Neville Brothers Saxophonist Charles Neville: 1938 – 2018
By Scott Bernstein Apr 26, 2018 • 1:30 pm PDT
Saxophonist Charles Neville of famed New Orleans act the Neville Brothers died this morning at his home in Massachusetts after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Charles’ brother Aaron Neville confirmed the news to NOLA television station WWL.
Charles Neville was born in New Orleans on December 28, 1938 and was one of four core members of the Neville Brothers along with siblings Art, Cyril and Aaron. While his three brothers were always based out of New Orleans, Charles spent time living and working as a musician in New York City and Memphis in the ’60s and ’70s. The saxophonist was called back to the Crescent City to join his brothers in collaborating with his uncle George Landry of The Wild Tchoupitoulas on his band’s eponymous 1976 album. One year later, the Neville Brothers were formed and went on to become musical ambassadors for New Orleans. However, it took a few years for the group to find its audience.
The Neville Brothers received a huge boost by opening for The Rolling Stones in the early ’80s. Charles and his brothers went on to perform with a who’s who of musical icons including Santana, the Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett and Huey Lewis & The News. Charles brought a jazz influence to the group’s musical stew of rock, funk, soul and R&B. The saxophonist struggled with addiction issues through the mid ’80s, but got sober ahead of the release of the critically-acclaimed 1989 album Yellow Moon produced by Daniel Lanois.
Charles Neville toured with the Neville Brothers through the group’s 2012 retirement. He went on to perform in various solo ensembles and as part of his brother Aaron’s band. The saxophonist spent his last years in Massachusetts. Charles Neville was 79. Our thoughts go out to Charles’ friends and family.
