Charles Neville (1938–2018), saxophonist for the Neville Brothers

Charles Neville, saxophonist and founding member of the Neville Brothers, has died at the age of 79, according to multiple news sources.

His brother Aaron Neville confirmed to WWL-TV in New Orleans that Charles died from pancreatic cancer in Massachusetts.

Charles was born Dec. 28, 1938 in New Orleans. The band he and his brothers started was legendary in their hometown.

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He started his musical career in the backing bands for iconic artists such as Jimmy Reed and B.B. King.

Charles, who struggled with drug addiction, spent some time in jail in the 1960s for possession of marijuana. He would get clean in the 1980s.

In 1976, Charles and his brothers played on an album for his Uncle George Landrye28099s band, The Wild Tchoupitoulas. That would lead to the brothers starting their own group.

They released their debut album on Capitol Records in 1978, mixing funk, New Orleans R&B, and soul, and receiving critical acclaim.

The Neville Brothers released many albums, worked with Keith Richards and Carlos Santana, and won a Grammy in 1989 for the song e2809cHealing Chante2809d from their Yellow Moon album.

Charles moved with his family to rural Massachusetts in the 1990s. After the Neville Brothers ended in 2012, he continued to play with his brother Aaron and led his own jazz combo.

Aaron paid tribute to his brother on social media:

"Just want you to know that if I woulde28099ve had the choice of picking my brothers, I would definitely choose you... Youe28099ll always be in my heart and soul, like a tattoo. You helped to mold me into who I am today and Ie28099ll always be thankful. Ie28099ll always see your special infectious smile on the stage next to me, it would always give me a smile."

We invite you to share condolences for Charles Neville in his Guest Book.