Charles Neville (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Neville
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Neville playing sax at Jazz Fest, 2011
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| Background information | |
| Born | December 28, 1938 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | April 26, 2018 (aged 79) Huntington, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, Jazz, Funk, Pop |
| Occupation(s) | musician |
| Instruments | saxophone |
| Years active | 1954–2018 |
| Associated acts | The Neville Brothers, Diversity, Songcatchers, New England Nevilles |
Charles Neville (born December 28, 1938 – died April 26, 2018) was a famous American musician. He played R&B and jazz music. Charles was best known as a member of The Neville Brothers, a popular band. People called him "Charlie the horn man" because he played the saxophone so well. His amazing saxophone solos helped the band win a Grammy Award.
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Growing Up and Early Music
Charles Neville was born in New Orleans on December 28, 1938. He was one of four musical brothers, including Art, Aaron, and Cyril. Their family loved music. Their uncle, George "Big Chief Jolly" Landry, was a lead singer for a special group called The Wild Tchoupitoulas.
Charles started playing the saxophone when he was young. At age 15, he left home to perform with the Rabbit's Foot Minstrel Show. When he returned to New Orleans, he played in a band at the Dew Drop Inn.
From 1956 to 1958, he served in the Navy. During this time, he discovered the lively music scene on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. He later toured with famous musicians like B.B. King and Bobby (Blue) Bland.
Musical Journey and The Neville Brothers
After his time in the Navy, Charles explored modern jazz music. He toured with other musicians like Johnnie Taylor and Clarence Carter.
In 1976, Charles returned to New Orleans. His uncle, George "Big Chief Jolly" Landry, brought Charles and his brothers together. They recorded an album with their Mardi Gras Indian group, The Wild Tchoupitoulas. This album mixed traditional sounds with funk music. It became a very important part of New Orleans' musical history.
Soon after, the four brothers formed their own band, The Neville Brothers. They recorded many albums and became famous around the world. For many years, they were the final act at the main stage of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
Charles's saxophone playing was a big part of their sound. His solos on their album Yellow Moon (1989) were especially famous. This album helped the band win their only Grammy. They won for "best pop instrumental performance" for their song "Healing Chant."
Later Life and Other Projects
In the 1990s, Charles moved to Massachusetts with his wife and children. He continued to make music and perform. He worked with many different musicians and family members.
He recorded an album with a group called Diversity, which included jazz and classical musicians. He also recorded with Songcatchers, a group that played with Native American musicians.
In 2005, Charles appeared in a documentary film called Make It Funky!. This film showed the history of New Orleans music. It also showed how New Orleans music influenced rhythm and blues, rock and roll, funk, and jazz. In the film, The Neville Brothers performed "Fire on the Bayou."
In 2008, Charles released his own album, Safe in Buddha’s Palm. This album showed his interest in Eastern spirituality. He often returned to New Orleans to play with his jazz groups. He also performed with his daughter, Charmaine Neville, who is a jazz and funk singer. Charles also played with two of his sons, Talyn and Khalif, in a group called the New England Nevilles.
After 2012, he toured with Aaron Neville's solo band. He also performed with Aaron at the French Quarter Festival in 2017. Charles's last performance at Jazz Fest was with Dr. John in 2017.
Charles Neville passed away on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79. He had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Discography
- 1990 Charles Neville & Diversity (Delta) Diversity
- 1994 Dreaming in Color (A&M) Songcatchers
- 2008 Safe in Buddha’s Palm (CD Baby) Charles Neville
