The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art (1937-2019), Charles (1938–2018), Aaron (b. 1941), and Cyril (b. 1948) got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978.
In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeper album.
Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept a low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years.
The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans.
Charles Neville died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79.
Art Neville died at age 81 on July 22, 2019, after years of declining health.
Brother Blood
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're of the same spirit, of the same mud
Brother blood, brother blood
We" re from the same water, we're from the same
I've got scars from living, scars from love
Strike me dead if I'm lying
I've got brothers below, and brothers above
I keep trying for everything
It comes a piece at a time
I've got a mountain I'm determined to climb
But I took the heat, created the beat
And I've got the heart of a lion
I've got friends who are dead, friends in jail
I've got friends who are policemen
And the girls I know now, the girls I knew then
I still make my music to please them
I keep trying for everything, I don't count the cost
But I see an ocean I'm determined to cross
'Cause I look the heat, created the beat
And I've got the strength of a dragon
I've got dims of the jungle, drums of the street
Dims of the Indian chief
I've got the fire of the gospel, a river of blues
And I got the soul of belief
And I keep trying for everything
It's been a long, long road
I've got a song that's about to explode
I was born to the beat that pounds like the heat
And I've got the drums of the spirit
Brother blood, brother blood
We're of the same spirit, of the same mud
Brother blood, brother blood
We're from the same water, we're from the same
Quand bondieu vie' ou li prend
In "Brother Blood," The Neville Brothers sing about the unbreakable bond between brothers. The chorus repeats the phrase "Brother blood, brother blood," emphasizing their kinship and shared experiences. They acknowledge the scars that they have accumulated from living, but despite this, they are determined to keep trying for everything, to climb the mountain that they are set on overcoming.
The lyrics describe different aspects of their life, including friends who have passed away, friends who are in jail, and friends who are policemen. They express their determination to keep making music that pleases everyone, and they end the song by talking about the beat that pounds like the heat and the drums of the spirit. The message of the song is that no matter what happens in life, their brotherhood will always remain strong.
In summary, "Brother Blood" is a powerful song about the unbreakable bond between brothers. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery, describing the scars of life, the determination to overcome obstacles, and the beat and rhythm of music that unites them.
Line by Line Meaning
Brother blood, brother blood
We are brothers in blood and spirit, connected on a deep level.
We're of the same spirit, of the same mud
We come from humble beginnings and share a common spirit.
We're from the same water, we're from the same
We share a common origin and ancestry.
I've got scars from living, scars from love
Life and love have left their marks on me, but I persevere nonetheless.
Strike me dead if I'm lying
What I'm saying is the truth, I stand by it at any cost.
I've got brothers below, and brothers above
I have support from my peers and ancestors, both living and dead.
With all of our blood we are trying
We are all working together, bound by our shared humanity.
I keep trying for everything
I am motivated to succeed in all aspects of my life.
It comes a piece at a time
Success is a gradual process, achieved through persistence and hard work.
I've got a mountain I'm determined to climb
I have a goal that I am committed to achieving, no matter the obstacles.
But I took the heat, created the beat
I have overcome adversity and used it to fuel my creativity.
And I've got the heart of a lion
I have courage and strength of character, like a lion.
I've got friends who are dead, friends in jail
I have friends who have faced difficult circumstances, but they are still important to me.
I've got friends who are policemen
I have friends who serve in law enforcement, despite the tensions that may exist in our society.
And the girls I know now, the girls I knew then
The women in my life have impacted me, both past and present.
I still make my music to please them
The people in my life motivate me to create and share my art.
I don't count the cost
I am not deterred by the challenges or sacrifices that come with my pursuits.
But I see an ocean I'm determined to cross
I have a lofty goal that will require great effort and determination, but I am committed to it.
And I've got the strength of a dragon
I have an inner strength that is steadfast and powerful, like a dragon.
Dims of the jungle, drums of the street
I am influenced by diverse cultures and sounds, blending them into my art.
Dims of the Indian chief
The stories and traditions of Native Americans are a part of my heritage.
I've got the fire of the gospel, a river of blues
My music is inspired by both the spiritual and emotional aspects of life.
And I got the soul of belief
My art comes from a place of deep conviction and passion.
It's been a long, long road
The journey to success has been a difficult and challenging one.
I've got a song that's about to explode
I have a hit song that is poised for success.
I was born to the beat that pounds like the heat
Music is an integral part of my identity and fuels my creativity.
And I've got the drums of the spirit
I have a deep spiritual connection that animates my art and life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES NEVILLE, RON CUCCIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Proudmule1
LOVE this album.
Andile Dlomo
2020 in south Africa I am still 💓 the entire album #brother_blood
MA K
just discovered this masterpiece
Megan Russell
I am too! ❤
mojorayjones
RIP Charles. Thanks for the good vibes and great music.
Heather Gaillard
I just heard "Dumpstaphunk" for the first time a few days and then remembered this song and this album. Which I'm beyond thankful for. I looooooove y'all. You just don't know how much!!!!💜💜💜💜
carlos ruiz
Excelente!
Willman Musicman
great album!must have!NOLA's royal family!
Dario Lampa
con questo disco ho vissuto i momenti piu' belli della mia vita grazie grazie
Christos Doumas
one of my fav lps ever