Tell It Like It Is: My Story

by Aaron Neville

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2023 BY BEST CLASSIC BANDS

For the first time, legendary singer and songwriter and Grammy Hall-of-Famer Aaron Neville tells his personal story of overcoming poverty, racism, addiction, and loss through faith, family, and music.

Aaron Neville’s first #1 hit, “Tell It Like it Is,” was released in 1966. In the mid-70s he formed the Neville Brothers with Art, Charles, and Cyril—now known as the “First Family of New Orleans”—and they released more than a dozen influential albums. Given his one-of-a-kind, soaring falsetto, Aaron was the breakout star, and over the next six decades, he had four platinum albums, three  #1 songs, numerous film and television appearances, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. His triple-platinum duets with Linda Ronstadt (including the Grammy-Award-winning hit “I Don’t Know Much”) showcased the softer side of his voice, and the smoking hot funky soul of the Neville Brothers cemented his legacy as an R&B legend.

But few people know the challenging and circuitous road Aaron took to fame. Born in a housing project in New Orleans of Black and Native American heritage, Aaron struggled as a teenage father working to raise a family while building his career as a musician, surviving a stint in jail for car theft and many years battling heroin addiction.

​Recognized by the dagger tattoo on his cheek and his St. Jude medallion earring, Neville credits St. Jude—the patron saint of lost cases—for turning his life around. He found healing and salvation in music. Aaron Neville is a man who by all accounts should not have made it. Tell It Like It Is shares his story for the first time.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Biography

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aaron Neville has one of the most unique voices in music history. It’s like a hot fudge Sunday. It’s not the kind of voice you could mistake for anyone else. It will calm your nerves and still your heart.

I’ve loved his voice ever since I first heard “Tell it like it is” somewhere back in the 1960’s. But I had no idea about his life, I knew there was a group called the Neville Brothers but not much else after that.

This book was an eye opener into the life of a drug addict and petty thief who should have been dead before age 40 but Aaron Neville has credited God and Saint Jude for saving him as he is now retired and well into his 80’s.

I have learned more about the life of a junky and what it takes to get a needle into your vein than I ever wanted to know. All of this made me a bit angry at Aaron and then I thought maybe he has written this as a cautionary tale for those on drugs.

My impression is that this is a decent man who did some really bad and stupid (his word) things and by the grace of God got himself straight.

God gave him the gift of a unique singing voice and brought him out of the darkness. At times he sounds a bit preachy but I think he is being sincere.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point in my life, I've read a good share of artist biographies (and autobiographies); this one is certainly one of the most incredible that I've ever come across, if not the top spot.

Neville, at eighty years old, is endlessly humble, honest, and often hilarious in his recollections--he's clearly a font of wisdom and, as a fan, it's of great comfort to know that he's making the most of the days he has left.

From early (literal) crimes to random, fantastic moments of coincidence and mercy, it's exceptionally wild to read these pages and know that they're the stepping stones to the era when his music (both with and without Linda Ronstadt) dominated the radio-waves.

You'll hear about run-ins with Otis Redding, Keith Richards, Mickey Rourke, and Bill Clinton, for starters, but a great many pages are dedicated to those who Neville felt brought him back into the light time and again. His love and admiration for them is, without question, the backbone of the book.

On a silly note: I had a few little relatives growing up in the early '00s that absolutely loved the "Little People" videos for children, and Neville sang the theme song. I know his work spans decades and this was surely just a quick job, but I'm curious if he has anything to say about those (wouldn't surprise me if there wasn't much to say, though).

Hearty recommend. I don't know how anyone isn't a fan of Neville's voice and music, but this doesn't hurt anyone looking to become an admirer of his artistry.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the advance read.

[Jonann loves book talk❤♥️❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell It Like It Is
My Story
by Aaron Neville
Narrated by Aaron Neville
Audiobook
Pub Date: 05 Sep 2023
Hachette Audio, Hachette Books
Biographies & Memoirs
Rating: 5/5

In his recollections, Aaron Neville, at eighty-two, is mercilessly humble, honest, and hilarious. His wisdom is not only valuable, but it is also a joy to experience. His life isn't glossed over; he tells it like it is. He is a beacon of truth, an incomparable storyteller, and a living legend who has earned his place in history. His struggles with addiction, criminal activity, and rise to fame are gritty and straightforward. Even through his difficult times, Neville's unwavering commitment to his music and authentic approach is to be admired.

