Neville Brothers

The Neville Brothers are a world-famous R&B and soul group that came together in 1977 in New Orleans, Louisiana, and consists of four brothers from the Neville family. Art Neville was born in 1937; Charles Neville was born in 1938; Aaron Neville was born in 1941; and Cyril Neville was born in 1948. The brothers were born into a musical family and were raised in the New Orleans culture of music, listening to Cajun, Zydeco, blues, bluegrass, gospel, and R&B growing up. The brothers got their first break in music when their uncle, Big Chief Jolly, invited them to record with his band. From there the brothers began to build a name for themselves among the local New Orleans musicians, especially Dr. John.

The Neville brothers self-titled debut album arrived in 1978 on Capitol Records; the album produced the hit song, “Bird on a Wire.” The minor success of the album established the brothers professionally. Their follow-up album, “Fiyo on the Bayou” appeared in 1981 on A&M Records. The brothers began to tour and build up a larger fan base over the next few years. By 1988 the brothers had signed with EMI Records and released their fourth studio album, “Uptown,” which featured artists, such as Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of “Yellow Moon” back on A&M Records, which was produced by world-famous record producer and artists, Daniel Lanois. The album spawned the hit song, “Healing Chant,” which earned the group a Grammy Award for 'Best pop instrumental performance' that year.

As the 1990s ensued the Neville Brothers collaborated with a number of artists on the AIDS benefit album, “Red Hot + Blue,” contributing the song, “In the Still of the Night.” That year also saw the band on tour in Europe and appearing in England at the Glastonbury Festival. As the 1990s progress, Art Neville's health began to decline, which cut back on the band's touring and recording schedule significantly. The band's 13th studio album, “Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life” arrived in 2004 on Back Porch Records, which their first album in five years. The album was very successful and saw the band gain a new generation of fans.

The Neville family were all affected by Hurricane Katrina and left the city of New Orleans shortly after its damage. However, in 2008 The Neville Brothers returned to their home city to perform at that year's New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008.

The band continues to perform live, tour, and record music. Aaron Neville's son, Ivan Neville, has been a recent addition to the band on keyboards.