Ike Willis: key obituary facts
Is Ike Willis dead? Yes. Ike Willis died on May 16, 2026, at age 70.
Cause of death: Ike Willis's cause of death was reported as Cancer.
What was Ike Willis known for?
He was an American musician.
More about Ike Willis
Born: 12 November 1955.
Place of birth: St. Louis.
Place of death: North Las Vegas.
Gender: male.
Occupation: musician, singer, composer, guitarist.
Nationality: United States.
Career began: 1978.
Career ended: 2026.
Also known as: Isaac Willis.
Genres: Progressive rock, classic rock, alternative rock, R&B.
Instruments: Vocals, guitar.
Years active: 1978–2026.
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.