Cancer claims Willy DeVille

[Refugee 7]

Singer/songwriter Willy DeVille, who fronted the rock band Mink DeVille in the '70s before embarking on a solo career, died Thursday (8/6) at age 55. In June, his wife had announced via DeVille's official website that he was suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Mink DeVille was a fixture at New York's CBGB nightclub, which nurtured cutting-edge acts including Blondie, the Ramones and Talking Heads.

Much of DeVille's work was critically acclaimed in the US, but he never attained much commercial success in his native country. He focused much of his touring in Europe, where he was a solid draw on the club circuit.

[Refugee 7]

Anna sent me boots of this guy. She really liked him. :085:

[Echosoftom 3]

^ Me too Linda. I love listening to them because it reminds me of her. She loved his music. So sad. R.I.P. Willy :085:

[agirl 0]

How sad. :085:

[WildflowerNJ 136]

So very sad....:085:

[jawallac 48]

So sad. I wasn't aware he was ill. He is well worth learning about, Farmers. As he aged his voice got more gravelly, sounding a bit like Tom Waits in that respect. I hardly ever pull up the iTunes program but this morning have it up and am listening to Willie and his acoustic trio "Live In Berlin." Rock & roll, blues, touches of Spanish influence, and a bit of New Orleans all rolled into one. Or pick up something old from Mink DeVille. Good stuff.

[KansasPettyFan 1]

Sorry to hear this. Tom played him from time to time on the Buried Treasure show and I enjoyed discovering his music.

[AnotherBee 0]

It is so sad that Willy deVille passed.

His wonderful music will remain in my heart.

Rest in Heaven, Willy!