Ike Willis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ike Willis
Willis performing in 2015
Background information
Birth name	Isaac Willis
Also known as	Stucco Homes
Born	(1955-11-12) November 12, 1955 (age 69) 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 guitarist. He is best known for working with the famous musician Frank Zappa. Ike was a regular member of Zappa's bands from 1978 until Zappa's last tour in 1988. He took a break from touring in 1981 and 1982 to be home for the birth of his two children. He returned for Zappa's final tours in 1984 and 1988.

Today, Ike Willis performs with several bands that play Frank Zappa's music. These include Bogus Pomp, Ossi Duri, Project/Object, Pojama People, Ugly Radio Rebellion, and ZAPPATiKA. He has also played with The Central Scrutinizer Band from Brazil, The Muffin Men, and Italian bands like Ossi Duri and Elio e le Storie Tese. Ike often appears at the Zappanale Festival in Germany.

He is famous for his roles on Zappa's albums. He played the character "Joe" in the rock opera Joe's Garage. He also sang on albums like Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is, and The Man from Utopia. Ike was also the main character and narrator in Zappa's musical Thing-Fish.

Besides his work with Zappa's music, Ike Willis does voice work for films. He also writes music for movies. He has his own band, The Ike Willis Band, and creates solo music. He has released two solo albums and is working on a new one. In 2021, Ike shared that he was facing a health challenge.

Working with Frank Zappa

Willis and Zappa in 1980

Ike Willis met Frank Zappa in 1977. This happened during a concert at Washington University in St. Louis, Ike's hometown. One of the first Zappa songs that really impressed Ike was "Black Napkins." This song came from Zappa's 1976 album, Zoot Allures.

The album Joe's Garage was a big project with three parts. Ike Willis was the main singer, playing the character "Joe." This album was a rock opera that talked about the dangers of political systems. It also explored how freedom of speech and music can be stopped. Part of the inspiration for the album came from the Iranian Revolution, which had made music illegal there. The album features rock songs like "Catholic Girls" and "Lucille Has Messed My Mind Up." It also includes the title track. The album has long guitar solos played live by Zappa. These solos were combined with a studio band, featuring drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. One of Zappa's most famous guitar pieces, "Watermelon in Easter Hay," is on this album.

Ike Willis has said he was sad that Frank Zappa passed away before they could tour together again. Zappa had planned a tour for 1996. This would have been the 25th anniversary of Zappa's movie 200 Motels. The band for that tour was also supposed to include Flo & Eddie and George Duke.

Music Albums

With Frank Zappa

Other Artists' Albums

Ike Willis Band Albums

See also

In Spanish: Ike Willis para niños

• LaClede Town