Raful Neal
Raful Neal (June 6, 1936 – September 1, 2004[1]) was an American, Louisiana blues singer, harmonicist and songwriter.[2]
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and reared by his aunt and uncle on a tenant farm in Chamberlin, West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, United States, Neal began playing the harmonica at age 14. He played with Buddy Guy in a band called the Clouds. His first record, "Sunny Side of Love" (1958) on Peacock Records, was not successful.[1]
Neal's first album, called Louisiana Legend, was initially issued by King Snake Records and later by Alligator Records in 1990. His 1991 album I Been Mistreated was released on Ichiban Records. Neal toured globally. In 1997 his harmonica playing was featured on the album Live: Swampland Jam by Tab Benoit. Neal's album Old Friends was issued in 1998.
Neal died of cancer in Baton Rouge in September 2004.[1] Nine of his ten children are also blues musicians, and several performed with him on his later releases on the Alligator label.
See also
- Jackie Neal, a daughter
- Kenny Neal, a son
References
External links
- Raful Neal biography from LouisianaMusic.com
- Raful Neal biography from mp3.com
- Raful Neal biography from Alligator Records
- Raful Neal at Find a Grave