Ike Willis, an American guitarist and vocalist best known for his work with Frank Zappa, died on May 17, 2026, of prostate cancer.
He was 70. Born Isaac Willis in St.
Louis, Missouri, on November 12, 1955, he played guitar from the age of eight. Willis was a regular member of Zappa’s studio and touring bands from 1978 until the last tour in 1988. He also did studio voice work, wrote compositions for films, led The Ike Willis Band and released two solo studio albums under his own name.
Ike Willis, 70, American guitarist (Frank Zappa), prostate cancer.