Willie K

William "Willie K" Kahaiali'i.jpg

William Awihilima Kahaiali'i, known as Willie K,[1] (1961 – May 19, 2020) was an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. His music genres were blues, rock, Hawaiian, and opera. He was born in Lahaina, Maui.[2]

In 1993, Willie began to work with Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom that would last for nine years. They recorded, performed, and toured together, and also shared a personal relationship.[3] Their recordings won seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.[4][5] 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.[6]

In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with lung cancer.[7] In April 2019, Willie announced that it was terminal.[4] He died a month later on 19 May 2020, aged 59.[8]

References

  1. Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  2. Campos, Samantha (25 May 2006). "Who Is Willie K?". Maui TIme. Archived from the original on 4 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  3. Olena Heu and Melissa Chang (2014-10-26). "Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K are reunited". Archived from the original on 2014-10-18. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Awards - Willie K Hawaiian Music Maui Live Music Maui Entertainment". Archived from the original on 2016-11-04. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
  5. 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.
  6. Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  7. "Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances". Hawaii News Now. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
  8. "Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away". Archived from the original on 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-19.

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