Willie K was more than just a Hawaiian musician. The Maui singer/songwriter and ukulele/guitar master was a world-class artist, with lightning-fast guitar chops, an amazing vocal range, a repertoire that covered everything from Israeli folk tunes to Prince to opera, and a joyful performer who loved to involve the crowd.

He passed away this week at the age of 59, after a two-year battle with cancer. To get a flavor of his music for those unfamiliar, his Hawaiian-themed rendition of Star Spangled Banner is a classic on par with Whitney Houston’s 1991 version (followed by the Hawaiian national anthem):

Overall, his upbeat, rock and reggae-inspired Hawaiian music is a staple of the genre, from the danceable Katchi Katchi Music Makawao to the melodic You Ku’uipo [sweetheart].

Of the many clips of his live performances available on-line, his version of Judy Garland’s “Over the Rainbow” (written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg) stands out. The Hawaiianized version of this song by the late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (Bruddah Iz) was already internationally known. But Willie K remade it his own way, with a jazzy, high-energy, soulful take in dialogue with the audience. Topping it off, he performed it by the State Capitol in Honolulu at an event for marriage equality:

As they say in the Islands, rest in aloha Willie K. He leaves a musical legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.