Yeah (laughs) I'm a singer/songwriter, and the front man, so I have to deal with all these different facets, taking the flak and so on. It's hard to keep the passion going sometimes, and if you can't keep changing it up, it would be damn near impossible.
Why did you leave New York for New Orleans
I was tired of being 'Willy DeVille', walking out of my building and having to be the guy who was up on stage all the time, even when I wasn't performing. I wanted to get away from that. So I got down there and it was this famous guy had come to town, and I didn't want that. So I decided to do an album with a bunch of the musicians from down there, the music of New Orleans.
People like Dr, John, Eddie Bo, Champion Jack Dupuis and all sorts of others. Victory Mixture is still one of the albums I'm proudest of; I think its one of the best records I've ever done. And you know what; I don't think there's more than one or two originals on it. It's all old stuff, music from New Orleans
I remember as a kid I used to go see these shows where there would be like four or five bands on a bill, and it was great, and I thought wouldn't that be a great thing to do. So I got in touch with all these guys I had made the record with and we did this great tour of Europe.
The travel, buses, and planes; and the accommodations had to be some of the worst I've ever experienced, but the shows themselves were great. At the end of each show we'd throw Mardi-Gras rows out to the audience, you know strands of purple and gold beads, and they'd never seen anything like it and they loved it.
You do a lot over in Europe, what's the attraction?
Well I don't want to sound like one of those guys kvetching, but have you seen what's on the charts over here?
Wait a moment I have gotten something written down, where is it, yeah, here: 'Striving for Mediocrity'.
(laughter) Yeah, that's it. I mean over there they still talk about Eddie Cochran and all the great old stuff as if it's still alive. There's a passion that's missing too often over here.
You recorded Le Chat Bleu in Paris because of your liking for Edith Piaff, is that right?
Yeah partially, but it was for the chance to work with some incredible people as well. Charles Dumont who had written a lot of the music for Edith, and Doc Pomus. You know the first day I walked into the studio and they were working with an orchestra, and I heard the strings playing one of my songs. I had to go into the bathroom and shed a tear. Seeing these guys playing their instruments, with long white hair hanging down over their collars, looking like what classical musicians are supposed to look like, doing a song I wrote, really got to me.
Article comments
1 - Elvira Black
Terrific piece, Richard! Willy sounds like an incredible guy.
2 - BJ Drwenski
Great article Richard....it was just what a Montana woman starving for more Willy info needed!
3 - Sue Few
Just read your interview with Willy - great! I interviewed him at the beginning of this year, on the telephone, and I had to stop the interview early on for a moment because I FORGOT in was an interview, I felt as tho I was talking to an old friend...Willy understood, "You are..." which made me feel more comfortable and able to continue. He is smart, generous and kind & fun! - had so many interesting things to talk about - mainly his music and what he wants to do next. Your interview brought out the best in him.....thank you!
Sue Few