Aaron Neville
Aaron Neville: A Soulful Legend
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Aaron Therman Neville is the full name of this iconic American soul singer. He is often referred to as "The Natural" due to his effortless, heart-wrenching vocals.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Aaron Neville was born on January 23, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite a long and storied career spanning over six decades, he remains alive today.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Neville is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and music producer. His genre-bending style seamlessly blends soul, R&B, gospel, blues, and rock 'n' roll.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a musical family in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Neville was exposed to a diverse array of genres from an early age. His father, Arthur "Big Chief" Neville, was a jazz and rhythm-and-blues musician who introduced Aaron to traditional New Orleans music. Aaron's brothers, Art, Charles, and Cyril, would later form the legendary band The Neville Brothers.
#### Major Accomplishments
Throughout his illustrious career, Neville has achieved numerous accolades and milestones:
As a solo artist, he released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Warm Soul" (1966), "Neville Style" (1968), and "Haven't Got You Yet" (1979).
He is best known for his hit singles: "Tell It Like It Is," "She Took Advantage of Me," and "Don't Take Away My Castles."
Neville's collaborations with other artists, such as The Rolling Stones and Linda Ronstadt, have yielded enduring classics like "(Sitting On) The Dock of the Bay" and "Don't Know Much."
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some of Aaron Neville's most significant contributions to music include:
His influential work on the 1966 album "Warm Soul," which showcased his unique vocal style and helped establish him as a rising star.
His timeless collaboration with Linda Ronstadt and the Neville Brothers on "Don't Know Much" (1989), which earned them multiple Grammy Awards.
#### Impact and Legacy
Aaron Neville's impact on music extends far beyond his own performances. He has:
Inspired generations of artists, including The Rolling Stones, who have covered his songs.
Contributed to the preservation of New Orleans' rich musical heritage through his work with local musicians and community organizations.
Shaped the sound of American popular music by incorporating elements from gospel, blues, and jazz into his own style.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Aaron Neville's enduring popularity stems from:
His extraordinary vocal range and expressiveness, which have captivated audiences for decades.
His commitment to creating meaningful music that reflects the complexities of human experience.
* His ability to bring people together through song, as evident in his work with The Rolling Stones and Linda Ronstadt.
As a celebrated musician and cultural icon, Aaron Neville continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
Quotes by Aaron Neville
I started listening to gospel when I was a little boy and my grandmother used to rock me on her lap.
There are so many songs in my heart and in my brain. I wake up at 2 in the morning, and I have to get up and sing them. There are so many of them, it's ridiculous.
People are living a lot longer these days and not preparing for it. I'm in the gym and, you know, using my voice.
My mother turned me onto St. Jude back in the days when I was wild and crazy. She took me to the shrine on Rampart Street.
I worked with the Neville Brothers for 40-some years on the highway, and up and down since I can remember - funk from New Orleans.
I used to always sing my way into the movies and the basketball games or whatever. I'd sing for whoever's on the door, and they'd let me in. I used to think I was Nat King Cole back in the day, you know. So I'd sing something like, 'Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa, men have named you,' and they'd let me in.
'Yellow Moon' was a poem. My wife at the time, Joel - she's dead now - it was our 25th anniversary. She had the chance to go on a cruise with her sister. And I'm home with the kids and looking up, and I saw the big moon, and I just started writing.