In the late 1970s Art Neville joined forces with his siblings to start the Neville Brothers, which for years closed out New Orleans' famed Jazz Festival. — AFP Photo NEW YORK — Art Neville, a New Orleans funk legend and co-founder of the Neville Brothers, has died, his brother said on Monday. He was 81 years old. The singer and keyboard player who answered to the sobriquet Poppa Funk was well known as the voice of the Mardi Gras Mambo, which quickly became a mainstay of his home city's famed carnival after he first played it at age 17. "Artie Poppa Funk Neville you are loved dearly by every one who knew you. Love always your lil' big brother AARON (we ask for privacy during this time of mourning)," his brother, soul singer Aaron Neville, tweeted. His death follows that of another famed New Orleans musician, the blues pianist Dr. John, who died last month. Born Arthur Lanon Neville on December 17, 1937, the funk icon grew up admiring the work of doo-wop stars like … [Read more...] about New Orleans funk icon Art Neville dies at 81
Legendary jazz musicians
Legendary New Orleans blues pianist Dr. John dies at 77
In this April 26, 2008 file photo, Dr. John performs during the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans. The jazz musician who delighted New Orleans festival-goers for decades with his legendary piano riffs and unmistakable hoarse voice, died on Thursday. — Photo suntimes.com WASHINGTON — Dr. John, an American jazz musician who delighted New Orleans festival-goers for decades with his legendary piano riffs and unmistakable hoarse voice, died on Thursday, his family said. The legendary blues pianist, whose real name was Malcolm John McRebennack, suffered a heart attack and died early in the morning, according to a statement on his official Twitter account. He was 77. Dr. John's musical talents defied genre, as he played everything from blues and pop to jazz, boogie woogie and rock-and-roll. A specific character who was known for his trademark gravelly voice, Dr. John brought psychedelic rock to Louisiana's Big Easy in the 1960s and then … [Read more...] about Legendary New Orleans blues pianist Dr. John dies at 77