Retired from a career in insurance and administrative services, William Deyesso enjoys outdoor activities in rural New Hampshire. Passionate about music, William Deyesso particularly enjoys the sounds of Motown and bands such as the Neville Brothers.
Interviewed by Offbeat Magazine in 2013, Aaron Neville spoke about growing up in 1950s New Orleans with his brother Art and being influenced by R&B infused artists such as Earl King, Hank Ballard, and the Midnighters, as well as vocal duos such as the Everly Brothers.
Forming a doo-wop group in high school, Aaron and Art also took in the influence of his uncle Jolly, who was a leader of a Mardi Gras-themed band that performed in full regalia, the Wild Tchoupitoulas. This vibrant local scene provided a bulwark of family support during an era when many African-American musicians faced discrimination, low pay, and other challenges on the road.
Achieving worldwide success as part of a band that mixed funk and soul with a unique cajun sensibility, Aaron Neville never left New Orleans. This proved tragic when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and his home was devastated, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable recording equipment and tapes of music. Despite this, the Neville Brothers soldiered on as an acclaimed unit in demand at jazz and pop festivals spanning the globe.
Interviewed by Offbeat Magazine in 2013, Aaron Neville spoke about growing up in 1950s New Orleans with his brother Art and being influenced by R&B infused artists such as Earl King, Hank Ballard, and the Midnighters, as well as vocal duos such as the Everly Brothers.
Forming a doo-wop group in high school, Aaron and Art also took in the influence of his uncle Jolly, who was a leader of a Mardi Gras-themed band that performed in full regalia, the Wild Tchoupitoulas. This vibrant local scene provided a bulwark of family support during an era when many African-American musicians faced discrimination, low pay, and other challenges on the road.
Achieving worldwide success as part of a band that mixed funk and soul with a unique cajun sensibility, Aaron Neville never left New Orleans. This proved tragic when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005 and his home was devastated, resulting in the loss of irreplaceable recording equipment and tapes of music. Despite this, the Neville Brothers soldiered on as an acclaimed unit in demand at jazz and pop festivals spanning the globe.
