The youngest brother of New Orleans music’s first family
In short: Cyril Neville carries a heavy musical lineage, born into a dynasty that defined the rhythm of New Orleans. While his brothers helped build the foundations of funk and R&B, Cyril has carved out a distinct legacy as a versatile percussionist and vocalist spanning decades of global stages.
Born on October 10, 1948, Cyril Garrett Neville emerged from one of the most influential musical dynasties in American history. He first gained prominence as a member of The Meters, the funky New Orleans-based band led by his brother Art Neville. Following the dissolution of The Meters, he joined the Neville Brothers, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the family's signature sound which blended rock, R&B, funk, and jazz.
Neville’s career is marked by significant collaborative milestones and solo ventures. He has performed with icons like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, and appeared in pivotal documentaries such as 'Make It Funky!' (2005) and 'New Orleans Music in Exile' (2006). His versatility is evident in his diverse credits: from joining the funk band Galactic in 2010 to forming the blues-rock supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood in 2012 alongside Devon Allman and Mike Zito.
Beyond performance, Neville has been a cultural ambassador for Louisiana. In 2005, he joined the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars to advocate for the preservation of Gulf Coast wetlands. His influence even extends to naming other acts; he conceived the name 'Soul Rebels' at Tipitina's. Despite his deep roots in New Orleans, his journey has taken him from Austin, Texas, back to Slidell, Louisiana, where he continues to balance a high-profile international touring schedule with solo artistic exploration.
His accolades reflect this multifaceted career. As part of the Neville Brothers, he won a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for "Healing Chant." His individual work has also garnered critical acclaim, including a Blues Music Award nomination in 2014 for his album 'Magic Honey,' which critics praised for its refreshingly original approach.
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