Sunday, October 31, 2010

Style Inspiration of the Moment: Toots DeVille
























Susan "Toots" DeVille was the first wife of Willy DeVille. I don't have that much info of her, but I believe she died on heroin after breaking up with Willy. She was told to be very violent and moody, almost like a combination of Hell-Cat Maggie & Nancy Spungen & beatnik latino girls. Half Frenchwoman & half Indian, with her pierced nose, she was way ahead of her time.


They remind me of one certain couple...

4 comments:

  1. She did not die of heroin, she died of cancer in 2005.
    She never broke up with Willie, he left her in 84.

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  2. Toots was adopted by a Jewish Family ,and names ending -sky- are also Russian or Ukrainian
    Susan [ Toots ] became a elder care provider in Up State N.Y. in the early 90's
    and did Die of Cancer in her Mid 50,s .in 2005 .
    A Stylist and Image Creator , She Created that Slick Style For Mink Deville
    and the Swave Image that became -- Willy Deville .-- " Hey Mr Jim "

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  3. Thank you for this great site; ever since hearing "Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl" way back in the Day, I've thought of Willy DeVille as some kind of Quixotic changeling-genius - seems to me that, somewhat like the late great Freddie Neil, Willy DeVille will be re-discovered & appreciated far more by future generations, than he was in his own era. Such a tragedy that he degraded that magical voice through heavy smoking in later years.

    I'm aussie and have heard that his sister lives in Oz - does anyone know if this is in fact the case & if so, which city/town she lives in; I have contacts with highly professional & respectful documentary film-makers & would love to document her reminiscences of her brother should she be so inclined.

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    Replies
    1. Willy's sister is called Mary-Ellen Page.

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