Willie K
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
- ↑ Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ↑ Campos, Samantha (25 May 2006). "Who Is Willie K?". Maui TIme. Archived from the original on 4 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Awards - Willie K Hawaiian Music Maui Live Music Maui Entertainment". Archived from the original on 2016-11-04. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ↑ "Willie K diagnosed with lung cancer, cancels performances". Hawaii News Now. February 5, 2018. Retrieved February 20, 2018.
- ↑ "Hawaiian music icon Willie K has passed away". Archived from the original on 2020-05-23. Retrieved 2020-05-19.