Willy DeVille

Roots music gave Willy DeVille's late-'70s punk band, Mink DeVille, its unique flavor and, a quarter-of-a-century later, DeVille continued to blend musical traditions with postmodern intensity. Immersed in the punk scene of CBGB's, the group appeared prominently on a live compilation recorded at the club. With Atlantic acquiring distribution rights to the compilation, Mink DeVille became one of the country's top punk bands. Willy DeVille remained active after the breakup of Mink DeVille in the mid-'80s. His 1987 debut solo album, produced by Mark Knopfler, included the tune "Storybook Love," which was used in Knopfler's score for the film The Princess Bride and nominated for an Academy Award. ~ Craig Harris