Charles Neville 1938-2018

Saxophonist Charles Neville—forever known to fans as “Charlie, the horn man”—was the secret ingredient in the Neville Brothers’ mix, the brother whose jazz instincts took them to another level. Neville, who died last month of pancreatic cancer at age 79, was also a link to the fabled days of the Dew Drop Inn, where he began performing in the ’50s.

- Brett Milano

As the one Neville who didn’t sing and seldom talked onstage, Charles may not have gotten as much spotlight as his brothers Art, Aaron and Cyril. But his instrumental tunes, which bridged the gap between bebop and modern funk, were a key part of Nevilles shows; and the sax/guitar duel on “Yellow Moon” was a consistent highlight. Charles was also front and center on “Healing Chant,” the Yellow Moon instrumental that gave the Nevilles their only Grammy as a group.

The second son of Arthur Lanon Neville Sr. and Amelia Neville, Charles left the family’s Valence Street home at age 15 to tour with the Rabbit’s Foot Minstrel Show. As part of the Dew Drop house band he later played with Johnny Ace, Jimmy Reed, Little Walter and other legends, before serving in the Navy 1956-58—a period that he said was highlighted by his getting stationed in Memphis and discovering Beale Street. There he met B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland, with whom he toured on sax, and was also a touring member of Larry Williams’ band. The ’60s and early ’70s found him playing countless jazz and R&B sessions, ultimately moving to New York.