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.
The Sound
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up come the sun – It makes the
Flowers – And the birds happy all day long
Out come the rain – It keep the forest 'round the world big and strong
Up come the wind from the Gulf of
Mexico – That blows a storm so strong
It bring the people a wake-up message – With a blessed tone
So teach our children a happy new song – Teach them loud and clear
Oh, at the end of all darkness oh there shall be light
Oh, daylight will comе no matter how long the night
Jah gave us voicеs to spread the sounds of happiness and joy
We sing for the children of every nation – For every girl and boy
Love is the answer – We all should
Pray – It'll help the world go 'round
'Cause when we pray the prayers go up – and blessings come down
Oh can't you hear us? Why can't we all live in perfect harmony?
When we learn to live as brothers,
All the people of the world will be free
Oh, at the end of all darkness oh there shall be light
Oh, daylight will come no matter how long the night
The Neville Brothers's song The Sound is a powerful and inspirational message that highlights the importance of music in our lives. The lyrics remind us that God gave us sound, but it's us who make the music that helps the world go round. The song celebrates the power of nature, with the sun that makes flowers and birds happy all day, the rain that keeps the forests around the world big and strong, and the wind from the Gulf of Mexico that brings a wake-up message with a blessed tone. The lyrics urge us to teach our children new songs, loud and clear, so they can spread the sound of happiness and joy.
The song emphasizes that love is the answer to our problems and that we should all pray to make the world a better place. When we pray, the prayers go up and blessings come down. The song calls for perfect harmony among all people, reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters. The lyrics remind us that when we learn to live as brothers, all people of the world will be free.
Line by Line Meaning
God gave us sound
The ability to create music is a gift given to humans by God
We make the music
Humans have the power and responsibility to create music
It helps the world go round
Music has the power to connect and uplift people, making the world a better place
Up come the sun
The sun rising is a daily occurrence that brings happiness to all living things
It makes the flowers
The sun's warmth and light allows flowers to grow and flourish
And the birds happy all day long
Birds rely on the sun for their daily routines and the sun's presence brings them joy
Out come the rain
Rainfall is important for the natural growth and sustainability of the world's forests
It keep the forest 'round the world big and strong
The rainforest is vital to the overall health of the planet and must be protected and nourished
Up come the wind from the Gulf of Mexico
Hurricanes and other strong winds can be destructive but also serve as a wake-up call for people to come together and support one another
That blows a storm so strong
The strength of a storm can be overwhelming and humbling for humans
It bring the people a wake-up message
Natural disasters and other events can force people to confront important issues and come together to make positive change
With a blessed tone
Even in difficult times, there is hope and a sense of grace that can be found
So teach our children a happy new song
It is important to pass musical traditions and joyful experiences onto future generations
Teach them loud and clear
We should teach our children with enthusiasm and clarity, helping them to appreciate the beauty of music and the power of positive messages
Jah gave us voices to spread the sounds of happiness and joy
The belief in a higher power or spiritual force drives some musicians to create music that brings joy and happiness to listeners
We sing for the children of every nation
Music has the power to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together, especially for the sake of future generations
For every girl and boy
Music should be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of gender
Love is the answer
The message of the song is that love and connection are the keys to creating a better world
We all should pray
Along with love, prayer and spiritual connection can help people to find a sense of peace and purpose
It'll help the world go 'round
A sense of spiritual connection and community is essential for human flourishing and societal progress
'Cause when we pray the prayers go up
Prayer and spiritual practices have the power to connect people and bring them closer to a higher power or greater good
And blessings come down
Prayer can result in positive outcomes and an overall feeling of gratitude and thankfulness
Oh can't you hear us?
The singer is calling out to the world, hoping that the message of love and unity will be heard and embraced
Why can't we all live in perfect harmony?
The song is a plea for humans to set aside their differences and work towards a world where everyone can coexist in peace and unity
When we learn to live as brothers
The ideal of brotherhood is one of love, support, and unity, and it is something that all people should strive for
All the people of the world will be free
True freedom comes from a sense of connection and unity among all people, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity
Oh, at the end of all darkness oh there shall be light
Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future
Oh, daylight will come no matter how long the night
The message is one of optimism and faith, that no matter how difficult things get, there is always a chance for a new beginning and a brighter future
Writer(s): Cyril Garrett Neville, Art Neville, Vincent Nguini, Lorraine Patrice Neville, Gaynielle H. Neville
Contributed by Chase C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Luke Fl
Down here the river meets the sea
And in the sticky heat I feel ya open up to me
Love comes out of nowhere, baby
Just like a hurricane
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
Lyin' underneath the stars right next to you
I'm wonderin' who you are and how do you do?
How do you do, baby?
The clouds roll in across the moon
The wind howls out your name
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
(Baby, can you feel it?)
We ain't never
Gonna make that bridge tonight, baby
Across the Ponchartrain
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
So batten down the hatches, baby
Leave your heart out on your sleeve
It looks like we're in for stormy weather
That ain't no cause for us to leave
Just lie here in my arms
And let it wash away the pain
Feels like rain
And it feels like rain
Baby, can you feel it?
Feel it, feel it
Feel it, feel it
Baby, can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
I'm gonna let your love
I'm gonna let your love
Gonna let your love rain all over me (Can you feel it?)
Feel it?
Feels like rain
Judith Campbell
My heart pounds with happiness listening to the greatest of all the almighty Neville Brothers. ❤
Mags Breault
Incredible dudes with an incredible LIVING legacy still growing and thriving down here in New Orleans. The Neville Nation runs deep. RIP Papa Funk and Charles, who was quite possibly one of the kindest gentlest, Zen-nest souls I ever had the pleasure of meeting. One Love.
John Yacks
I was born in 1964 in Michigan. I have lived my life listening to the greatest music ever made. The Neville Brothers are a very important ingredient of this experience.
Thankyou for entertaining me.
TheMongo1357
1961 here from Florida and I totally agree!! The Neville Brothers have always been on every playlist I've ever made!!! 😎👍
David Shirk
U got me crying😙
Mark Wyatt
One the greatest joys of this life is listening to the music of the Neville Brothers.
Keetha Moore
I think that there the Best ever🎙️🎤🎷🎸🎹
Molezay Molbacheh
top
Suzy Stokes
🙌🏽 yes💜
LUANN R MATTES
Agreed Mark 👍