Founder of punk’s Mink DeVille dies at 58
NEW YORK — Willy DeVille, who founded the punk group Mink DeVille and was known for his blend of R&B, blues, Dixieland and traditional French Cajun ballads, has died, his publicist said Friday. He was 58.
The Oscar-nominated songwriter died at New York’s Cabrini Hospital on Thursday of pancreatic cancer, said Carol Kaye at Kayos Productions.
“The rock world has lost another one of its influential pioneers,” Kaye said.
Mink DeVille, for which DeVille was the principal songwriter, was billed as one of the most original groups on the New York punk scene after an appearance at the legendary CBGB club in Greenwich Village in the 1970s.
In 1977, the band recorded “Cabretta,” a rock and roll/rhythm and blues album with renowned producer Jack Nitzsche. Its featured song, “Spanish Stroll,” was a Top 20 hit in Britain. It was followed by the album “Return to Magenta.”
Better known in Europe than in the United States, DeVille went solo in 1980 with “Le Chat Bleu.” Recorded in Paris and influenced by his admiration for siren Edith Piaf, the album featured “This Must Be the Night” and “Just to Walk That Little Girl Home.”
His “Storybook Love,” featured in the 1987 movie “The Princess Bride,” was nominated for an Academy Award.
“Throughout his career, his musical gumbo was always layered with his deliciously gravelly soul-drenched vocals,” Kaye said.
DeVille also spent time in New Orleans and recorded his “Victory Mixture” album with Dr. John, Eddie Bo, Allen Toussaint and others.
His other albums include the soulful “Coupe de Grace” and “Where Angels Fear to Tread.” In 1985, “Sportin’ Life” featured the European hit song “Italian Shoes.”
He was born in Stamford, Conn., and survivors include his wife, Nina, and a son, Sean Borsey.
On the Net:
Willy DeVille: www.willydevillemusic.com
Related News
Theatre Founder Zaldivar DiesOctober 8th, 2009 Award-winning theatre founder GILBERTO ZALDIVAR has died at the age of 75. Zaldivar, co-founder of New York City’s premiere Spanish-language theater company, Repertorio Español, died on Tuesday (06Oct09) from complications of Lewy body disease, a form of dementia.
Punk Act Jawbox Reunites For Tv PerformanceOctober 8th, 2009 Hardcore punk act JAWBOX are to reunite after 12 years for a U.S. TV performance.
Kiss Star Criss Battled Breast CancerOctober 7th, 2009 Former KISS star PETER CRISS has revealed he battled breast cancer last year (08). The band's original drummer is now using his experience to educate other men, urging them to get lumps tested - because women aren't the only victims of breast cancer.
Mendes To Take Willy Wonka To The StageOctober 4th, 2009 Oscar-winning director SAM MENDES is bringing children's classic CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to the stage. Roald Dahl's beloved book has already been turned into two successful Hollywood movies, convincing Mendes the story could be a hit musical on Broadway and the West End.
Common's Cousin Dies In Motorcycle AccidentSeptember 21st, 2009 Rapper/actor COMMON is in mourning following the death of his cousin in a motorcycle accident. Ajile Turner collided with a cyclist in New York on Friday night (18Sep09).
Meg Mazursky Dies From Brain CancerSeptember 17th, 2009 Oscar-nominated director PAUL MAZURSKY is mourning the death of his daughter MEG, who lost her battle with brain cancer on Sunday (13Sep09). Former child star Meg Mazursky passed away in Santa Monica, California at the age of 52.
World's Oldest Woman DiesSeptember 11th, 2009 The world's oldest woman has died in Los Angeles. Gertrude Barnes was 115 when she passed at a Los Angeles hospital on Friday morning (11Sep09).
Mercury Records Co-founder Adams DiesAugust 28th, 2009 Legendary Hollywood talent agent and Mercury Records co-founder BERLE ADAMS has died, aged 92. Berle passed away on Tuesday (25Aug09) in Los Angeles following a long illness.
Musician who helped revive American folk music, Mike Seeger, dies at 75 in Va. of cancerAugust 10th, 2009 Folk music revivalist Mike Seeger dies at 75LEXINGTON, Va. —Mike Seeger, who helped revive traditional American folk music, has died at age 75.
PUNK PIONEER DEVILLE DIES AT 58August 7th, 2009 Rock pioneer WILLY DEVILLE has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 58. The Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter, the founder of punk group Mink DeVille, passed away at New York's Cabrini Hospital on Thursday (06Aug09).
Heather Mills denies controversial comments about cancerJuly 25th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Heather Mills has denied making controversial comments about cancer while holding a British newspaper responsible for cooking up quotes under her name in a recent interview. Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife was previously alleged to have said that she was convinced certain journalists who had written lies about her in the past would get their comeuppance by getting cancer.
John Dawson, co-founder of psychedelic band New Riders of the Purple Sage, dies at 64July 24th, 2009 Psychedelic songwriter John Dawson dies at 64SAN FRANCISCO — John "Marmaduke" Dawson, a longtime Grateful Dead collaborator who co-wrote "Friend of the Devil" and developed a devoted following with his psychedelic country group New Riders of the Purple Sage, has died. He was 64. Dawson died Tuesday from stomach cancer in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he had retired several years ago, said Rob Bleetstein, archivist for the band.
Bob Bogle, lead guitarist of The Ventures, dies at 75; known for hits like 'Walk, Don't Run'June 16th, 2009 Bob Bogle of rock band The Ventures dies at 75TACOMA, Wash. — Bob Bogle, lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band The Ventures, known for 1960s instrumental hits including "Walk, Don't Run," has died at age 75.
Harry Potter publisher blasts plagiarism claims over Goblet Of FireJune 16th, 2009 LONDON - Publisher of the Harry Potter books has blasted claims that author JK Rowling copied another writer while inking the fourth instalment of the series. Bloomsbury Publishing has thwarted allegations made by the estate of children's writer Adrian Jacobs, who passed away in 1997, in a legal action over alleged copyright infringement.
Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin dies of lung cancer at age 67June 9th, 2009 Singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin dies of lung cancerLOS ANGELES — A spokesman for Kenny Rankin's record label says the veteran singer-songwriter has died of lung cancer. He was 67. Mack Avenue Records spokesman Don Lucoff says Rankin died Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Loading ...