New Orleans legend Art Neville, founder of the Meters and Neville Brothers, dies at 81

[G_j]

Source: NOLA.com

Art “Poppa Funk” Neville spent a half-century shaping the sound of New Orleans music. The keyboardist and singer was a founding member of the Meters and the Neville Brothers, and was the voice of the enduring Carnival season anthem “Mardi Gras Mambo.”

Neville died Monday after years of declining health, according to sources close to his family. He was 81.

"It was peaceful," said Kent Sorrell, Neville's longtime manager. "He passed away at home with his adoring wife Lorraine by his side."

Arthur Lanon Neville was born on December 17, 1937, the same day as New Orleans piano legend James Booker. As a boy, he lived in the Calliope housing development and Uptown on Valence Street. He was drawn to the Orioles, the Drifters and other doo-wop groups, as well as the piano-driven music of Professor Longhair and Fats Domino.

Read more: https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/keith_spera/article_4059d432-ac9f-11e9-9615-9f5f01d9ebd6.html

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[neohippie]

1. A true American Treasure

The first family of funk, have contributed so much to America's song book.


If you're not already familiar you should dig into their contributions.

[Bayard]

2. Aaron Neville

Great voice.

[Clash City Rocker]

3. This is Aaron's big brother

[Clash City Rocker]

4. One of the greatest New Orleans artists ever

And that’s really saying something. He was a founder of the Hawketts, the Meters, the Wild Tchoupitoulas and of course the Neville Brothers. A true legend, he can never be replaced.

[FailureToCommunicate]

8. Nice collection.

[PufPuf23]

5. Good bye Art Neville RIP - Sister Rosa

[Mendocino]

6. Art Neville

Doctor John a month or two back, Fats Domino a year or two before that... the Lawns sound is fading.

[FailureToCommunicate]

7. Oh Man. Dr John, now Art Neville. Feels like lights out for great blocks of the NOLA sound...

Here's "Lights Out" written by Dr John, sung by his cousin Jerry Byrne, with a SMOKING fast piano chorus by a young guy named Art Neville

[Roy Rolling]

9. We are Sad Here in New Orleans

But not too sad to form a secondline parade in his honor.

Standby, we grieve out loud.

And dance.

[world wide wally]

10. Peace, brother

[Duppers]

11. Oh no.

I truly liked his and his brother's music.

[G_j]

12. From Aaron,

Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2019, 08:36 AM - Edit history (1)

My big brother Artie / AKA Poppa Funk was the patriarch of the Neville tribe, big chief, a legend from way way back, my first inspiration. I would try and copy his style, his high natural tenor that only he could do. He and Izzy Koo taught me how to do harmonies when we lived in the Calliope Projects. I was 13 years old when Art recorded Mardi Gras Mambo in 1954. He let me sing with his band the Hawkettes while I was still a wild one. When he went into the navy I took over, but was still joy riding in hot cars so I went to jail for six months and he took back over when he came home from duty. He went on the road with me as my Road Manager and keyboard player when “Tell It Like It Is” came out. When we got off the road he started Art Neville and the Neville Sounds which was Art, Cyril, Me, with Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Zig Joseph Modelsti and Gary Brown. We played at a club called the Nite Cap for a couple of years then later on at The Ivan Ho club in the French Quarter. The club only called for 4 guys , so Art, George, Zig and Leo took that gig. Allen Toussaint got with them and that’s when the Meters were born. Me and Cyril got with Sam Henry and started the Soul Machine. Cyril later got to be one of Meters. In 1976, Uncle Jolly called us all to New Orleans to record his music; The Wild Tchoupatoulas Mardi Gras Indians. In 1977 Charlie moved back home from New York City and that’s when the Neville Brothers band started. We traveled over land and sea bringing our music to the world. We played with people like the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Huey Lewis and the News, Tina Turner and many others. We went on the amnesty tour sponsored by the late great Bill Graham who opened doors for the Neville Brothers, our children and so many other folks. From the park bench in the Calliope to Valence St. in the 13th ward to parts unknown we brought our Music and inspiration to the world stage. We now can say that 88 keys were blessed by Poppa Funk. I know he’s in heaven with Mommee and Poppee, Big Chief, Cookie, Brother Charlie, Mac/Dr John, Allen Toussaint, and James Booker. So many great New Orleans musicians and singers are in the heavenly band now. I know they’re accepting him with open arms so he can take his rightful place as one of the greats. Artie Poppa Funk Neville you are loved dearly by every one who knew you. Love always your lil’ big brother AARON (we ask for privacy during this time of mourning)

[Nitram]

13. RIP Art Neville, a musical genius and a huge influence on popular music.