This audiobook is narratived by Neville, who gives the stories a unique flavor. His determination and dedication to remain true to himself is an example we should all strive for.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for allowing me to review this audiobook. Having been a fan of Aaron Neville for many years, I enjoyed hearing this retelling of his life.

#TellItLikeItIs #AaronNeville #Audiobook

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[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography hits stores September 5, 2023. Hachette Books provided an early galley for review.

As a music fan, I knew Aaron's name and a few of his songs. I did not know his whole story until reading this book.

I instantly was taken to his writing style. Not surprising at all for a songwriter to be able to also craft lovely, lyrical narratives as well. And for a man of his age (82), he memories are very sharp and his descriptions vivid. Of course, like the book's title, he does indeed tell it like it is. There is no sugarcoating here, no painting the past in a better light. He gives the reader all the dirt from his past and let's us judge it for ourselves.

While music has been part of most of his life, it is mostly the second half of the book that focuses on his career success. As a huge fan of Linda Ronstadt's, I was pleased to hear his thoughts on recording and performing with her.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1990s, my husband and I often listened to Aaron Neville on Friday nights while cooking dinner in our first little home as newlyweds. When I came across this book, I knew I had to read about this legendary and heavenly singer from my youth. While I knew his music, I never really knew his story. He left no stone unturned, he poured everything into this book. Reading it felt like I was sitting next to him on his farm in a comfortable chair overlooking the beautiful surroundings while he spoke of the “old days”….some good, some bad, but always truthful.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tell It Like It Is—And Aaron Neville Does Just That!

Aaron Neville, renowned for his soul-stirring voice, opens up about his life in a memoir that’s as powerful and moving as his music. Known for his iconic sound, Neville candidly recounts not only his triumphs but also the struggles and challenges that shaped him into the musical legend we know today.

The memoir offers an honest exploration of Neville's battles with addiction, his encounters with the law, and the challenges of being a Black man in the Deep South. While these parts of his story are painful and sometimes difficult to digest, they are balanced by themes of faith, redemption, and a fierce determination to rise above it all.

Neville’s passion for music shines through in every chapter. His journey is more than about surviving—it’s about overcoming adversity and transforming hardship into art. His voice, both in his music and writing, is a testament to his resilience, confirming why he and his brothers are staples in music history.

Despite the struggles, Neville’s memoir also highlights his strength and the deep connection he has with his hometown of New Orleans. The city and its vibrant culture are woven throughout, illustrating how they played a key role in his life and career.

Filled with heart, truth, and a quiet kind of magic, this memoir lingers long after you’ve finished reading. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Neville for the first time, Tell It Like It Is is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, perseverance, and a glimpse into the life of one of music’s most enduring icons.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the opportunity to read this advance copy.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book as a result of going down a rabbit hole after my husband and I were talking about Linda Ronstadt and I remembered an interview I had listened to on NPR years ago about Aaron Neville. His story was fascinating to me then and I was happy to find that he had written a memoir just in the last couple of years. He has written his story so candidly and with a casualness that makes it feel as though you are sitting in front of him as he tells you his life story. He tells of his struggles with addiction and crime and his eventual recovery, all the while making music along the way. I have a deep respect for him and his outlook on life. It is clear that he wrote his own story and not via a ghostwriter, which to me makes it even more authentic.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother turned me onto the Neville Brothers in the mid 1980s and I’ve been the fan since, so I was anxious to read this autobiography. It didn’t disappoint!

Aaron Neville had a very colorful past and he speaks very honestly about his troubles and his pain and his hardships. This was a great read!

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember Aaron Neville from his duets with singer Linda Ronstadt and seeing him on TV. I really liked his music when I was younger and thought he had such a unique quality to his voice. But I knew nothing else about his life and so I was super interested to read this one.

I loved hearing about New Orleans from his point of view and also about the shady goings-on in the music industry where he got taken advantage of so many times with crappy contracts and no one looking out for him. His story is told mostly chronologically but it does jump back and forth a little bit here and there, which was a tiny bit confusing. There were a lot of names of people that he knew that was hard to keep straight because there were so many. And some parts of his story were repetitive, so I think it could have done with a bit more editing. But otherwise it was very interesting to learn more about this famous singer and everything he went through to chase his dreams and sing. This is a man who has been through a lot and never gave up.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for an advanced copy of the memoir by a musical legend with the most wondrous of voices, and the many, many troubles that he has seen.

