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Willie K

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

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

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

  1. ^ a b Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  2. ^ Brandle, Lars (20 May 2020). "Willie K, Grammy-Nominated Hawaiian Artist, Dies at 59". Billboard. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  3. ^ Campos, Samantha (25 May 2006). "Who Is Willie K?". Maui TIme. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  4. ^ Olena Heu and Melissa Chang (2014-10-26). "Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K are reunited". Frolichawaii.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  5. ^ a b [1] [dead link‍]
  6. ^ Schweizer, Laura (2 April 2019). "Willie K. shares his healing process, citing the 'power of prayer'". KITV. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  7. ^ Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  8. ^ John Berger (2007-06-21). "Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi". Npr.org. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  9. ^ "Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances". Hawaii News Now. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ "Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away". Kitv.com. Retrieved 2020-05-19.
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