Willie K
William Awihilima Kahaiali'i, known as Willie K,[1] is a Hawaiian musician. He performs in a variety of musical styles, including blues, rock, Hawaiian, and opera.[1] Born and raised in Lahaina, Maui, Willie began performing at the age of 10 in his father's band alongside his brothers.[2]
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.[3] Their recordings won seven Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, part of Willie's total of 18 Hokus as a musician and producer.[4]
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.[5]
In 2007, Willie K became one of a very few artists to win a Hoku as part of three different acts - his collaboration with Eric Gilliom won Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album, and was added to wins already achieved with Amy and as a solo artist.[6]
References
- ^ a b Paul Liberatore (2015-12-03). "Willie K, from Hawaiian Hendrix to Polynesian Pavarotti". Marin Independent Journal. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ http://www.mtv.com/artists/willie-k/biography/
- ^ Olena Heu and Melissa Chang (2014-10-26). "Amy Hanaiali'i and Willie K are reunited". Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ http://williek.com/artist/awards/
- ^ Wilma Consul (2005-02-11). "Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut". Retrieved 2016-04-09.
- ^ John Berger (2007-06-21). "Na Hoku honors Gilliom, Kaukahi". Retrieved 2016-04-09.
External links
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