Ivan Neville

Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Ivan Neville has carved out an impressive career of his own, and he has memories: of being a 7-year-old when his father, Aaron Neville, hit No. 2 with “Tell It Like It Is”; of his Uncles Art and then Cyril playing in the quintessential New Orleans funk band the Meters; and of Art, Cyril, Aaron and Charles Neville forming the Neville Brothers. Ivan played in the Neville Brothers too, as well as in Bonnie Raitt’s band and on Rolling Stones and Keith Richards albums. His band Dumpstaphunk carries the New Orleans funk torch, and he just released his first solo album in 19 years, Touch My Soul. What’s it like being a Neville in New Orleans? Is he an optimist after all he’s been through? Ivan Neville tells—and sings—his story like no other. (Photo by Steve Rapport.)