Ike Willis

Ike Willis, 70, died on May 17, 2026. Ike Willis was known publicly as an American guitarist (Frank Zappa). Isaac "Ike" Willis (November 12, 1955 – May 17, 2026) was an American vocalist and guitarist best known for being a regular member of Frank Zappa's studio and touring bands from 1978 until the last tour in 1988. He is most recognized for his involvement in Zappa records by playing Joe in Joe's Garage, providing vocals on Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is, and The Man from Utopia, and as the title character and narrator in Zappa's off-Broadway-styled conceptual musical Thing-Fish, as well as singing and playing on the majority of Zappa's band-oriented studio and live recordings during the 1980s. Willis regularly did studio voice work and wrote compositions for films. He also created solo music and led The Ike Willis Band. He released two solo studio albums under his own name and was working on another album prior to his death. Public biographical listings identify Willis as an American guitarist (Frank Zappa). This public record remains centered on Willis's work as an American guitarist (Frank Zappa) and the documented milestones of that career.