Biography
The Neville Brothers are a legendary American musical group from New Orleans, Louisiana, comprised of siblings Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril Neville. Raised in a musically rich environment, the brothers were exposed to New Orleans R&B, gospel, and Mardi Gras Indian traditions from an early age, learning chants from their uncle George 'Big Chief Jolly' Landry and drawing inspiration from local icons like Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Smiley Lewis. Each brother pursued successful solo careers before uniting as a band in 1977, following the influential Wild Tchoupitoulas project that celebrated their Indian heritage and New Orleans rhythms.
Their debut album, 'The Neville Brothers,' was released in 1978, quickly earning acclaim for its energetic blend of R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and New Orleans carnival music. The brothers became renowned for their electrifying live performances and were regulars at major festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Over the next three decades, they released a string of influential albums, including 'Fiyo on the Bayou' and the Grammy-winning 'Yellow Moon,' and built a reputation as one of the most musically adventurous and enduring groups to emerge from New Orleans.
The Neville Brothers' legacy is marked by their seamless fusion of genres, deep family ties, and commitment to preserving and innovating the sounds of their hometown. Their music has influenced countless artists and remains a touchstone for New Orleans funk and soul, celebrated for its authenticity, spirit, and cultural significance.
Fun Facts
- The Neville Brothers’ first major project together was the Wild Tchoupitoulas album, which celebrated their Mardi Gras Indian heritage.
- Aaron Neville’s solo hit 'Tell It Like It Is' reached No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1966, years before the brothers formed the band.
- Charles Neville spent three years in Angola Penitentiary for marijuana possession before rejoining his brothers in music.
- The Neville Brothers were a staple at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and often closed out the event with their legendary performances.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- George 'Big Chief Jolly' Landry - Uncle and leader of the Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indian tribe; taught the brothers Indian chants and traditions (Wild Tchoupitoulas album) [1970s]
- Smiley Lewis - Close family friend and influential New Orleans R&B singer (General inspiration, no direct album) [1950s-1960s]
- Professor Longhair - Influential New Orleans pianist whose style shaped the brothers' approach to R&B and funk (General inspiration, no direct album) [1950s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Allen Toussaint - Producer and New Orleans music legend; produced Wild Tchoupitoulas album (Wild Tchoupitoulas)
- The Meters - Art and Cyril Neville were members; The Meters backed the Wild Tchoupitoulas project (The Meters albums, Wild Tchoupitoulas) [1960s-1970s]
- Grateful Dead - Neville Brothers opened for them on tour (Live performances) [Late 1970s]
- Daniel Lanois - Producer of their Grammy-winning album 'Yellow Moon' (Yellow Moon)
Artists Influenced
- Trombone Shorty - Cited Neville Brothers as foundational influence in blending funk, jazz, and New Orleans traditions (Backatown, Say That to Say This) [2010s]
- Ivan Neville - Art Neville's son; formed Dumpstaphunk and carries forward the family’s funk legacy (Dumpstaphunk albums) [2000s-present]
- Galactic - New Orleans funk band influenced by the Neville Brothers’ genre-blending style (Coolin' Off, Ruckus) [1990s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Moon | 1989-03-14 | Album |
| Fiyo On The Bayou | 1981-01-01 | Album |
| Brother's Keeper | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Brother's Keeper | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Uptown | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Live On Planet Earth | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Live At Tipitina's (1982) | 1998 | Album |
| Authorized Bootleg/Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA, February 27, 1989 | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| Valence Street | 1997 | Album |
| Family Groove | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Make Me Strong | 1994 | Album |
| The Neville Brothers | 2007-01-01 | Album |
| Nevillization | 2015-11-01 | Album |
| Brothers From New Orleans | 2001 | Album |
| 25 Live - Remastered. Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA 27/2/89 | 1989 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Yellow Moon (Yellow Moon)
- Voodoo (Yellow Moon)
- Bird On A Wire (Brother's Keeper)
- A Change Is Gonna Come (Yellow Moon)
- Brother John / Iko Iko (Fiyo On The Bayou)
- Hey Pocky Way (Fiyo On The Bayou)
- Mona Lisa (feat. The Neville Brothers) (Wyclef Jean presents The Carnival featuring Refugee Allstars (feat. Refugee All Stars))
- With God On Our Side (Yellow Moon)
- Bird On A Wire (Brother's Keeper)
- Drift Away (Uptown)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Neville Brothers has been played 50 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.