New Orleans music icon, Art Neville, who co-founded The Neville Brothers and funk outfit The Meters, has passed away aged 81.
As reported by Rolling Stone, Neville’s longtime manager, Kent Sorrell, confirmed the musician’s death: “It was peaceful. He passed away at home with his adoring wife Lorraine by his side. He toured the world how many times, but he always came home to Valence Street.”
With an extensive career, setting the standard for New Orleans funk, soul and jazz music, Neville released eight albums in the late '60s and '70s with The Meters, formed The Neville Brothers with his brothers, and served in the backing band for a wide range of artists including Dr John, who also passed away earlier this year, Robert Palmer and Allen Toussaint.
The Meters were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammys in 2018, The Recording Academy branding the band, "the founding fathers of funk".
"Their trademark sound of syncopated layered percussion intertwined with gritty grooves on guitar, bass, and organ, blends funk, blues, and dance grooves with a New Orleans vibe that is regarded as one of the most influential in music history," the Academy said.
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