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• Soul and R&B singer Aaron Neville made his debut in 1966 with the number one smash hit "Tell It Like It Is." Neville's music combines his African American, Native American, and Cajun heritage for a unique and easily recognizable sound.

  In the 1980s, worked with contemporary artist Linda Ronstadt for three hit chart topping duets, "Don't Know Much," "All My Life," and "When Something Is Wrong with My Baby."

• The makings of a legend

  Neville began his career by joining his brother Art Neville in the group The Hawkettes. Later, with brothers Art Neville, Cyril Neville and Charles Neville they started The Neville Brothers. They added their own funk and jazz to the classic rendition of "Mardi Gras Mambo." It is still played at Mardi Gras parades and festivals though the state of Louisiana although they were never paid for it, but they hardly cared as they were excited to finally have a record.

• Personal Life

  Neville is a devout Catholic with a devotion to St Jude, the patron saint of desperate and lost causes. He wears an earring of St Jude in his left ear as a reminder of his beliefs.

  He married his high school sweetheart Joel Roux-Neville. She died on January 5, 2007 of lung cancer in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: January 24, 1941
  2. Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
  3. Years Active: 1966-present
  4. Record Label: A&M;
  5. Modeled his voice after hearing Gene Autry's yodeling
  6. Children: 4

• Quotes:

  1. "When I went to the movies and heard cowboys like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry yodeling when I came out of the movie I was that guy."
  2. "These songs have always been with me. They have helped me through some rough times. When I felt like I had nothing, I still had these songs."
  3. "At dances when I was a little kid, Art would be up there singing while I'd be dancing with some girl a foot taller than me."

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Linda Ronstadt | Sam Cooke | Aretha Franklin | Otis Redding | Al Green | Ray Charles | Marvin Gaye | Luther Vandross | Stevie Wonder | The Temptations | Curtis Mayfield | Sly and the Family Stone | Prince

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