The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
New Orleans funk legend dies
An American funk musician, hailed an icon by Louisiana’s governor, has died aged 81.
Keyboardist and singer Art Neville was born in 1937 and grew up in New Orleans.
He was one of the most celebrated funk musicians in the US, known for his work with the Meters and the Neville Brothers.
His manager Kent Sorrell confirmed that Neville had
“passed away peacefully this morning at home, with his adoring wife Lorraine by his side”. He was 81.
He began his career in the 50s when he joined the Hawketts and their song Mardi Gras Mambo became a cornerstone of the New Orleans funk sound.
When forming the band the Meters in 1968, the group were the backing band for major hits such as Labelle’s Lady Marmalade.
Paul McCartney was a fan, hosting them at a concert on the Queen Mary cruise liner in 1975, and the group toured with the Rolling Stones.
After disbanding the Meters, Neville went on to join his siblings to form the Neville Brothers, who had a major success in 1989 with the Daniel Lanois-produced, gold-certified album Yellow Moon.
Neville continued to play in his later years, despite health problems and reduced mobility, but retired in December 2018.
Louisiana governor John Edwards said in a statement: “Louisiana lost an icon today – Art Neville took the unique sound of New Orleans and played it for the world to enjoy.”
Actor and musician Harry Shearer shared on social media: “RIP the heart and soul of 2 great bands”, while actor Wendell Pearce called him a “New Orleans cultural icon”.