Nick Daniels III was a bass player and mainstay of the New Orleans funk scene best known as the co-bassist and co-vocalist for Dumpstaphunk.
- Died: April 26, 2024 (Who else died on April 26?)
- Details of death: Died of complications from multiple myeloma at the age of 68.
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Nick Daniels III’s legacy
Nick Daniels III is best known as half of the two-bass attack and co-vocalist for New Orleans funk act Dumpstaphunk, but his career on bass spanned well beyond that. He spent time in bands backing legends like Etta James (1938–2012), the Neville Brothers, Dr. John (1941–2019), Allen Toussaint (1938–2015), Boz Scaggs, and others. He was a mainstay on NOLA stages and mentored up-and-coming players. A childhood friend of Ivan Neville (son of Aaron Neville of the famed Neville Brothers), Daniels co-founded the group that eventually became the Neville Brothers’ backing band, Uptown Allstars.
The pair would play in other bands together, too, mostly notably Dumpstaphunk. Formed in 2003, the group featured Daniels on a five-string bass alongside co-bassist Tony Hall, Ivan Neville on keys and vocals, Ian Neville on guitar, and Raymond Weber on drums. There were some lineup changes over the years, but Daniels had always been in the mix. He released four studio albums with the band and was with them when they opened for the Rolling Stones in 2019 at the Caesars Superdome.
Daniels left the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina but continued to perform in the city on a regular basis and toured with the band.
Tributes to Nick Daniels III
Full obituary: NOLA.com
