“Losing Him is Losing an Icon:” Art “Poppa Funk” Neville Dies at 81
Art Neville, the keyboardist/vocalist who co-founded the Meters and later the Neville Brothers, has died.
Neville, 81, retired in late 2018 because of poor health and his death on July 22 was first reported by NOLA.com.
"It was peaceful," Neville’s manager, Kent Sorrell, told the website. "He passed away at home with his adoring wife, Lorraine, by his side."
Neville’s death comes less than two months after his “dear friend” and fellow New Orleans legend Dr. John’s own passing.
On Facebook, John’s heirs offered their “deepest sympathies” to the Neville family, which includes Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville, Art’s nephew, and brothers Cyril and Aaron, who eulogized his eldest brother as “the patriarch of the Neville tribe, big chief, a legend from way way back, my first inspiration” in a lengthy Facebook post that recalled playing with the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, Santana and others.
“From the park bench in the Calliope to Valence Street in the 13th Ward to parts unknown, we brought our music and inspiration to the world stage,” Aaron wrote. “We now can say that 88 keys were blessed by ‘Poppa Funk’ ... you are loved dearly by every one who knew you.”
Charles Neville died in 2018.
Tipitina’s, the famed, Galactic-owned club where the Neville Brothers played many shows and recorded a live album, tweeted its regrets and hopes.
“May his legend and music play on through his family, friends and countless fans throughout the world.”
Art Neville was a “musical legend and funk innovator,” Trombone Shorty said on Twitter.
Todd Rundgren’s Spirit of Harmony Foundation, the Rebirth Brass Band, the Louisiana Music Factory and Harry Shearer, who called Neville “the heart and soul of two great bands,” also posted condolences and remembrances.
Even Marc Broussard, who said he rarely posts eulogies on social media, took to Twitter because “the passing of Art Neville is hitting me harder than usual.
“He was such a kind-hearted man,” Broussard wrote. “The pinnacle of my entire career was sharing the stage with him. Losing him is losing an icon and I’m devastated.”
