American singer / songwriter Willy DeVille has died of cancer at the age of 55.
We first heard of Willy in the bank Mink DeVille via the 70s hit ‘Mixed Up Shook Up Girl’.Willy was born William Borsay on August 27, 1953.
He formed Mink DeVille in 1974 and the band soon became the house band at CBGB’s.
The first Mink DeVille album, Cabretta, was released in January 1977. Arranger, producer and Academy Award winning film score composer Jack Nitzsche produced it. It featured ‘Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl’.
In 1980, Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun signed him to the label.
In 1987, he went into the studio to record the album ‘Miracle’ with Mark Knopfler as his sideman. One of the songs from that album was ‘Storybook Love’. Knopfler was working on the soundtrack for the movie Princess Bride at the time and decided to use that song in the movie. It became the theme and was nominated for an Academy Award.
In February, Willy discovered he had Hepatitis C and stopped working. He left a note on his website to say that he would return to work in 2010.
But then it got worse. In June 2009, doctors discovered pancreatic cancer while treating the Hep C.
His wife Nina told fans via the website, “It is with a broken heart that I have to tell you that while the doctors examined Willy to prepare him for the Hep C treatment, they discovered that he has pancreatic cancer. He is doing okay and is not in pain and at home watching movies, listening to music, playing a little guitar and reading. We hug a lot and am grateful for the time we have together. Please send him your prayers and good wishes. With love from Nina."
Willy died from pancreatic cancer in a New York hospital.
A short announcement at willydevillemusic.com reads It is with heavy hearts that we let you know that Willy passed away peacefully last night, August 6, 2009. His music and spirit will always be with us.
Willy DeVille performs Storybook Love in 2002
Willy DeVille performs Mixed Up Shook Up Girl in 1981