The saddest thing about the world is how much the world blocks a person with a gift from sharing that gift with the world. A young man growing up with an incredible mind, told by an educator don't plan on science or laboratory work, you are the wrong color. Think more of being a mechanic, or a brick layer. Or a child with an ability to sing, but with a gift for doing the wrong thing at every opportunity, nearly ruining his life, and the life of his family. However music sometimes does persevere. The world of science was not for Charles Neville, but playing with his brother Aaron Neville was, Aaron just had to do a lot of growing up to get there. Tell It Like It Is: My Story by singer, songwriter, poet, activist, educator and now author Aaron Neville tells of Neville's upbringing, his brushes with the law and the redemptive power of music.

Aaron Neville was born in 1941 in the city of New Orleans, in a poverty that he never felt, but a discrimination that effected everything he did in his life for years. Neville was to say the least a handful as a child, stealing cars for both joyriding and to get somewhere, fighting often, involved in a shooting, and becoming addicted to various drugs, a habit that would take him years to shake. Married before he finished school, Neville spent time in prison for stealing cars, had a few songs on the radio, went to Los Angeles to make more music, and was arrested again. Coming home he worked hard by day taking any jobs he could, working nights on his music, scoring a song near the top of Hot 100 Billboard charts, before drugs again derailed his momentum. But an idea of making an album with his family soon sent him on a path to being a legend.
Aaron Neville has lived a very full life. From highs to low, low lows and everything in between. Though he has seen the worst that the world can be, including some of his own actions, Neville has never given up on people, and more importantly himself. The writing is very good, telling hi story, his mistakes, and the victories in a very straight ahead style, blaming himself and not others on what he has done. Growing up in Jim Crow America is horrible to even contemplate, something that exists in living memory is just draining to read, living it must have been a nightmare. Being locked up for 72 hours while cops found a crime that they could hand on someone is tough to read. However it is the music that most people will read this for, and there is a lot to talk about. The people that the Neville Brothers have played with, life on the road, those that helped, and those that hindered. All told in a very nice style.

Recommended for fans of the band, Neville's solo works, and for aficionados of the New Orleans sound and the life of musicians working in the South. . Also there is a lot about the cultural history about growing up in Louisiana. A very interesting memoir about a very talented man who fought hard for all he acquired, dispite his many missteps.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tell It Like It Is: My Story by Aaron Neville (Hachette Books 2023) (780.92) (3928).

I’ve been a fan of New Orleans music ever since I saw “Dr. John the Nitetripper” (Mac Rebennack) perform in full New Orleans voodoo gris-gris regalia in the early 1970’s. One can’t be a fan of New Orleans music for long before being introduced to the Mighty Mighty Neville Brothers; I’ve thus been a fan of Aaron Neville and the rest of Nevilles for close to fifty years!

The Neville Brothers are a Louisiana family band specializing in a mix of soul/funk/R&B that formed in New Orleans in 1976. The original band members were brothers Art Neville, Charles Neville, Aaron Neville, Cyril Neville, and Aaron’s son Ivan Neville. The original band has spawned a host of musical groups composed of various members of the extended Neville family. They are widely regarded as one of the first families of present day New Orleans music. Aaron Neville was the lead singer in the original group.

This is Aaron Neville’s memoir, and he has filled his story with intriguing tales. He speaks knowledgably and at length about two particular topics: (1) it is a “who’s who” of 1950’s musicians from the genres of doo-wop, soul, and swampwater funk; and (2) it's a manual of street drug use and culture in the second half of the twentieth century. Drugs as in long-term intravenous opiate use. (This may be the only memoir ever penned by a heroin addict who lived to be eighty years old.)

This volume made me realize that I don’t understand New Orleans street slang or dialect (e.g., “He had a ratty walk, kind of hipty dipty, that was real cool…”) (p.26).

Aaron Neville is known for having a three-inch-long homemade facial tattoo of a dagger on his left cheek. To commemorate the occasion of his sixteenth birthday, he asked a friend to tattoo his face with burnt matchsticks. His father was so mad (“...pissed to the highest of pissivity”) that he forced Aaron to try to scrub the tattoo off his cheek with a Brillo pad and Octagon soap. Aaron noted wryly that “The skin came off, but the tattoo stayed.” (p. 41).

