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Johnny Neel

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Johnny Neel
Neel performing in 2016
Neel performing in 2016
Background information
Born(1954-06-11)June 11, 1954(age 70)
OriginWilmington,Delaware,United States
GenresBlues,rock,jazz
Occupation(s)Musician,vocalist,songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals,keyboards,harmonica
Years active1966-present
LabelsBreaking Records
Silverwolf Records
Websitewww.johnnyneel.com

Johnny Neel(born June 11, 1954) is an Americanvocalist,songwriter,andmusicianbased inNashville,Tennessee.He is best known for his songwriting, stage, and being a member of theAllman Brothers Bandandthe Dickey Betts Band.

As a songwriter, in addition to the material written, or co-written for theAllman Brothers,[1]Gregg Allman,[2]andDickey Betts,[3]Neel's songs have also been recorded byGov’t Mule,[4]John Mayall,[5]Delbert McClinton,[6]Montgomery Gentry,[7]Keith Whitley,[8]Travis Tritt,[9]The Oak Ridge Boys,[10]Restless Heart,[11]Ann Peebles,[12]Dorothy Moore,[13]andJohn Schneider.[14]

As a studio musician, Neel has appeared on recordings byThe Allman Brothers,[15]Gov't Mule,[16]Warren Haynes,[17]Dickey Betts,[18]Montgomery Gentry,[19]Michael McDonald,[20]Todd Snider,[21]David Allan Coe,[22]Jeff Coffin,[23]Robert Gordon,[24]Chris LeDoux,[25]Tiny Town,[26]Suzy Bogguss,[27]Joe Diffie,[28]Colin Raye,[29]andPirates of the Mississippi.[30]

Biography

[edit]

Neel was born inWilmington,Delaware.He cut his first single, entitled "Talking About People", at the age of twelve, as Johnny Neel and The Shapes Of Soul, which was a hit on local radio in the Wilmington/Philadelphia area. As an adult, the Johnny Neel Band had a strong following up and down the east coast and released two well-received independent albums. Neel moved to Nashville in 1984. Performing with various bands in area clubs drew the attention of former Nashville residentDickey Betts,who asked Neel to join his road band, and he soon began working on Bett's solo LP for Epic Records. That relationship led to seven cuts on thePattern Disruptivealbum released in 1988, including the AOR hit, "Rock Bottom".[31]

Neel's talented keyboard and harmonica playing on thePattern Disruptivealbum convincedGregg Allmanto ask Neel to tour with his road band which led to the inclusion of the cut "Island" onThe Gregg Allman Bandalbum (also released in 1988),[2]co-written with Allman,Dan Toler,andTony Colton.In 1989 Neel was invited to join the reunited Allman Brothers Band. He immersed himself in touring, writing, and recording, which led to four cuts on the Allman'sSeven Turnsalbum (released in 1990), and the hit single "Good Clean Fun",co-written by Neel with Allman and Betts.[3]In 2002 country stars Montgomery Gentry included "Good Clean Fun" as part of theirMy Townalbum.[7]

In 1994, the studio albumJohnny Neel & The Last Wordwas released.[32]This album included the song "Maydell", which was co-written withWarren Haynes(Allman Brothers/Gov't Mule) and has been covered by theAllman Brotherson theirHittin' The Note[33]album, and byJohn Mayallon hisWake Up Call[34]album. The album also included the song "Read Me My Rights" which was co-written withDelbert McClinton,and which was covered by McClinton on hisNothing Personalalbum,[35]byAnn Peebleson herFull Time Love,[36]byDorothy MooreonStay Close to Home,[37]and by Dalton Reed onLouisiana Soul Man.[38]This album featured appearances by Jack Pearson (Allman Brothers) on guitar andDelbert McClintonon harmonica.

In 1995, Neel's albumCommin' Atcha... Livewas released and included live versions of "Read Me My Rights" and "Maydell". The album captured a live appearance by Neel and his band The Last Word including Jack Pearson and most of the musicians onThe Last Wordalbum.

