Willy DeVille
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About Willy DeVille
American singer-songwriter Willy DeVille (1950 – 2009) rose to prominence in the mid-1970s as the frontman of Mink DeVille, the house band at the famed CBGB club during the New York punk rock boom. However, his sound and style set him apart, leaning heavily on blues/roots music, classic soul, and Latin rhythms.
Mink DeVille’s debut album, ‘Cabretta’ (1977) (produced by guitarist Jack Nitzsche) earned the musician global recognition, featuring the popular hit ‘Spanish Stroll’ which reached number 20 on the UK Singles Chart.
By the early 1980s, DeVille transitioned into a successful solo career, further exploring traditional American music influences in his 1987 album ‘Miracle’ and 1992 album ‘Backstreets of Desire’ (which achieved gold certification in France). His live album ‘Willy DeVille Live’ (1993) reached number one on the sales chart in Spain.
Where was Willy Deville from?
Willy Deville was born on August 25, 1950, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Did Willy DeVille ever collaborate with other musicians?
DeVille worked with legendary producers such as Jack Nitzsche (who had worked with Neil Young and The Rolling Stones), and his 1987 album ‘Miracle’ was produced by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Dr. John also contributed to DeVille’s New Orleans-inspired sound on ‘Victory Mixture’ (1990).
Did Willy DeVille win any awards?
While Willy DeVille did not win a Grammy, his song ‘Storybook Love’ was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1988 for its use in the film The Princess Bride.
Did Willy DeVille have a solo career?
After Mink DeVille disbanded in the mid-1980s, DeVille embarked on a solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as ‘Miracle’ (1987), ‘Backstreets of Desire’ (1992), and ‘Crow Jane Alley’ (2004).
