I was honored in February of 2013 to photograph the iconic Christine McVie of the band Fleetwood Mac who had flow to Maui from London to be part of a mini reunion at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC). As the principal photographer for the MACC, I was given some of the best access to photograph the concert including Maui residents Mick Fleetwood and guest star Steven Tyler along with Rick Vito. I grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac so it was the soundtrack for a lot of my childhood. One of my favorite albums of all time (like many people, I'm sure) is Rumors. Rest in peace to this talented musical songbird. 

I first met Willie K at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center about 15 years ago Maui. He is a fixture of the Maui community with his large presence both physically and with his booming voice. He was a magician of a musician in the sense that he could make any song he sang sound like it was written by him and coming straight from his soul to his audience.

Willie K was an incredible stage presence with a voice that was unparalleled. He sang opera to rock and roll and Hawaiian music. 

I photographed him many times at MACC events before I was hired by Brian Kohne as the Still Photographer on the Maui comedy feature film, Get a Job. On set, Willie was a hilarious addition to the all star cast and when he would show up on set people would definitely pay attention. They recognized that greatness was in the room.

As a soulful singer and an active community member, Willie K was one of the most sought after musicians in the State of Hawaii.

Last night, he lost his battle with lunch cancer after 2 years of bravely fighting while still performing for his loyal audience. He is free of his body that was overtaken by cancer but his voice will live on forever as the fabric of our culture and community.