In 2000, Neel releasedLate Night Breakfastwhich was recorded at his Straight Up Sound Studio with the members of his band The Last Word, along with special guests guitarists Shane Theriot (The Neville Brothers), andRick Vito,as well asWayne Jacksonon trumpet.Late Night Breakfastwas released on Neel's Breakin' Records label.[39]

During the period of time theLate Night Breakfastrecordings were made, Neel also became a member of Blue Floyd,[40]an all-star jam band performing variations on the material ofPink Floyd.In addition to Neel, the band was composed of guitaristMarc Ford,drummerMatt Abts,bassist Berry Oakley Jr. (OKB Band) and until his death,Allen Woodyon second guitar. Neel and Abts then went into the Straight Up Sound Studio and recorded the X2 funk/jam duo project.X2 - Johnny Neel / Matt Abtswas released in 2002.

In 2004, Neel released the albumGun Metal Blueon his Breaking Records label which was also recorded at Straight Up Sound. These sessions included guitarists Chris Anderson, George Marinelli, andPat Bergeson,drummer Vince Santoro, and vocalists Joanna Cotten, and Neel's wife, Christine Thompson Neel.

Also in 2004, the albumJohnny Neel and The Italian Experiencewas released on the Italian label, Artesuono.[41]This album included strings and horns as Neel moved in a jazz direction. The album included members of the Italian blues/rock/jam power trio W.I.N.D.,[42]with which Neel has toured and recorded in Europe several times.[43]

In addition to Blue Floyd[44]and X2[45]projects, Neel was a part of two other all-star collaborations. The group Deep Fried included Neel on keyboards, drummerMatt Abts,guitarist Brian Stoltz, and bassistGeorge Porter Jr.Their albumThe Deep Fried Sessions - Live[46]was released in 2004. The other group, The Grease Factor released two live recordings;[47]Off the Cuff[48]in 2004, andLive From Zambifest 2004[49]in 2005. The Grease Factor included guitarist Shane Theriot, bassist Derek Jones, drummerJeff Sipe,and percussionist Count M'Butu.

Neel has provided vocals on five songs included on four Walt Disney Records CD releases, related to the Pixar Animation Studios movie releases,Finding Nemo,Cars,andRatatouille.These include "Saturday Night Fish Fry" from the 2003 releaseFinding Nemo: Ocean Favorites,[50]"My Old Car" from the 2006 releaseLightning McQueen's Fast Tracks,[51]"One Meat Ball" and "Banana Split for My Baby" from the 2007 releaseRatatouille: What's Cooking?,[52]and "Hot Rodder's Lament" from the 2009 releaseMater's Car Tunes.[53]

Towards the end of the new century's first decade Neel was recording and performing with his band The Criminal Element. Three albums have been released by Johnny Neel and The Criminal Element;Volume 1(2007),Volume 2(2008), andThe CSI Chronicles(2010).

In 2010, Neel also releasedHarmonius,[54]a solo project featuring only his vocals and keyboards.

In 2012Every Kinda' Blues... But What You're Used Towas released.[55]A return to a more blues-based sound, the album includes Ex-Allman Brothers guitarist Jack Pearson, and ex-Little Feat vocalist Shaun Murphy.[56]

Also in 2012, in recognition of their contributions to the world of music, theNational Academy of Recording Arts and Sciencespresented aLifetime Achievement Awardto theAllman Brothers Band.[57]Neel made significant contributions to the history of the band, playing keyboards and harmonica during their20th Anniversary Reuniontour, performing on theSeven Turnsalbum, and co-writing four tracks on that album, including the chart topping hitGood Clean Fun.

In 2019, Neel joined Chris Anderson, formerly of the Outlaws, in a new band entitled "Rattlebone" and released a record, "World's Gone Crazy." The band debuted their music in Nashville, TN on February 9, 2019, and played the first Synchronicity Southern Rock Festival in Wimauma, FL on February 23, 2019.

In November 2023, Neel performed at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville with Criminal Element. They were the opening set forGary Nicholsonand the Change. [58]

Discography

[edit]

Recording as Johnny Neel:

  • One Hot Night– 1981
  • You Should've Been There(live) - 1983
  • Comin' Atcha Live(Big Mo/Silverwolf) - 1995
  • Late Night Breakfast(Silverwolf) – 2000
  • X2 - Johnny Neel Matt Abts(Silverwolf) - 2002
  • Gun Metal Blue(Breakin’ Records) - 2004
  • Johnny Neel and the Italian Experience(Artesuono, Italy) - 2004
  • Johnny Neel and The Criminal Element Vol 1(Silverwolf) - 2007
  • Johnny Neel and The Criminal Element Vol 2(Silverwolf) - 2008
  • Johnny Neel And The Criminal Element: CSI Chronicles(Silverwolf) CD/DVD - 2010
  • Harmonious– (Homemade) CD/DVD – 2010
  • Every Kinda' Blues... But What You're Used To(Breakin' Records) - 2012

