Willie K, the Grammy-nominated Hawaiian artist and producer, died Monday night (May 18) at his home in Wailuku after a years-long battle with lung cancer.
He was 59. Born William Kahaiali‘I and known affectionately as Uncle Willie, the celebrated artist mastered the blues from a young age, taught by his dad Manu Kahaiali‘I, himself a respected musician. “My father was a great influence,” says Willie K in his biog. “He groomed me to be where I am today.
He was just as diverse as I am—the guy knew how to play everything: jazz, blues and Hawaiian.” Willie’s artistry wouldn’t be tied down to any genre or instrument.
He could play almost any instrument needed in his performance, from guitar to bass, ukulele and more, and his music palate was
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