Legendary keyboardist Art Neville announced his retirement from music after a 65-year career. The New Orleans-bred Neville is a founding member of influential funk acts The Meters and The Neville Brothers and more recently focused his efforts on the funky METERS.
Art, who recently turned 81, has been battling health issues in recent years and hasn’t performed publicly since 2017. “Poppa Funk” issued a statement announcing his decision in which he thanks “the fans for all the wonderful years of support and for letting us share our music with the world.” The Meters celebrated their 50th anniversary aboard Jam Cruise 15 in 2017 after a career filled with such memorable classics as “Cissy Strut,” “Just Kissed My Baby,” and “Hey Pocky A-Way.” Earlier this year, the group was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. Art did not attend or perform at the ceremony, which was held in Los Angeles.
Neville’s voice and playing were at the heart of songs from both The Meters and The Neville Brothers. Art was an important part of The Neville Brothers from the group’s founding in 1977 through their 1980’s hey day and 2004 comeback album Walkin’ In The Shadow Of Life. The funky METERS expect to continue with the keyboardist’s nephew, Ivan Neville, sitting in Art’s chair as he has for a number of gigs in recent years. Look for that band to celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2019.
WWL TV News Report
[Hat Tip – The Advocate]
