The New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile "one of the most
gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years."
Uncut Magazine called him “A one-man Clash” and “the unofficial poet
laureate of New York City. His album Streets Of New York was hailed as “a
platter for the ages” by Uncut. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as
one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC
Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” His single from that
album, “One Guitar,” was the “Top Pick of the Week” in USA Today.
Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams,
Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his
praises.
His album, American Ride, won “Best Rock Album of the Year” at the
Independent Music Awards. It appeared on dozens of year-end Top Ten
lists for 2013 and was voted “Album Of The Year” by Twangville
Magazine. Bono called it, “One of the great guides to unraveling the
mystery that is the troubled beauty of America.”
In November 2014 he released an album of piano-based songs, If I Was A
River, to great critical acclaim.
MOJO wrote about his 2016 album World War Willie, “Four Stars! The
real thing…stomp-‘til-ready rock’n’roll…timeless fare.” It won Album of
the Year Reader’s Poll from Twangville Magazine and made numerous
top ten lists for Album of the Year.
His album Positively Bob: Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan from 2017 was
hailed as “one of the best Dylan tribute albums ever made.” Powerpop
Magazine wrote: “Astoundingly great…must be heard to be believed. If
this doesn’t get your blood flowing, seek medical help.” And the
Associated Press said his 2018 album Children Of Paradise “Might be the
best album of his career!”
Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce
Springsteen and Ringo Starr. As the induction program from the Buffalo
Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” His 2020
album New York At Night got rave reviews, with The Associated Press
calling it: “As sharp and guitar-driven as ever…the fire within Nile, once
a peer of The Replacements and The Clash, continues to light a similar
torch…anthemic…custom made for these times.” Downbeat Magazine
calling it a “sonic love letter to Gotham.”
His recent studio album The Day The Earth Stood Still features a duet
with Steve Earle on the song “Blood On Your Hands.” The London Times
called him “A man who embodies the true spirit of rock n’ roll.” The New
Yorker wrote that Willie Nile is “One of the most brilliant
singer-songwriters of the past 30 years.”
Last fall Willie released a new single, “Wake Up America”, a duet with
Steve Earle. It’s a call for the better angels of the country to stand up and
be counted.
He is currently working on a “Best Of” compilation for release in spring
and is doing some Career Retrospective shows here and there leading up
to it’s release. Willie is now touring in North America and lives in New
York City.
ACCOLADES
"Better than most performers have to offer by far." -- Rolling Stone
“Clash/Social Distortion meets Pete Seeger…a true master songwriter!”
– Hits
“Willie’s so good I can’t believe he’s not from New Jersey!” – Little Steven
“Crossing the power of the Clash with the social consciousness of Woody
Guthrie…he’s stronger than ever!” – The Morton Report
“Willie Nile is a great artist. If there was any justice in this world, I’d be
opening up for him instead of him for me.” Lucinda Williams
“The epitome of real, true American rock ’n’ roll!” – Pop Matters
“He’s a rocker’s rocker, protégé of the famous.” -- USA Today
“A man who embodies