy-hanaiali-i-sharing-her-memories-island-music-island-hearts-christmas-special-with-willie-k/ | access-date=June 23, 2023}}</ref>


==Cancer and death==
⚫
Willie K died at age 59 on May 18, 2020.<ref name=ancheta_05192020>{{cite news|last=Ancheta|first=Dillon|title=Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies after lengthy battle lung cancer battle|date=May 19, 2020|website=HawaiiNewsNow.com|url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/05/19/hawaiian-music-legend-willie-k-dies-after-lengthy-battle-lung-cancer-battle/|accessdate=May 19, 2020|quote=According to his wife, he died peacefully late Monday night after enduring a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 59 years old.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kitv.com/story/41732071/hawaiian-music-icon-willie-k-has-passed-away|title=Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away|website=Kitv.com|accessdate=2020-05-19}}</ref>
⚫
In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with [[lung cancer]] and promptly canceled upcoming performances in [[Honolulu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37422426/willie-k-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-cancels-performances|title=Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances|publisher=Hawaii News Now|date=February 5, 2018|accessdate=February 20, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204085206/http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37422426/willie-k-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-cancels-performances|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2019, Willie announced via his [[Facebook]] page that he was undergoing [[immunotherapy]].{{r|:0}}

In January 2020, in a video posted to Facebook, Willie announced that his cancer was at the terminal stage. He made the video after a concert at ''Blue Note Hawaii'' in [[Waikiki]]. He stated that his "spirits remained high during the concert," which was supposed to be only a 90-minute set, but lasted for two hours. "The crowd deserved it," he said.<ref name=ancheta_01302020>{{cite news|last=Ancheta|first=Dillon|title=Musician Willie K. announces his cancer is terminal, but says he'll keep 'rocking on'|date=January 30, 2020|website=HawaiiNewsNow.com|url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/01/31/praise-jesus-he-will-always-take-care-you-musician-willie-k-says-his-cancer-is-terminal/|accessdate=May 28, 2020|quote=What I said earlier about stages of my cancer, yes I'm at terminal now and I'm still going to be rocking on. I'm not going to stop. This cancer is not going to take me down — especially with all your blessings, from you, each and everyone of you, Praise God, praise Jesus, he will always take care of you.|archive-date=May 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528074327/https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/01/31/praise-jesus-he-will-always-take-care-you-musician-willie-k-says-his-cancer-is-terminal/|url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
Willie K died at age 59 on May 18, 2020.<ref name=ancheta_05192020>{{cite news|last=Ancheta|first=Dillon|title=Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies after lengthy battle lung cancer battle|date=May 19, 2020|website=HawaiiNewsNow.com|url=https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/05/19/hawaiian-music-legend-willie-k-dies-after-lengthy-battle-lung-cancer-battle/|accessdate=May 19, 2020|quote=According to his wife, he died peacefully late Monday night after enduring a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 59 years old.|archive-date=May 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526020742/https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/05/19/hawaiian-music-legend-willie-k-dies-after-lengthy-battle-lung-cancer-battle/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kitv.com/story/41732071/hawaiian-music-icon-willie-k-has-passed-away|title=Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away|website=Kitv.com|accessdate=2020-05-19|archive-date=2020-05-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523180100/https://www.kitv.com/story/41732071/hawaiian-music-icon-willie-k-has-passed-away|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386994/willie-k-obit |title=Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59 |author=Lars Brandle |website=billboard.com |date=2020-05-20 |accessdate=2020-05-28 |archive-date=2020-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523180045/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9386994/willie-k-obit |url-status=live }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kahaiali'i, William Awihilima}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kahaialii, William Awihilima}}
⚫
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
⚫
[[Category:Musicians from Hawaii]]
[[Category:People from Lahaina, Hawaii]]
[[Category:People from Lahaina, Hawaii]]
[[Category:Mountain Apple Company artists]]
[[Category:Mountain Apple Company artists]]
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[[Category:Native Hawaiian people]]
[[Category:Native Hawaiian people]]
[[Category:Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners]]
[[Category:Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners]]
[[Category:Deaths from lung cancer]]
[[Category:Deaths from lung cancer in Hawaii]]
[[Category:1960s births]]
[[Category:Native Hawaiian musicians]]

