The Neville Brothers were an influential R&B, soul, and funk group formed in 1977 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Originating from a musically prolific family, the band consisted of four brothers: Art Neville (1937-2019), Charles Neville (1938-2018), Aaron Neville (born 1941), and Cyril Neville (born 1948). Known for their blend of diverse musical styles, the Neville Brothers epitomized the vibrant sound of their hometown.
The musical legacy of the Neville family stretches back to 1954, when Art Neville scored a hit with the song "Mardi Gras Mambo" as part of his high school band, the Hawkettes. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, each brother honed their talents through various musical projects. Art formed the Meters in the 1960s, which rose to prominence as a leading funk band and Allan Toussaint's studio band. Meanwhile, Aaron Neville pursued a successful solo career, achieving a Number 1 hit in 1966 with "Tell It Like It Is."
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The brothers first collaborated as a group in 1976, recording the album "Wild Tchoupitoulas" with their uncle, Big Chief Jolly (George Landry). Encouraged by the album's success, they officially formed the Neville Brothers in 1977.
The band released their self-titled debut album in 1978 under Capitol Records. Their sound was a rich tapestry interweaving doo-wop, funk, gospel, rhythm and blues, and the distinctive rhythms of Mardi Gras. Although often considered one of the greatest unknown bands, they captured the quintessential atmosphere of New Orleans.
Throughout their illustrious career, the Neville Brothers released several significant albums:
Known for their electrifying live performances, the Neville Brothers were a fixture at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where they traditionally closed the event for nearly 20 years. Though their activity waned in the later years due to Art Neville's declining health, they continued to tour and record through the 1990s and 2000s.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina impacted the Neville family, with some members having to leave New Orleans temporarily. Nevertheless, they returned to perform at the festival in 2008. The band officially disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert, marking an emotional send-off before Charles and Art Neville's subsequent passings.
The Neville Brothers received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1989 for "Healing Chant." Their unique ability to blend musical styles made them pivotal figures in New Orleans' rich musical landscape, ensuring their legacy continues through family members like Aaron's son Ivan Neville and Art's son Ian Neville.
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