Few people know Willie Lamb and Willie Ninja, both visionary New Yorkers, but just about everyone knows their work.
Willie Lamb designed the Empire State Building. Willie Ninja is the man who taught
Madonna how to Vogue.
One of the creators-- if not the godfather--of voguing, Willie struck his last pose on September 2, 2006 at the age of 45 after a long illness.
Madonna may have brought Voguing into the mainstream, but every time some girl in a Milwaukee shopping mall strikes a pose, she's been touched by Willie Ninja.
In March of 1990, my then boy toy hounded me to buy tickets to a special night at the Roxy. I'd never been to the Roxy and had no idea what it was. I'd been out just three months.
Hell, at that point in my life I'd barely heard of Madonna and I'd certainly never heard of the House of Ninja.
The Roxy was launching Vogue that night. Paris was burning. Madonna was working her fans and reinventing herself yet again.
Keith, the boy toy, promised me a life-changing experience. He delivered on that promise. Among other things that was the first time I did Ex. That night Willie Ninja, Madonna and several thousand voguing Chelsea queens and club kids catapulted me into my club years.
I owe an awful lot of trouble and debauchery to Willie Ninja for which I will be eternally grateful! He may have lived a short life, but like the other Willie's Empire State Building, Willie Ninja's moves have become iconic.
Thank you for this writing this story, it has very personal significance to us.
Posted by: GAYTWOGETHER | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 12:54 PM
This is sad news. It was my good fortune to have known Willie back in the last century and spend time with him whenever he was on the Left Coast (and some expensive long distance calls when he was in Tokyo). He was a true gentleman. I'll miss him.
Posted by: circuitmouse | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 06:55 PM
Willie was everything behind fashion, dance, and true individuality in the world. There never was, and I doubt there ever will be, anyone else like him. He gave not only material things, but happiness, and love to everyone he came in contact with. He was the most selfless person, individual soul, and kind spirit I have ever known. I never imagined that this could happen. I never imagined the world without Willie in it. He gave eveything to the any and all people, and expected nothing in return. But he got love, love from everyone who ever was fortunate enough to have ever met him. He is and always will be a legend. He was my mentor, and more importantly my friend. I love you Willie!
Posted by: Lydia Hearst | Tuesday, 05 September 2006 at 09:34 PM
I am truly saddened by the loss of a true legend of the Ball, Fashion and entertainment scenes. Although I never met Mother Nina personally, I was honored to be in his presence on several occasions. May the Lord give him rest but knowing Willie, he's up there teaching the children how to vogue!!!
Posted by: Booker | Wednesday, 06 September 2006 at 09:12 AM
Willie taught me how to walk as a young model here in the big city of New York coming from Memphis,TN and I was surprised to hear of his passing cause he was one of my first Gay male Friends and even though I am a Christian and that's not in my beliefs Willie taught me alot about the business and str8 men and It really saddens my heart that he has gone so soon but his life very much Historic .I Love ya Willie may God rest your soul ...
Posted by: M.Kelley | Wednesday, 06 September 2006 at 10:11 AM
Willie Nijnja was an inventor a Creator and contibuter and he valididated his way too short existence through his compassionate contributions
When everythings said and done the Creator is going to embrace the spirit and energy of a creative contibuter and uniter
like willie ninja
Posted by: XPLICITMAN | Wednesday, 06 September 2006 at 08:07 PM