Art Neville — Rare Footage & Clips
The sounds of New Orleans seeped from every pore of Art Neville's being, a man who embodied the city's irrepressible spirit. Born on December 17, 1937, in this vibrant metropolis, Neville was destined to leave an indelible mark on music history. As the founder of The Meters, he helped shape the sound of New Orleans funk, a genre that would influence generations to come.
In the early days, Neville's keyboard playing and songwriting prowess were already making waves in the local scene. His Specialty Recordings 1956-58 collection, released in 1992, offers a glimpse into this nascent era. The album is a treasure trove of classic New Orleans R&B, with tracks like "My Girl" and "I Want to Be Loved" showcasing Neville's burgeoning talent.
As the years passed, Neville's collaborations with other legendary artists only added to his reputation. His work with Labelle on "Lady Marmalade," released in 1974, is a testament to his ability to craft timeless hits. The song's iconic blend of New Orleans funk and pop sensibilities has been widely influential, covered by numerous artists over the years.
The Neville Brothers, formed in the late 1970s, brought together Art, Aaron, Charles, and Cyril Neville for a unique rock-soul-jazz sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Their music was a natural extension of their shared upbringing in New Orleans, where jazz, blues, and R&B traditions had long been intertwined. The band's performances were always high-energy affairs, with the Nevilles' collective talent and chemistry on full display.
One notable example of this can be seen in their 1986 album Mardi Gras Rock 'n' Roll. Recorded live at the iconic Tipitina's club in New Orleans, the album captures the band's infectious energy and camaraderie. Tracks like "Fire on the Bayou" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" showcase the Nevilles' ability to blend rock, funk, and soul influences with ease.
Art Neville's work with The Meters continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with albums like That Old Time Rock'n'Roll (1987) demonstrating his enduring commitment to the genre. His songwriting skills were on full display in tracks like "I've Been Around," a funky tribute to the city he loved.
The Neville Brothers disbanded in 2019, but Art's legacy as a musician and songwriter remains unassailable. In addition to his work with The Meters and The Neville Brothers, he performed on numerous recordings by other notable artists from New Orleans and beyond. His contributions to Paul McCartney's "London Town" (1978) and Robert Palmer's "Riptide" (1983) are just two examples of his ability to bring his unique perspective to a wide range of musical contexts.
Art Neville's passing in 2019 marked the end of an era for New Orleans music. Yet, his influence will continue to be felt through the countless artists he inspired and collaborated with over the years. As we reflect on his remarkable career, it becomes clear that Art Neville was more than just a talented musician – he was a true embodiment of the city's irrepressible spirit.
In 1993, Neville released Let's New Orleans Rock!, an album that celebrated the city's rich musical heritage. Featuring a mix of original compositions and classic covers, the album is a testament to Neville's enduring love for the music of his hometown. Tracks like "New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll" and "I'll Be Around" showcase his ability to craft infectious, danceable grooves that continue to captivate audiences today.
As we explore Art Neville's remarkable career on DeepCutsArchive, it becomes clear that his impact extends far beyond the boundaries of New Orleans. His music has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists, from funk and soul pioneers like The Meters and Labelle to rock and pop icons like Paul McCartney and Robert Palmer.
In 1986, Neville's solo album Mardi Gras Rock 'n' Roll was released, featuring the hit single "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." This song, a cover of Jimi Hendrix's classic, is a testament to Neville's ability to reinterpret and reinvigorate timeless classics. His keyboard playing on this track is particularly noteworthy, bringing a unique New Orleans flavor to the original.
Art Neville's legacy as a musician and songwriter is inextricably linked to his role as a co-founder of The Meters. This influential funk band helped shape the sound of New Orleans music in the 1960s and 1970s, with their unique blend of R&B, jazz, and rock influences. Their music has been widely influential, covered by artists from Stevie Wonder to The Rolling Stones.
As we delve deeper into Art Neville's remarkable career on DeepCutsArchive, it becomes clear that his impact extends far beyond the boundaries of New Orleans. His music has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists, from funk and soul pioneers like The Meters and Labelle to rock and pop icons like Paul McCartney and Robert Palmer.
The Neville Brothers' performances were always high-energy affairs, with the Nevilles' collective talent and chemistry on full display. Their music was a natural extension of their shared upbringing in New Orleans, where jazz, blues, and R&B traditions had long been intertwined. The band's live shows were often described as "part concert, part street party," capturing the infectious energy and camaraderie that defined their music.
Art Neville's work with other artists has left an indelible mark on music history. His contributions to Labelle's "Lady Marmalade" (1974) are a testament to his ability to craft timeless hits. The song's iconic blend of New Orleans funk and pop sensibilities has been widely influential, covered by numerous artists over the years.
As we explore Art Neville's remarkable career on DeepCutsArchive, it becomes clear that his impact extends far beyond the boundaries of New Orleans. His music has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists, from funk and soul pioneers like The Meters and Labelle to rock and pop icons like Paul McCartney and Robert Palmer.
The sounds of New Orleans continue to seep from every pore of Art Neville's being, even in death. As we reflect on his remarkable career, it becomes clear that he was a true embodiment of the city's irrepressible spirit – a man who left an indelible mark on music history through his unique blend of funk, soul, and rock influences.
His Specialty Recordings 1956-58 collection offers a glimpse into this nascent era. The album is a treasure trove of classic New Orleans R&B, with tracks like "My Girl" and "I Want to Be Loved" showcasing Neville's burgeoning talent.
Curated from public records and music databases.
