aaron neville the grand tour

The Grand Tour

Aaron neville.

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The Grand Tour

Aaron Neville

13 SONGS • 53 MINUTES • JAN 01 1993

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Blessed with a voice that's smooth as silk, and strong despite his emphasis on his higher register, Aaron Neville is one of the most distinctive R&B artists of his generation, a legend of New Orleans music who went on to become a star in pop, country, and adult contemporary circles thanks to his collaborations with the likes of Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood. Neville began performing with his siblings in the mid-'50s and their group, the Hawkettes, scored a regional hit with their song "Mardi Gras Mambo" in 1954. Legal problems sidelined Neville for much of the rest of the decade, but his 1966 single, "Tell It Like It Is," became a smash that spread his name outside Louisiana. Bad business deals and personal problems prevented Neville from enjoying a follow-up, but in 1975 he reunited with his siblings to form the Neville Brothers. After years as cult favorites, their mix of New Orleans grooves, R&B power, and jazzy expression finally broke through to mainstream recognition with the 1989 album Yellow Moon, while that same year, a duet Aaron recorded with Linda Ronstadt, "Don't Know Much," became a major chart hit and established him as a solo star. Neville successfully embraced a pop-friendly adult contemporary sound on albums like 1991's Warm Your Heart and 1993's The Grand Tour, but he also explored spirituals on 2000's Devotion, vocal jazz classics on 2003's Nature Boy: The Standards Album, vintage R&B on 2006's Bring It on Home…The Soul Classics, and doo wop on 2013's My True Story. He also returned to original songwriting on 2016's Apache, celebrated his 75th birthday with a 2019 live album, and took home his fourth Grammy Award alongside Dirty Dozen Brass Band for 2022's "Stompin' Ground." The smooth, graceful phrasing Neville essayed with his clear high-tenor instrument brought a deeply personal sound to his work regardless of the genre.

Aaron Joseph Neville was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 24, 1941. Neville and his siblings were of mixed heritage that reflected the Crescent City's cultural melting pot, dominated by Black, Indigenous, and Caucasian ancestry. Aaron and his brothers grew up with a love of music; their mother enjoyed singing around the house and encouraged her children to take up instruments, and their uncle was George "Big Chief Jolly" Landry, a singer with the Mardi Gras Indian tribe the Wild Tchoupitoulas. While finances were tight in the Neville household, the brothers were talented and ambitious, and Aaron and his brothers Art Neville (keyboards), Charles Neville (sax), and Cyril Neville (percussion) pursued careers in music. Art formed a group called the Hawkettes, who enjoyed a hit with their first single, 1954's "Mardi Gras Mambo," and Art began incorporating his brothers in the lineup. However, Aaron's progress stalled when he was found guilty of car theft in 1958 and spent six months in jail. After he was released, he dove back into the New Orleans music scene, and beginning with 1960's "Over You" b/w "How Many Times," he recorded a handful of singles for the local Minit label, most produced by Allen Toussaint. While "Over You" rose to number 21 on the national R&B singles charts, the other releases didn't click commercially, and Neville relocated to Los Angeles, where he spent a year behind bars on a burglary charge. However, in 1966 he recorded a song for the tiny Parlo label, "Tell It Like It Is," which became a smash hit, hitting number one on the R&B charts and number two on the Hot 100.

While "Tell It Like It Is" should have made Aaron Neville a star, he received few royalties for the single's massive sales and was short-changed by his management, causing him to struggle financially. Neville was also caught up in drug addiction, and while he recorded a number of singles for Bell, Mercury, and Island, none of them were hits. In 1975, after the death of his mother, Aaron was reunited with Art, Charles, and Cyril for the first time in years, and they began working together again. When the Wild Tchoupitoulas landed a deal to record an album of Mardi Gras favorites, Art's band, the Meters, provided backup, and the four Neville Brothers all appeared on the sessions, lending harmonies and instrumental support. The album earned a cult following, and the Neville Brothers began performing regularly in New Orleans, where their mix of musical flavors -- rock, soul, reggae, jazz, and New Orleans second-line -- found a passionate following. By 1978, Aaron had kicked his drug habit, and the Neville Brothers landed a record deal with Capitol, which released their self-titled debut album that year. The album didn't quite capture the fire of the Neville Brothers' live show (the label pressured them to cut several disco tunes for the LP), and while 1981's Fiyo on the Bayou (cut for A&M) was a dramatic improvement, their eclectic approach didn't win them much airplay. It was word of mouth and the loyalty of their fan base in New Orleans that kept the Neville Brothers going, and fittingly it was an independent live album, 1984's Neville-ization, recorded during a typically energetic show at Tipitina's in New Orleans, that generated enough interest with critics and music fans that they began developing a significant audience outside of Louisiana. In 1986, Aaron Neville dropped a solo EP, Orchid in the Storm, in which he put his spin on five classic vocal group numbers from the '50s.