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Hittin the Note - The Allman Brothers".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  2. ^ab"Just Before the Bullets Fly".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  3. ^ab"Seven Turns".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  4. ^"The Deep End, Vol. 2 - Gov't Mule".Archived fromthe originalon 2011-06-04.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  5. ^"Wake Up Call - John Mayall".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  6. ^"Nothing Personal - Delbert McClinton".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  7. ^ab"My Town - Montgomery Gentry".Retrieved2011-08-08.
  8. ^"Don't Close Your eyes - Keith Whitley".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  9. ^"A Travis Tritt Christmas: Loving Time of the Year - Travis Tritt".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  10. ^"Unstoppable - Oak Ridge Boys".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  11. ^"Fast Movin' Train - Restless Heart".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  12. ^"ASCAP ACE".Ascap.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  13. ^"Stay Close to Home - Dorothy Moore".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  14. ^"ASCAP ACE".Ascap.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  15. ^"Allman Brothers Band - Seven Turns".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  16. ^"Gov't Mule - Life Before Insanity".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  17. ^"Warren Haynes - Tales Of Ordinary Madness".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  18. ^"Dickey Betts - Pattern Disruptive".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  19. ^"Montgomery Gentry - My Town".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  20. ^"Michael Mcdonald - Blue Obsession".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  21. ^"Todd Snider - Happy To Be Here".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  22. ^"David Allan Coe - Recommended For Airplay".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  23. ^"Jeff Coffin - Bloom".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  24. ^"Robert Gordon - Satisfied Mind".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  25. ^"Chris LeDoux - One Road Man".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  26. ^"Tiny Town".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  27. ^"Suzy Bogguss".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  28. ^"Joe Diffie - A Thousand Winding Roads".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  29. ^"Collin Raye - Twenty Years And Change".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  30. ^"Pirates Of The Mississippi - Paradise".Cduniverse.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  31. ^"Pattern Disruptive".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  32. ^"Johnny Neel & The Last Word".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  33. ^"Hittin' The Note".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  34. ^"Wake Up Call".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  35. ^"Nothing Personal".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  36. ^"Full Time Love".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  37. ^"Stay Close to Home".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  38. ^"Louisiana Soul Man".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  39. ^"Late Night Breakfast".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  40. ^"FAMILY TREE JOHNNY NEEL".Archived fromthe originalon 2011-08-14.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  41. ^"Johnny Neel and The Italian Experience".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  42. ^"W.I.N.D."Myspace.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  43. ^"W.I.N.D. Fall Tour 2010 feat. Johnny Neel".Facebook.cocm.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  44. ^"MuleBase.com Blue Floyd Setlists".Mulebase.com.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  45. ^"X2 Johnny Neel Matt Abts".AllMusic.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  46. ^"The Deep Fried Sessions Live".Mule.shop.musictoday.com.Retrieved2011-08-10.
  47. ^"TheGreaseFactor.com".Thegreasefactor.com.Retrieved2011-07-25.
  48. ^"Off the Cuff".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  49. ^"Live From Zambifest 2004".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  50. ^"Finding Nemo: Ocean Favorites".Disney.go.com.Retrieved2011-08-08.
  51. ^Lightning McQueen's Fast Tracks,ASINB00150YZUK
  52. ^Ratatouille: What's Cooking?,ASINB00138KMXS
  53. ^Mater's Car Tunes,ASINB00138KMXS
  54. ^"Harmonius".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2011-08-06.
  55. ^"Every Kinda' Blues... But What You're Used To".Abbdiscography.com.Retrieved2014-02-15.
  56. ^"Shaun Murphy".Littlefeat.net.Retrieved2014-02-15.
  57. ^"Lifetime Achievement Award".Grammy.org.Retrieved2014-02-15.
  58. ^"November 25th, Gary Nicholson & The Change with Rick Vito & Colin Linden + Johnny Neel & Criminal Element".Twitter.com.RetrievedApril 27,2024.
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