Aaron Neville asserts that he was an experienced car thief as a teen in New Orleans. The author provides directions for hot-wiring cars so that they would start without a key: “Cars were so easy to steal back then. All you needed was the silver paper from a cigarette pack, put it on the three screws behind the ignition and put it in neutral, and the car started.” (p. 41).

Aaron Neville seems to have taken life on its own terms and managed to enjoy most of it.

My rating: 7/10, finished 4/9/24 (3929).

[Josh Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was certainly a refreshing change of pace from the mess that Sly Stone's book was previously. Aaron Neville by all accounts, (including his own), should not have made it to 84. He grew up in the projects of New Orleans, spent several stints in jail for stealing cars, several stints in rehab because he couldn't stay away from the white horse, as well as shooting a man in a fight. He made it out, and along with his brothers and New Orleans music royalty like Allen Toussaint and Dr. John, helped revive the the New Orleans music scene in the 60's with songs like "Tell It Like It Is."

He also went through some droughts in the 70's and 80's as he was unable to adapt to the MTV generation, but, was able to find success, as well as a lot of Grammy Awards, through his duets with Linda Ronstadt, primarily "Don't Know Much" and "All My Life" which both went several times platinum and he helped rebuild his beloved hometown after Hurricane Katrina.

For a man to make it through everything he has, and view it all with gratitude and self-awareness, as opposed to bitterness is a testament to his character.

The book is a "B-", a good story about a life full of ups and downs and what happens when you come out the other side. The last chapter, which was just several of his poems seems a bit unnecessary, and although I have no problem with a person's faith, he mentions well over 100 times that the lord and St. Jude saved him, and it gets a bit tiresome.

I would recommend overall, but your mileage may vary depending on how much you are into either him or his music.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyable.

There are some parts that go on a bit long in order to be complete that are not as interesting, but there is a lot that is really interesting about the music business and artists over a long time period.

There are also a lot of bad decisions and drug, though with a lot of gratitude and humor, but some insight too.

This is a section that really stuck with me, after he was talking about a time when he was taken in because he "fit the description to a T" of a rapist/murderer, but where on the night in question he'd been playing a gig and had about 400 witnesses:

“… If I hadn’t had an alibi, that would have been my charge --- and probably the end of my life, because back then they had the electric chair in Louisiana. Something big like that the police just wanted to solve; they didn’t really care if they got it right. I thank God for being with me at that moment, but I do think about how many innocent people were locked up, or worse, for something they didn’t do.
The pain and frustration I was feeling about how everything was going down then is what led me to keep sticking a needle in my arm. Most of my friends, they didn’t have something big to reach for. Maybe somebody took it away from them, like the nuns at school who told Charles he couldn’t be a scientist. Maybe they didn’t have anything in the first place. And without that big something, their lives were just ticking away.”

[Mark Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was provided to me from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published.

Man, I had no idea of the troubles Aaron Neville got into throughout his life. I always pictured him as a clean dude who was always singing with his family. But I am glad he persevered, because death could’ve rocked him way too early. He told the truth of what he did and the consequences of his actions. Basically, he did some jail time and took part in some robbery with friends.

I did enjoy all of his recollections of music, whether it was his family, friends, an album, a studio, a tour, or just chilling at home.

He was married for 48 years, before his wife passed away due to cancer. Two years later, he was married again, and that marriage is still going.

I enjoyed reading this book.

[Timothy Swartout · Rating 3 out of 5]

My wife and I have been fans of this soulful singer for a very long time. His voice is angelic and can move us deeply. This autobiography seems to have been transcribed from the subject just talking away to a tape recorder or another person. I few like it’s written in the way he speaks and thinks. Everything is first person. That means that even though the writing is not necessarily the most skilled, the emotions it brings out are still profound and this reader slowly warmed to his style of storytelling. He had quite a drug-filled life, along with a multitude of other crimes up until the mid-1980’s and I never realized this until
I read this book. He certainly turned his life around and he attributes this fact unceasingly to God and the women in his life. It’s a humbling story told in a hopeful manner, no matter how dark his life became.