Latest revision as of 19:57, 4 June 2024

Willie K
Willie K performing on Maui
Born
William Awihilima Kahaiali'i

(1960-10-17)October 17, 1960
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, US
Died (aged 59)
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, US
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • entertainer
Years active1970–2018
AwardsNa Hoku Hanohano Award
Musical career
Genres
  • Hawaiian music
  • blues
  • rock
  • opera
  • cachi cachi
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • ukulele
Websitewilliek.com

William Awihilima Kahaialiʻi (October 17, 1960 – May 18, 2020), known as Willie K,[1] was a Hawaiian musician who performed in a variety of styles, including blues, rock, opera and Hawaiian music.[2][1]

Early life

[edit]

Born and raised in a family of musicians in Lahaina, Hawaii, Willie began performing at the age of 8 alongside his father, Hawaiian jazz guitarist Manu Kahaialiʻi.[3][4]

Career

[edit]

In 1993, Willie began a collaboration with Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom that would last for nine years. The pair recorded, performed, and toured together, and also shared a personal relationship.[5] Their recordings won seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, part of Willie's total of 19 Hokus as a musician and producer.[6][7]

In 2005, Willie's reunion album with Gilliom, Amy & Willie Live, was nominated for a Grammy in the first year of the Best Hawaiian Music Album award.[8]

In 2007, Willie K became one of very few artists to win a Hoku as part of three different acts – his collaboration with Eric Gilliom called "Barefoot Natives" won Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album, in addition to wins already achieved with Amy and as a solo artist.[9]

Genres

[edit]

Willie K played many different genres of music including Hawaiian music, blues, rock, opera, and Cachi Cachi music.[10][11]

Cancer and death

[edit]

In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with lung cancer and promptly canceled upcoming performances in Honolulu.[12] In April 2019, Willie announced via his Facebook page that he was undergoing immunotherapy.[6]

In January 2020, in a video posted to Facebook, Willie announced that his cancer was at the terminal stage. He made the video after a concert at Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki. He stated that his "spirits remained high during the concert," which was supposed to be only a 90-minute set, but lasted for two hours. "The crowd deserved it," he said.[13]

Willie K died at age 59 on May 18, 2020.[14][15][16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Archived from the original on 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  2. ^ Brandle, Lars (20 May 2020). "Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  3. ^ Campos, Samantha (25 May 2006). "Who Is Willie K?". MauiTime. Archived from the original on 4 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  4. ^ "Hawaii mourns the loss of amazingly talented musician William Awihilima Kahaiali'i". lahainanews.com. May 28, 2020. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  5. ^ Olena Heu and Melissa Chang (2014-10-26). "Amy Hanaialiʻi and Willie K are reunited". Frolichawaii.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-18. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  6. ^ a b "Awards". Willie K Hawaiian Music Maui Live Music Maui Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2019-06-24. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  7. ^ Schweizer, Laura (2 April 2019). "Willie K. shares his healing process, citing the 'power of prayer'". KITV. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  8. ^ Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Archives.starbulletin.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-10. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  9. ^ John Berger (2007-06-21). "Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi". Npr.org. Archived from the original on 2005-02-14. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  10. ^ "Mayor Proclaims "Willie K Month" in June". May 31, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "McKenna Maduli presents 'A Talk Story Kalikimaka' featuring Amy Hanaiali 'i sharing her memories of the Island Music Island Hearts 1998 Christmas Special with Willie K". hawaiinewsnow. December 15, 2020. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  12. ^ "Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances". Hawaii News Now. February 5, 2018. Archived from the original on February 4, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  13. ^ Ancheta, Dillon (January 30, 2020). "Musician Willie K. announces his cancer is terminal, but says he'll keep 'rocking on'". HawaiiNewsNow.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020. What I said earlier about stages of my cancer, yes I'm at terminal now and I'm still going to be rocking on. I'm not going to stop. This cancer is not going to take me down — especially with all your blessings, from you, each and everyone of you, Praise God, praise Jesus, he will always take care of you.
  14. ^ Ancheta, Dillon (May 19, 2020). "Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies after lengthy battle lung cancer battle". HawaiiNewsNow.com. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020. According to his wife, he died peacefully late Monday night after enduring a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was 59 years old.
  15. ^ "Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away". Kitv.com. Archived from the original on 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
  16. ^ Lars Brandle (2020-05-20). "Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59". billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-28.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Willie_K&oldid=1227277063"