Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville cuts an imposing figure, and you may be startled when you hear that unique tenor vibrato coming from such size. Born in New Orleans in 1941, Neville is a key member of a venerated New Orleans music family. In the 1950s he began performing with his brothers Cyril, Charles, and Art as The Hawketts. He credits Art as his earliest and most powerful musical inspiration. During the 1960s, he made a number of important solo recordings that were written by Allen Toussaint; these recordings were recently rereleased as Mojo Soul in 2006. His first hit single was the 1966 "Tell it Like it Is". His music has ranged from rhythm and blues to soul to country and gospel. In 1975, he reunited with his brothers in the wake of their mother's death, and began touring and recording as the Neville Brothers. One of their best albums is the 1989 release "Yellow Moon." In 1989, he paired up with Linda Ronstadt to sing duets, an effort which won them a Grammy. In the 1990s, Aaron Neville began working on a series of solo recordings, including Tattooed Heart (1995) and To Make Me Who I Am (1997). In August of 2005 his home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and Neville moved to Nashville, saying he was not sure he wanted to return to a New Orleans that was almost unrecognizable. Sadly, he made the return in 2007 to bury his wife of forty years.
