Despite sometimes being likened to singer Sam Cooke in terms of vocal finesse, Aaron Neville has a voice and style all his own. He is well renowned for contributing to the Neville Brothers’ distinctive New Orleans sound.
But few people have heard his outstanding early solo recordings, which include “Tell It Like It Is,” the 1967 R&B single that peaked at number one. The talented Allen Toussaint, whose talent wasn’t fully recognized until much later, was involved in many of Neville’s early and mid-’60s records as an arranger, producer, and frequently a writer.
The majority of these sides were created with the Minit and later Parlo labels in mind. Parlo has several fantastic songs, such “She Took You on a Ride” and “You Think You’re So Smart.”
His more recent music, which includes collaborations with Linda Ronstadt, is enjoyable to listen to but lacks the early songs’ innate persuasiveness. It’s vital to hear the originals because Neville frequently re-records his early work. Just waiting to be heard are the early sides.
The University of Notre Dame awarded 81-year-old Neville the Laetare Medal in 2015 for his charitable contributions to the Catholic Church and society.
He was also inducted into the 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame Recordings for his song “Tell It Like It Is,” which is the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics.
Who are Aaron Neville’s children?
Joel Roux, who had just received his high school diploma from New Orleans’ Xavier Preparatory University High School, was age 18 when he wed 17-year-old Neville on January 10, 1959. They eventually gave birth to Ernestine Neville, Ivan Neville, Aaron Neville, Jr., and Jason Neville.
Ivan Neville
Ivan, Neville’s oldest son, is also a singer and in 1988 he published the album “If My Ancestors Can See Me Now”, which included the single “Not Just Another Child,” which reached the Top 40.
Ivan has also shared the stage with Spin Doctors, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, and supported Keith Richards on his debut solo tour while playing keyboards. Ivan then formed Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, a touring ensemble that frequently performed in New Orleans.
Jason Neville
Jason, the third child of Neville, is a rapper and vocalist who has performed with both his parents and the Neville Brothers, most notably at the 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
