His influence has been far and wide on many contemporary artists, including Patti, who was a friend of his, and performed in his honor at the Nova Convention (see discography and brief account.) A Burroughs interview with Patti documents their intriguing conversational style.
Patti performed at "The Nova Convention Revisited: William S. Burroughs and the Arts" on November 26, 1996, at University of Kansas.
A recommended biography of Burroughs is Ted Morgan's Literary Outlaw.
Some links:
an excellent eulogy by Gary Kamiyaa short remembrance by J. G. Ballard
an interesting interview with J. G. Ballard about Burroughs' impact
Wired story on the Net's response to Burroughs' death
iZine tribute page to Burroughs -- novel excerpts, art, etc.
Disinformation site page on Burroughs -- writeup, excellent links
a profile of WSB -- part of Literary Kicks website, devoted to the Beats
another profile w/ selected bibliography
The Dirtman's Burroughs Site -- good jumping-off point for exploring many burroughs sites and texts on the net