Willie K
Willie K | |
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Born | William Awihilima Kahaiali'i October 17, 1960 |
Died | (aged 59) Wailuku, Hawaii |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1970–2018 |
Awards | Na Hoku Hanohano Award |
Musical career | |
Genres |
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Instruments |
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Website | williek |
William Awihilima Kahaiali'i (October 17, 1960 – May 18, 2020), known as Willie K,[1] was an American musician who was a Hawaiian music performer along with a variety of other styles, including blues, rock and opera.[2][1] 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.[3]
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.[4] Their recordings won seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, part of Willie's total of 19 Hokus as a musician and producer.[5][6]
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.[7]
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.[8]
In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with lung cancer and promptly cancelled upcoming performances in Honolulu.[9] In April 2019, Willie announced via his Facebook page that he was undergoing immunotherapy.[5]
Willie K died at age 59 on May 18, 2020.[10][11]
References
- ^ a b Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ Brandle, Lars (20 May 2020). "Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
- ^ Campos, Samantha (25 May 2006). "Who Is Willie K?". Maui TIme. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ Olena Heu and Melissa Chang (2014-10-26). "Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K are reunited". Frolichawaii.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ a b [1] [dead link ]
- ^ Schweizer, Laura (2 April 2019). "Willie K. shares his healing process, citing the 'power of prayer'". KITV. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ John Berger (2007-06-21). "Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi". Npr.org. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ "Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances". Hawaii News Now. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
- ^ Ancheta, Dillon (May 19, 2020). "Hawaiian music legend Willie K dies after lengthy battle lung cancer battle". HawaiiNewsNow.com. 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.
- ^ "Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away". Kitv.com. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
External links
- Official site
- Willie K discography at Discogs