Willie K facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Willie K
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Willie K performing on Maui
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| Born |
William Awihilima Kahaiali'i
October 17, 1960 |
| Died | (aged 59) Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, US
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| Years active | 1970–2018 |
| Awards | Na Hoku Hanohano Award |
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William Awihilima Kahaialiʻi (October 17, 1960 – May 18, 2020), known as Willie K, was a very talented Hawaiian musician. He was famous for playing many different kinds of music. These included blues, rock, opera, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Willie K grew up in Lahaina, Hawaii, on the island of Maui. His family loved music, and he was surrounded by it from a young age. His father, Manu Kahaialiʻi, was a Hawaiian jazz guitarist. Willie started performing with his dad when he was only 8 years old.
A Remarkable Music Career
Willie K had a very successful music career. He was known for his amazing voice and his ability to play many instruments.
Working with Other Artists
In 1993, Willie K started working with singer Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom. They worked together for nine years. They recorded many songs, performed concerts, and toured around. Their music won seven Na Hoku Hanahano Awards. These are Hawaii's biggest music awards. Willie K won a total of 19 Hoku awards during his career. He won them as a musician and also as a producer.
Grammy Nomination
In 2005, Willie K and Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom released a reunion album called Amy & Willie Live. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award. It was nominated in the very first year of the Best Hawaiian Music Album category. This was a big honor for Hawaiian music.
More Awards and Recognition
Willie K continued to win awards. In 2007, he won another Hoku award with Eric Gilliom. This made him one of the few artists to win Hokus with three different groups. He won as a solo artist, with Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, and with Eric Gilliom.
Later Life and Passing
In February 2018, Willie K was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had to cancel his upcoming shows. In April 2019, he shared on Facebook that he was getting special treatment for his cancer.
In January 2020, Willie K posted a video on Facebook. He told his fans that his cancer was in a very advanced stage. He made the video after a concert in Waikiki. He said his spirits were still high during the concert. The show was supposed to be 90 minutes but lasted two hours. He felt the crowd deserved it. Willie K passed away on May 18, 2020, at the age of 59.
See also
In Spanish: Willie K para niños