As the Nevilles' audience grew, they landed another major-label deal with EMI and 1987's Uptown saw them joined in the studio with several of their better-known fans including Carlos Santana, Keith Richards, Jerry Garcia, and Branford Marsalis. Within the year, Uptown was released and the Neville Brothers were dropped by EMI in the midst of a corporate reorganization, but better days lay ahead for them. They landed another deal with A&M, and 1989's Yellow Moon, produced by Daniel Lanois, was a chart success and became the group's biggest-selling album, while the song "Healing Chant" won a Grammy award as best pop instrumental performance. It was also a good year for Aaron: Linda Ronstadt, who became a fan after seeing the Neville Brothers while in New Orleans, invited him to sing duets with her on four tunes on her album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind. The album not only became a triple-platinum hit, but one of the songs they duetted on, "Don't Know Much," rose to number two on the pop singles charts and was certified gold. After their successful collaboration, Ronstadt signed on to produce Aaron's 1991 solo album, Warm Your Heart, which was his first full-length solo effort since 1967. One of the tracks, a cover of the Main Ingredient's 1972 hit "Everybody Plays the Fool," peaked at number eight on the singles chart, solidifying Aaron's status as a solo star.

From the early '90s onward, Aaron Neville divided his time between solo work and the Neville Brothers, releasing Family Groove with his siblings in 1992 and the solo effort The Grand Tour in 1993, with Ronstadt lending her vocals to a version of Leonard Cohen's "Song of Bernadette." Aaron closed out 1993 with his first holiday album, Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas. Neville also participated in 1994's Rhythm, Country and Blues, a multi-artist project in which R&B and country stars duetted on a set of classic tunes; Neville shared the microphone with Trisha Yearwood for an interpretation of the Patsy Cline hit "I Fall to Pieces." Neville also cut the song "Even If My Heart Would Break" for the soundtrack to the box office smash The Bodyguard. Following 1996's Mitakuye Oyasin Oyasin/All My Relations, the Neville Brothers performed and recorded less frequently as Art Neville stepped up his workload with the Meters, and Aaron responded by spending more time on his solo work. He released The Tattooed Heart in 1995 and ...To Make Me Who I Am in 1997. The latter was Neville's last solo album for A&M, and his next two LPs were collections of spiritually oriented material cut for his own Tell It label, 2000's Devotion and 2003's Believe. 2003 also saw Neville record a collection of pop and jazz standards for the Verve imprint, Nature Boy: The Standards Album. In 2005, Neville dropped a second holiday album, Christmas Prayer, and that same year, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, and Aaron and his brother Cyril left the Crescent City for good (Charles had already left for Massachusetts). While the brothers continued to tour on occasion, they no longer appeared in New Orleans, and 2004's Walkin' in the Shadow of Life would prove to be their final studio album. (The Neville Brothers formally disbanded in 2012, though they played a farewell reunion gig in New Orleans in 2015; Charles Neville succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2018.)

As the Neville Brothers' career was winding down, Aaron devoted himself to live work and occasional recording, issuing Bring It on Home…The Soul Classics in 2006. After a four-year recording layoff, Neville cut another album of gospel material, 2010's I Know I've Been Changed. In 2013, Neville teamed with the venerable Blue Note label to release My True Story, which, like his Orchid in the Storm EP, was devoted to fresh interpretations of classic doo wop and vocal group chestnuts of the '50s and '60s; Keith Richards and Don Was co-produced the sessions. Neville gave his songwriting skills a showcase on 2016's Apache, for which he wrote or co-wrote ten of the eleven tracks. Neville was 75 years old when the album was released, but he helped support Apache with a special concert at the Brooklyn Bowl in New York City, where Dr. John, Ivan Neville, and George Porter, Jr. made guest appearances along with Eric Krasno and members of the New Orleans funk crew Dumpstaphunk. The show was recorded, and Aaron Neville's 75th Birthday Celebration Live at the Brooklyn Bowl was released in audio and video formats in 2019. Two years later, Neville retired from touring, choosing to focus on recording and the occasional live performance. In 2022, he collaborated with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band on "Stompin' Ground" off the soundtrack to the music documentary Take Me to the River: New Orleans, ultimately winning the Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance. ~ Mark Deming

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The Grand Tour

January 1, 1993 13 Songs, 53 minutes An A&M Records Release; ℗ 1993 UMG Recordings, Inc.

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The Meaning Behind The Song: The Grand Tour by Aaron Neville

Aaron Neville, an iconic American R&B and soul artist, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his soul-stirring ballads. One such gem is his classic hit, “The Grand Tour.” Released in 1974, this heartfelt song delves deep into themes of heartbreak, loss, and the pain of separation.

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Neville’s rich, soulful voice intertwines with the poignant lyrics, creating a powerful emotional experience for listeners. At its core, “The Grand Tour” explores the aftermath of a shattered relationship and the profound impact it has on one’s life.

