Willy DeVille RIP
08/10/2009
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(Kayos) The rock world has lost another one of its influential pioneers with the death of Willy DeVille. DeVille, 58, was born in Stamford, CT. . He succumbed to pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed only three months ago at 10pm EST, on August 6, 2009 at Cabrini Hospital in York City.
Unique, debonair, and mysterious, Willy DeVille was a staple of the mid-70's New York punk scene. As founder, leader, and principal songwriter of the iconic Mink DeVille, Willy used the creative aesthetic of the CBGB's circuit as an outlet to express his slinky, sexy blend of soul, R&B, blues, Dixieland, and Cajun influences. Mink DeVille enjoyed their first taste of success in the UK with their hit "Spanish Stroll" in 1977 before Willy embarked on a solo career in the mid-80s. His solo single "Storybook Love" was nominated for an Oscar after it appeared in The Princess Bride in 1987. Throughout his career, his musical gumbo was always layered with his deliciously gravelly soul-drenched vocals.
Most recently, Eagle Rock Entertainment were proud to support his artistic vision, with releases such as his 2004 album Crow Jane Alley, and eponymous performances Live in Berlin (2003), Live In The Lowlands (2006), and Mink DeVille: Live at Montreux 1982 (2008) on DVD.
He is survived by his loving wife Nina, his sister Mimi and her family and his son Sean. There will be a private memorial and the family plan a public celebration of Willy's life sometime in the near future.
A stylistic songwriter, magnanimous maestro, and irreplaceable star with unparalleled flair, Willy DeVille is a one-of-a-kind talent that will truly be missed.
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