Biography
Ivan Neville, born in 1959 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a renowned multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, and the son of legendary soul singer Aaron Neville. Growing up in the heart of a deeply musical family, Ivan was immersed in the rich traditions of New Orleans music from a young age, joining his father and uncles in the Neville Brothers as a teenager and serving as their third keyboardist. His early exposure to the vibrant local scene and the legacy of his family shaped his musical identity, blending elements of classic soul, funk, and rhythm and blues.
Neville's career quickly expanded beyond his family band. He became a sought-after studio and touring musician, collaborating with a diverse array of artists including Bonnie Raitt, the Rolling Stones, Don Henley, Paula Abdul, and Keith Richards, with whom he toured as a member of the X-Pensive Winos. His solo career began with the release of 'If My Ancestors Could See Me Now' in 1988, featuring the Top 30 Billboard hit 'Not Just Another Girl' and the duet 'Falling Out of Love' with Bonnie Raitt. Ivan also contributed to the soundtracks of major films and was a member of the Spin Doctors, assuming lead vocal duties during tours and recordings.
In the early 2000s, Ivan and his cousin Ian Neville formed Dumpstaphunk, a powerhouse funk band that has become a staple of the New Orleans music scene and festival circuit. Ivan's musical style is characterized by soulful vocals, intricate keyboard work, and a deep groove rooted in the traditions of his hometown. His legacy is marked by his commitment to carrying forward the New Orleans musical torch, his prolific collaborations, and his role in mentoring and inspiring new generations of musicians.
Fun Facts
- Ivan Neville's first band as a teenager was called Renegade.
- He assumed lead vocal duties for the Spin Doctors when their frontman lost his voice during a tour.
- Ivan's song 'Falling Out of Love' with Bonnie Raitt was featured in the 1989 comedy film 'Skin Deep' starring John Ritter.
- He contributed keyboards to two Rolling Stones albums and toured with Keith Richards as part of the X-Pensive Winos.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Aaron Neville - Father and early musical influence, exposed Ivan to soul and New Orleans traditions (Neville Brothers albums, Aaron Neville solo records) [1970s-present]
- Art Neville - Uncle and bandmate, foundational influence in funk and R&B (Neville Brothers, The Meters) [1970s-2010s]
- Allen Toussaint - New Orleans legend, stylistic inspiration in songwriting and piano (General influence, no direct collaborations cited) [1970s-2010s]
Key Collaborators
- Bonnie Raitt - Duet partner and band leader; Ivan was a member of her band ('Falling Out of Love', 'Nine Lives' album, Bonnie Raitt Band) [1985-1987, 1988]
- Keith Richards - Bandmate in X-Pensive Winos, touring and recording ('Talk Is Cheap', 'Main Offender', X-Pensive Winos tours) [1988, 1992-1993]
- Rolling Stones - Session keyboardist on studio albums ('Dirty Work' (1986), 'Voodoo Lounge' (1994)) [1986, 1994]
- Dumpstaphunk - Co-founder and bandleader; New Orleans funk ensemble (All Dumpstaphunk albums and tours) [2003-present]
- Spin Doctors - Touring and recording member, lead vocals during Chris Barron's illness ('Here Comes the Bride' album) [1999-2000]
- Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Trombone Shorty - Collaborators on 'Hey All Together' ('Hey All Together' (2023))
Artists Influenced
- Ian Neville - Cousin and bandmate in Dumpstaphunk, mentored in funk and New Orleans music (Dumpstaphunk projects) [2003-present]
- David Shaw (The Revivalists) - Collaborator and inspired by Neville's New Orleans funk style ('Hey All Together')
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Breathless | 1992 | Album |
| Soul Feeling | 2000 | Album |
| Tell It Like It Is | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Warm Your Heart | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| The Grand Tour | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Warm Your Heart | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| That's What I Say | 2005-01-01 | Album |
| Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics | 2006-09-19 | Album |
| The Grand Tour | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Tell It Like It Is | 1999-12-28 | Album |
| Oxygen | 2001-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Don't Know Much (with Aaron Neville) (Cry Like a Rainstorm Howl Like the Wind)
- Tell It Like It Is (Soul Feeling)
- Tell It Like It Is
- Tell It Like It Is
- All My Life (with Aaron Neville) - 1999 Remaster (Cry Like a Rainstorm Howl Like the Wind)
- Hercules (Tell It Like It Is)
- The Weight - Live
- Don't Know Much (feat. Aaron Neville) - 2015 Remaster
- Everybody Plays The Fool (Warm Your Heart)
- Even If My Heart Would Break (Breathless)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ivan Neville, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Tro has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.