The Lyrics That Speak Volumes

In “The Grand Tour,” Neville skillfully weaves a narrative that vividly portrays the crumbling remnants of a once-blossoming love. The lyrics tell the tale of a deserted home, haunted by memories and echoes of a lost love. Neville’s soulful vocals bring the anguish and sorrow to life, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

Lines such as “Right here’s the bedroom, where she took her clothes off, and a million times we made her love” carry a poignant weight that resonates deeply. Neville’s raw and honest delivery brings forth the complexities of love and loss, leaving the listener immersed in the emotional turmoil.

The Emotional Impact of “The Grand Tour”

When listening to “The Grand Tour,” one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the raw emotion conveyed through Neville’s vocal prowess. The song’s melancholic melody further intensifies the poignant lyrics, painting a vivid picture of a love now reduced to emptiness and despair.

Neville’s ability to evoke a sense of longing and heartache is truly unparalleled. Through his soul-baring performance, he captures the essence of loneliness and the devastating aftermath of a fractured relationship. The poignant combination of lyrics and melody makes “The Grand Tour” a timeless masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what inspired aaron neville to write “the grand tour”.

Aaron Neville drew inspiration from personal experiences and observations of love and loss. While the exact inspiration behind “The Grand Tour” remains known only to Neville himself, it is evident that the song delves deep into universal themes of heartbreak and the aftermath of a failed relationship.

2. Who wrote the lyrics for “The Grand Tour”?

“The Grand Tour” was written by well-renowned country songwriters George Richey, Carmol Taylor, and Norro Wilson. The trio crafted the emotionally charged lyrics that perfectly complement Neville’s soulful vocals.

3. Was “The Grand Tour” a commercial success?

Yes, “The Grand Tour” enjoyed considerable commercial success upon its release in 1974. It reached number five on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Aaron Neville’s reputation as a versatile artist capable of transcending genres.

4. How did “The Grand Tour” impact Aaron Neville’s career?

“The Grand Tour” further solidified Aaron Neville’s status as a prolific artist and expanded his fan base beyond the realms of R&B and soul. The song showcased his versatility and ability to tackle emotionally charged ballads, securing his place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.

5. What makes “The Grand Tour” a timeless classic?

With its profound lyrics, soul-stirring vocals, and poignant melody, “The Grand Tour” has resonated with audiences for decades. The universal themes of heartbreak and loss, combined with Neville’s unparalleled talent, make this song an enduring masterpiece that continues to touch the hearts of listeners across generations.

6. Have other artists covered “The Grand Tour”?

Yes, “The Grand Tour” has been covered by various artists throughout the years. Notable renditions include those by country music legends George Jones and George Strait. These interpretations pay homage to the timeless beauty of Neville’s original version.

7. Did “The Grand Tour” win any awards?

Although “The Grand Tour” didn’t win any major awards, it remains a beloved classic among fans and music critics alike. Its enduring legacy lies in its ability to capture the raw emotions of heartbreak and connect with listeners on a profound level.

8. Is there a music video for “The Grand Tour”?

Given that “The Grand Tour” was released in the 1970s, music videos were not as prevalent as they are today. Therefore, a music video for this song was not created during that era. However, artful fan-made videos paying tribute to the song can be found online.

9. Has “The Grand Tour” been featured in any films or TV shows?

While “The Grand Tour” may not have been prominently featured in films or TV shows, its timeless beauty has made it a cherished addition to soundtracks and playlists that capture the essence of heartbreak and emotional turmoil.

10. Is Aaron Neville still performing today?

Yes, Aaron Neville continues to captivate audiences with his soulful performances. His unique voice and timeless music have earned him a dedicated fan base, and he frequently tours and showcases his exceptional talent on stages around the world.

11. What are some other notable songs by Aaron Neville?

Aaron Neville has a rich repertoire of songs that have resonated with fans throughout his career. Some of his other notable hits include “Tell It Like It Is,” “Don’t Know Much” (a duet with Linda Ronstadt), and “Everybody Plays the Fool.”

12. How has Aaron Neville’s music influenced the industry?

Aaron Neville’s music has left an indelible mark on the industry, with his soulful vocals and emotional ballads inspiring countless artists. His ability to delve into the depths of human emotions and bare his soul through his music continues to be a source of awe and inspiration for aspiring musicians worldwide.

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Aaron Neville

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October 19, 2012

The Grand Tour

Step right up, come on in, if you’d like to take the grand tour Of the lonely house that once was home sweet home I have nothing here to sell you, just some things that I will tell you Some things I know will chill you to the bone

Over there, sits the chair where she’d bring the paper to me Sit down on my knee and whisper, “Oh, I love you” But now she’s gone forever and this old house will never be the same Without the love that we once knew

Straight ahead, that’s the bed, where we’d lie in love together And Lord knows we had a good thing going here See her picture on the table, don’t it look like she’d be able Just to touch me and say, “Good morning dear”

There’s her ring, all her things and her clothes are in the closet Where she left them when she tore my world apart As you leave you see the nursery, oh she left me without mercy Taking nothing but our baby and my heart

Step right up, come on in, come on in

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