[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 96 (Thursday, May 21, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2583-S2584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO WILLIE K

 Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, with the passing of Willie K, 
Hawaii has lost a music legend. Through his raw talent and unmatched 
musicianship, Willie K blazed a trail that redefined music in Hawaii 
and across the country.
  Born William Kahaialii--and known affectionately as ``Uncle Willie'' 
throughout our State--Willie K wouldn't be tied down to any single 
genre or instrument. Instead, he did it all. Willie could play or sing 
almost anything.
  Willie's love for music came from his family. Raised in a family of 
musicians in Lahaina, Willie started performing at just 8 years old. 
Taught by his father and renowned guitarist, Manu

[[Page S2584]]

Kahaiali`i, Willie mastered the blues at a young age. He became a 
virtuoso instrumentalist--learning how to play every instrument that 
might be needed in a show from a guitar to a bass to a ukulele. And his 
voice was one of a kind. No style was off limits, even opera. He was 
able to effortlessly bridge blues and Hawaiian, local and mainstream, 
music and culture.
  Over the course of his career, Willie recorded numerous albums and 
performed with icons like Prince, Steven Tyler, Willie Nelson, and 
Santana. Always humble, he described himself as ``a working 
musician''--despite earning 19 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, a Hawaii 
Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Grammy 
nomination.
  Willie devoted his life to music and understood its power. He went to 
great lengths to help other local artists in Hawaii succeed and 
organized his BBQ Bluesfest annually. Even after he began to feel the 
effects of his illness, he continued to share his music.
  Willie showed us all so many things. He was talented, energetic, 
passionate, and authentic. But what really separated him from the rest 
was his unrelenting zest for life and aloha spirit.
  My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his ohana and all those 
who loved him. He will be well remembered and greatly missed.
  May his memory be a blessing. May his music live on.

                          ____________________