Willie K

William Awihilima Kahaiali'i, known as Willie K, (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.

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. Their recordings won seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. 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.

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

References

Other websites
Official site

Category:1961 births
Category:2020 deaths
Category:Deaths from lung cancer
Category:American singer-songwriters
Category:American record producers
Category:American rock singers
Category:American blues singers
Category:American blues musicians
Category:American rock guitarists
Category:Musicians from Hawaii
Category:Singers from Hawaii