Ike Willis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ike Willis
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Willis performing in 2015
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Isaac Willis |
| Also known as | Stucco Homes |
| Born | November 12, 1955 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Genres | Progressive rock, classic rock, alternative rock, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1978–present |
| Labels | Zappa Records, Barking Pumpkin Records, Reprise Records |
| Associated acts | Frank Zappa, Bogus Pomp, Ugly Radio Rebellion, Ossi Duri, Elio e le storie tese |
Isaac Willis (born November 12, 1955) is an American singer and guitar player. He was a regular member of Frank Zappa's bands. He played with Zappa in the studio and on tours from 1978 to 1988.
Ike Willis did not tour with Zappa in 1981 and 1982. This was because he wanted to be home for the birth of his two children. He returned to touring with Zappa in 1984 and 1988.
Today, Ike Willis still performs music. He tours with bands that play Frank Zappa's music. These bands include Bogus Pomp, Project/Object, and Pojama People. He also makes his own music and leads The Ike Willis Band. He has released two solo albums.
Contents
Ike Willis and Frank Zappa
Ike Willis met Frank Zappa in 1977. This happened at a concert at Willis's school, Washington University in St. Louis. One of the first Zappa songs that really impressed Ike was "Black Napkins." This song came from Zappa's 1976 album, Zoot Allures.
Ike Willis became a key part of Zappa's music. He was the main singer for the character "Joe" in the album Joe's Garage. This album was like a rock story or "rock opera." It talked about how political systems can limit freedom of speech and music. The album has famous rock songs like "Catholic Girls" and "Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up." It also features amazing guitar solos by Zappa.
Ike Willis also sang on other Zappa albums. These include Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is, and The Man from Utopia. He was also the main character and narrator in Zappa's musical Thing-Fish.
Ike Willis's Music Albums
Ike Willis has been part of many music albums. Here are some of the albums he made with Frank Zappa and other artists.
Albums with Frank Zappa
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Joe's Garage Act I | Zappa Records |
| 1979 | Joe's Garage Acts II & III | Zappa Records |
| 1981 | Tinseltown Rebellion | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1981 | Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1981 | Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar Some More | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1981 | Return of the Son of Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1981 | You Are What You Is | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1982 | Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1983 | The Man from Utopia | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1984 | Them or Us | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1984 | Thing-Fish | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1985 | Frank Zappa Meets the Mothers of Prevention | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1986 | Does Humor Belong in Music? | EMI |
| 1988 | Guitar | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1988 | You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 1 | Rykodisc |
| 1988 | Broadway the Hard Way | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1989 | You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 3 | Rykodisc |
| 1991 | The Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1991 | Make a Jazz Noise Here | Barking Pumpkin Records |
| 1991 | You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 4 | Rykodisc |
| 1992 | You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 6 | Rykodisc |
Albums with Other Artists
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Terry Robb with Ike Willis, Jelly Behind the Sun | House Records, H1003 |
Albums by The Ike Willis Band
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Should'a Gone Before I Left | JDC Records |
See also
In Spanish: Ike Willis para niños
- LaClede Town
