A New Orleans Treasure
Aaron Neville has hit it big with his brothers, in duets with Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood, and with solo albums highlighting his faith—including a new Christmas CD.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 12/12/2005
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The name Aaron Neville is often associated with the Neville Brothers, but the soulful crooner has also made strides as a solo artist. From his relatively obscure beginnings in the late 1960s through a string of smashes in the '90s, the New Orleans treasure has defied boundaries and broken down barriers. He's crossed over into pop for numerous duets with Linda Ronstadt, and into country when teaming with Trisha Yearwood and covering George Jones. This man of mighty faith has also returned to his gospel roots, releasing several recent inspirational albums, including the brand new Christmas Prayer. In a phone interview, Neville shared stories from his vast history, discussed the holiday release and talked about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
How did you know it was the right time to release another Christmas album?
Aaron Neville I think the record company wanted me to do one. It's been about 12 years since the first one and that one was still selling. But now it's finally time to do another one.
How did you find the balance between traditional songs, contemporary covers and originals?
Neville It's a combination. I picked some, the record company threw some in and "Christmas Prayer" was written for me to sing. I co-wrote one called "Christmas Everyday" and I felt it was time to do "White Christmas" the way the Drifters did it a long time ago. I can sing it, so that was cool.
What brought you together with the Blind Boys of Alabama for "Joy to the World"?
Neville: We played a few gigs together over the years. They opened for us—for the Nevilles—and we got to know them. We were talking about the Christmas project and they were in New Orleans, so we had them come over and record a Christmas song.
What inspired your interpretation of "Amazing Grace" for the bonus track?
Neville We've been using it with a lot of the Katrina benefits. People ask where they can find it, so we decided to put it on this Christmas album as a bonus.
Why have you chosen the American Red Cross as the hurricane relief charity for a portion of the disc's proceeds?
Neville Well I wanted to do something to give back. I've been doing a lot of benefits, and this is going to be a long process because we have so many people who need help. There are so many displaced homes and lives, and I don't think they're getting what they need from the government, so we're trying to donate stuff to help them.
What has it been like seeing the recovery efforts on the front lines? ?
Neville I wasn't down there. I was away doing benefits in other places, and I haven't been back since the storm.
Based on family and friends you've talked to, how do you gauge the city's rebuilding status??
Neville There's still a lot that must be done and it's going to be a long time before you can even think about it being New Orleans. They kind of gutted it out—the soul and heart of New Orleans—and there's a lot of people who don't have anywhere to come back to. They're spread all over the country, so I don't really know what they're going to be doing to populate New Orleans.
How has your faith come into play in the wake of this devastating storm?
Neville My faith is strong and God is looking out for me. I pray for the other people that have gone through hardships and loss. I guess we need to accept what has happened and look forward to the future. What's happened has happened and there ain't nothing you can try to do but to make it right for the future.
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