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Portrait of Johnny Neel (Steve Eichner/WireImage)

Johnny Neel (1954–2024), Allman Brothers keyboardist, songwriter

by Eric San Juan

Johnny Neel was a keyboardist and songwriter best known for his work with the Dickey Betts Band and the Allman Brothers Band, co-writing the chart-topping “Good Clean Fun.” 

Johnny Neel’s legacy 

Johnny Neel, who lost his sight as an infant, began writing music at an early age, recording his first single at just 12 years old. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, he got radio airplay in the region as a teen and in the years to come developed a following for his Johnny Neel Band. A move to Nashville in 1984 brought him to studios and stages there, which in turn brought him to the attention of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts (1943–2024). Impressed by what he witnessed, Betts asked Neel to join his band on tour. 

After hearing Neel’s contributions to the Dickey Betts Band’s 1988 album, “Pattern Disruptive,” Gregg Allman (1947–2017) got the same idea, asking him to tour with The Gregg Allman Band, and finally with the reunited Allman Brothers. Neel not only played on the band’s “Seven Turns” album, released in 1990, he also co-wrote their hit comeback single, “Good Clean Fun,” along with three other LP tracks. The song went to No. 1 on Billboard’s mainstream rock chart. 

Neel had a thriving solo career as well, with a dozen albums to his name, the most recent being 2012’s “Every Kinda’ Blues… But What You’re Used To.” He was also the owner of Straight Up Sound Studio in Nashville. When not writing, recording, or playing live, Neel was a session musician who contributed to songs by Gov’t Mule, Michael McDonald, Jeff Coffin, David Allen Coe, Suzy Bogguss, and other artists and acts. In 2019, the Delaware Rock & Roll Society inducted him into its Hall of Fame. 

Tributes to Johnny Neel 

So very very sorry to hear of the passing or our friend, our family, our Brother Johnny Neel's passing… Godspeed Brother! You've done good.https://gofund.me/d05547d1

Posted by Michael Phouts on Sunday, October 6, 2024

John Neel Amalfitano I discovered this morning about the passing of John. I'm sure a lot of you didn't know that this…

Posted by Randy Coleman on Sunday, October 6, 2024

My condolences to the Family and Friends of Johnny Neel . I was fortunate enough to have my first Nashville recording…

Posted by Mason Meyer on Monday, October 7, 2024

Playing live or recording with Johnny Neel was always such a thrill for me. He was a brilliant musician and artist. We’ll miss him.R.I.P. Johnny Neel. https://youtu.be/cqalnzH18kg

Posted by David Uosikkinen on Sunday, October 6, 2024

Full obituary: Delaware News Journal 

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