Entertainment

Art Neville, co-founder of Meters, Neville Brothers, dead at 81

NEW ORLEANS — Celebrated musician Art Neville, a member of the musical family the Neville Brothers, died Monday at age 81.

The Associated Press reported that the singer and pianist's manager confirmed the news.

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"It was peaceful," Kent Sorrell, Neville's longtime manager, told NOLA.com. "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."

A cause of death was not announced, but the AP reported that Neville had several health issues, including back surgery complications.

Neville. whose full name was Arthur Leon Neville, was born in New Orleans on December 17, 1937. He and his brothers -- Aaron, Charles and Cyril -- performed together growing up, but made music separately in the 1950s and 1960s, in various band formations, including Art Neville's formation of The Meters with Cyril and four other New Orleans musicians.

WVUE reported that The Meters split up in 1977 and the brothers got back together again that year. They released their self-titled debut album, "The Neville Brothers," in 1978.

Charles Neville died last year at age 79 after being sick for some time.

NOLA.com reported that Art Neville is survived by his wife, Lorraine Neville; his three children, Arthel, Ian and Amelia Neville; brothers Aaron and Cyril Neville; and a sister, Athelgra Neville Gabriel. Funeral arrangements are underway.