08/10/2024
Another great one gone.!
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Obituary
John Allen Neel
June 11, 1954 – October 6, 2024
Johnny Neel was a soulful vocalist, songwriter, and musician based in Nashville, Tennessee. He was best known for being a member of the Allman Brothers Band and the Dickey Betts Band. Johnny was also known as a mentor to many musicians throughout his life. Musicians often referred to him as the Musician’s Musician.
Johnny passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024 with his loving wife, Christine Thompson and daughter Johnna Neel, by his side.
Johnny was born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 11, 1954. Blind at birth, musically gifted and overflowing with soul. Johnny cut his first hit single at the age of 12, with the Johnny Neel and The Shapes of Soul. As a young adult, he started the Johnny Neel Band which released two independent albums, One Hot Night (1981) and You Should’ve Been There (1983).
In 1984, Johnny moved to Nashville. While performing at the Bluebird café, he drew the attention of Warren Haynes and Dickey Betts, who asked him to join their band, which led to seven cuts on the Pattern Disruptive album (1988), including the hit, "Rock Bottom". Gregg Allman asked Johnny to tour with his road band which cut "Island" on The Gregg Allman Band album (1988).
In 1989, Johnny was invited to join the reunited Allman Brothers Band, which led to four cuts on the Allman's Seven Turns album (1990). The hit single "Good Clean Fun", was co-written by Neel, Allman and Betts. Johnny made significant contributions to the band, playing keyboards and harmonica during their Seven Turns Reunion tour. In 2012, in recognition of their contributions to the world of music over the years, the Allman Brothers Band were awarded the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1994, Johnny Neel & The Last Word released their first studio album. This album included the song "Maydell", which was co-written with Warren Haynes and has been covered by the Allman Brothers and John Mayall. The album also included the song "Read Me My Rights" which was co-written with Delbert McClinton. This album featured legendary guitarist Jack Pearson. In 1995, Johnny’s band recorded the album Commin' Atcha... Live at Nashville’s Sutler.
In 2000, Johnny released Late Night Breakfast which was recorded at his Straight Up Sound Studio, with special guests, guitarists Shane Theriot, and Rick Vito, as well as Wayne Jackson on trumpet.
In 2001, Johnny became a member of Blue Floyd, an all-star jam band performing variations on the material of Pink Floyd, including guitarist Marc Ford, drummer Matt Abts, bassist Berry Oakley Jr., and Allen Woody on second guitar. Johnny and Abts recorded X2 - Johnny Neel / Matt Abts (2002).
In 2004, the album Johnny Neel and The Italian Experience was released in Italy. This album included strings and horns with improvisational jazz and southern rock compositions. The album included members of the Italian power trio W.I.N.D., with which Neel toured and recorded in Europe several times.
Johnny was also a part of two other all-star collaborations, Deep Fried and Grease Factor. The Deep Fried Sessions - Live (2004); and Grease Factor, Off the Cuff (2004); and Live From Zambifest 2004, (2005).
Johnny’s studio work included five songs for Walt Disney movies - Finding Nemo, Cars, and Ratatouille between 2003 to 2009. These songs include "Saturday Night Fish Fry", "My Old Car", "One Meat Ball", "Banana Split for My Baby", and "Hot Rodder's Lament".
In 2005, Johnny was recording and performing with his band Johnny Neel & The Criminal Element including band members Randy Boen guitar, Curt Redding drums and Russell Wright bass. They released a total of three albums; Volume 1 (2007), Volume 2 (2008), and The CSI Chronicles (2010).
From 2010-2018, Johnny released several solo albums including Harmonious (2010), Every Kinda' Blues (2012), which included guitarist Jack Pearson, and ex-Little Feat vocalist Shaun Murphy; and My Kinda Christmas (2014) and Clean Break (2018).
In 2019, Johnny joined Chris Anderson, formerly of the Outlaws, to form "Rattlebone" and released their album "World's Gone Crazy."
In November 2023, Johnny reunited with the Criminal Element at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville TN, which was his last performance.
Johnny Neel died on October 6, 2024, at the age of 70. He was survived by his mother Gail Neel. Pre-deceased by his father, Tony Amalfitano. Survived by his brothers Robert Neel (Denise), William Neel (Laura). Pre-deceased by his brother, Dave Amalfitano. Survived by his brother Danny Amalfitano (Tammy). Survived by his wife, Christine Thompson. Pre-deceased by his daughter, Nicole Oakes. Survived by his daughter, Johnna Neel. His grandchildren, Nicolas, Nevaeh, and Norah. His previous wife Sharon Neel, and Bestest Buddy Nancy Oakes. Survived by a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace Soul Bear. You will be missed.
