SOUL PASSINGS Born – Born in 1937 Neville grew up in the

Born in 1937, Neville grew up in the Big Easy andhis’ career began in the mid-fifties whenhe’ joined the Hawketts in the keyboard group. Born in Philadelphia, Lenny learned to play at the US Naval School of Music before earning his living in the many recording studios of Philadelphia. Two other soul artists have died in recent days: ART NEVILLE and LENNY PAKULA. Funky Meters was the last band from Neville and consisted of some members of the original band. Art Neville has received several Grammy awards during his 50-year career, including the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016 Lenny met the Sigma Sound Rhythm Section at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2016. Neville toured until the end of last year with The Funky Meters. He has a close relationship with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who madehim’ an integral part of his international Philadelphia sound. He played numerous hits with all the big stars of Philadelphia and also recordedindependently’ and within the MFSB. An icon of New Orleans, Neville died on Monday 22 July. Perhaps less well known, Lenny Pakula was also an influential keyboard player with an influential soul. Every good radio operator will know everything about Art Neville. They have been recording a lot for over 30 years; their best-known recording is “Yellow Moon”. Their songMardi Gras Mambo’ was a model for the future funk of New Orleans.