Aaron Neville:
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)
6 comments:
Man, we just keep taking sizable hits to the cultural fabric of New Orleans: Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Leah Chase, Dave Bartholomew and now, Art Neville. Growing up in NO during the 60s, Art's music formed the soundtrack to your life. From his early days as an r&B crooner with his hit, All These Things, to the enduring Mardi Gras classic, Mardi Gras Mambo. Then, he turned the music world upside down, with the hard charging funk of The Meters, and such NO classics as Fire on the Bayou, Hey Pocky Way and the entire Rejuvenation album. As an adult, the smoother, but still funky songs of The Neville Brothers helped to celebrate weddings, and the births of our offspring. He was such an iconic figure in New Orleans music and culture, that his loss will never be completely overcome. RIP, Mr. Neville.
Pmac just said it better than I could. What a loss.
I spent most of May binging on the Meters. I filled in my collection with missing records and bought some compilations. Not sure how this started, but I couldn't get that rhythm out of my head. With the Meters serving as the house band for all of Allen Toussaint's projects, I have come to love their music making.
Art Neville never impressed me as a Rock n' Roll star or wannabe, but rather as a musician who just wanted to make good music. He did and we benefited. All good. I will miss him. joe
Paid tribute to Mr. Neville on the radio show today. I'll also do so on next week's show again. From the fifties on Art made so amazing funky music.
I total agree with Joes comment. It's spot on!
Captain Al
Thanks for sharing that tribute by Aaron. Hadn't seen it
Can't imagine life without the Tchoupatoulas, Meters and Nevilles music. Great bands, timeless music. RIP Art.
-Peacenik
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