Keyboardist and co-founder of New Orleans funk torchbearers The Meters (as well as namesake The Neville Brothers), Art Neville passed on July 22, at the age of 81.

The loss of the legendary musician has prompted many friends of fans to share memories and reflections, no one as much as his own brother Aaron Neville.

“My big brother Artie / AKA Poppa Funk was the patriarch of the Neville tribe, big chief, a legend from way way back, my first inspiration,” Aaron wrote on his social channels.

After Art’s time with The Meters, he, Aaron Neville, Cyril Neville and late saxophonist Charles Neville turned their focus on The Neville Brothers, paving their own way in the NOLA funk scene and holding down the closing set of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for years.

“We traveled over land and sea bringing our music to the world. We played with people like the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Huey Lewis and the News, Tina Turner and many others. We went on the amnesty tour sponsored by the late great Bill Graham who opened doors for the Neville Brothers, our children and so many other folks,” Aaron wrote. “From the park bench in the Calliope to Valence St. in the 13th ward to parts unknown we brought our Music and inspiration to the world stage. We now can say that 88 keys were blessed by Poppa Funk.”

In January 2018, The Meters were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award Grammy, though Art was unable to attend due to declining health. The keyboardist officially announced his retirement from performing in December 2018.

Additionally – in an official statement from the Neville family – Art was able to pass along some thank you’s of his own, including to “the fans for all the wonderful years of support…” and “for letting us share our music with the world.”

Art also mentioned his uncle, George “Big Chief Jolly” Landry, The Neville Brothers, Charles (who passed away in 2018 after a battle with cancer), Cyril and Aaron and their late mother, Amelia “Mommie” and his late father, Arthur Neville.

The late keyboardist also thanks, “The Meters…George, Zig and Leo, as well as funky METERS, George, Brian, Russell and Terrence, his nephew Ivan and his family…wife, Lorraine, son Ian, daughter Amelia and daughter Arthel, his sister and most devoted fan, Athelgra Neville of the Dixie cups,” as well as “former manager Bill Graham, and current longtime manager, Kent Sorrell.”

Read Aaron Neville’s full message to his brother below:

My big brother Artie / AKA Poppa Funk was the patriarch of the Neville tribe, big chief, a legend from way way back, my first inspiration. I would try and copy his style, his high natural tenor that only he could do. He and Izzy Koo taught me how to do harmonies when we lived in the Calliope Projects. I was 13 years old when Art recorded Mardi Gras Mambo in 1954.  He let me sing with his band the Hawkettes while I was still a wild one. When he went into the navy I took over, but was still joy riding in hot cars so I went to jail for six months and he took back over when he came home from duty. He went on the road with me as my Road Manager and keyboard player when “Tell It Like It Is” came out. When we got off the road he started Art Neville and the Neville Sounds which was Art, Cyril, Me, with Leo Nocentelli, George Porter, Zig  Joseph Modelsti and Gary Brown. We played at a club called the Nite Cap for a couple of years then later on at The Ivan Ho club in the French Quarter. The club only called for 4 guys , so Art, George, Zig and Leo took that gig. Allen Toussaint got with them and that’s when the Meters were born. Me and Cyril got with Sam Henry and started the Soul Machine. Cyril later got to be one of Meters. In 1976, Uncle Jolly called us all to New Orleans to record his music; The Wild Tchoupatoulas Mardi Gras Indians. In 1977 Charlie moved back home from New York City and that’s when the Neville Brothers band started. We traveled over land and sea bringing our music to the world. We played with people like the Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Huey Lewis and the News, Tina Turner and many others. We went on the amnesty tour sponsored by the late great Bill Graham who opened doors for the Neville Brothers, our children and so many other folks. From the park bench in the Calliope to Valence St. in the 13th ward to parts unknown we brought our Music and inspiration to the world stage. We now can say that 88 keys were blessed by Poppa Funk. I know he’s in heaven with Mommee and Poppee, Big Chief, Cookie, Brother Charlie, Mac/Dr John, Allen Toussaint, and James Booker. So many great New Orleans musicians and singers are in the heavenly band now.  I know they’re accepting him with open arms so he can take his rightful place as one of the greats. Artie Poppa Funk Neville you are loved dearly by every one who knew you. Love always your lil’ big brother AARON (we ask for privacy during this time of mourning)