[Bank · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book because of my admiration for Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers. The book itself raised like a rambling chronological perhaps even dictated story of his life, starting in the projects of New Orleans and through the musical scene of New Orleans. It may be that Mr. Neville is best known in the country by virtue of his collaboration with Linda Ronstadt, however, that would really understate his contribution to music.
Other than music the constant theme of this book is his struggle with heroin addiction, starting as a teenager. It’s a testament to his his faith and talent that he survived growing up , heroin addiction He now lives happily in New York State with his second wife.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up a NOLA girl, I've been a fan of Aaron's my whole life. I never knew about his struggles with drugs (which he covers heavily and with great detail), but I know his voice is like heavenly butter so his autobiography intrigued me!

His is a bittersweet story telling of racial prejudice growing up in New Orleans, his struggles with addiction, his supportive and wildly creative family, his hardworking parents, his saintly wives, and his incredible career.

His Catholic faith and devotion to Our Lady and St. Jude is woven throughout the book, a moving testament to the powerful forces in his life that kept guiding him towards a life bringing God to the world through his voice.

A poignant and somewhat heavy read.

[Tanja Giljevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa, the man who has the voice of an angel sure got into a whole bunch of trouble with drugs and the law. Throughout it all, he kept his faith in God and his amazing wife, Joel!

Success didn't come easily to him. His first hit, the afore-mentioned biography title was released in 1966. Fame didn't find him instantly as record labels cheated him of money and fame. He would do many odd jobs to support his family, and he developed a heroin sddiction.

Through it all, he continued to sing. His duets with Linda Rondstadt are beautiful! Their harmonies on the Neville Brothers' track, " Fearless", never received their due. Sadly, Ms. Rondstadt has a disease similar to Parkinson's. I'm glad the song is easily accessed on Spotify and others.

[Murf Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Tell It Like It Is. Aaron Neville has led an interesting life that saw some of the darkest times that helped him get to his light. Aaron never gave up on God, or Saint Jude and they never gave up on him. This story follows the story in the Brothers Neville but continues onward to delve deeper into Aaron's solo career and 2nd marriage to Sara. Aaron tells it like it was pulling no punches about his struggle with addiction and the choices he made to continue that addiction. I believe the strength he had to maintain his addiction was also his salvation as that same strength was stronger through the music.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a nicely paced, conversationally told account of an interesting life.

It’s generally pretty believable, though there are a few moments that make you question it- like how Mr. Neville says that his heroin habit was just funded by money he tucked away and that it didn’t negatively impact his family at all- yeah, no way, even if we’re only talking financials- but he seems to believe it, so I won’t hold that against him too much.

For the most part though, his telling of the stupid (his word choice) things he did is is at times heartbreaking, at times hilarious, and altogether pretty damn entertaining. He has a good redemption arc too, and I’m glad he’s still kicking around.

[Marisa Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Neville is an underrated singer. He has such enormous talent and a one of a kind voice. In this memoir he tells how the road to fame was difficult due to substance abuse issues and multiple arrests and how he was able to overcome his difficulties with God, St Jude, the Holy Mother and the three angels in his life- his mom, two wives (the first one passed away) and his sister. I really enjoyed this book as it tells about the importance of faith. I almost gave it four stars because it does have a lot of name dropping which should have been edited out but I felt the message of God's love and forgiveness was so powerful in this one. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

[Bruce Raterink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Aaron Neville will find a lot to like about this book. I was aware of Tell it Like It Is, The Neville Brothers albums, and the Linda Ronstadt duets, but had no idea about Aaron Neville's life, his drug addiction, incarcerations, or the challenges he faced trying to get paid what was due him. It is a short book, only 288 pages, more or less chronological, full of interesting anecdotes and well written. Some parts are a little repetitive but it didn't distract from my overall enjoyment. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an advanced reader copy.

[Kim Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memoir read by Aaron Neville. In the beginning it was hard at times with his New Orleans accent but it got much easier as I went. Definitely a fan but I didn't know alot about his life. He had a serious drug issue and was in and out of prison but he was able to overcome this to becoming a recording artist. Like many artists he was ripped off by record companies and managers. Recommend especially if you are familiar with his work.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been a fan for decades (albums, cassettes, CDs, TV specials, YouTube views). His Amazing Grace and Ave Maria leave me stunned. I’ve known of his “rough” life and I’m glad at age 82 Aaron Neville has written his autobiography. Now I have a greater understanding of the whole of his life, a greater feeling for the depth of his life. Just like the title, he tells it like it is and gives it to you straight.

“I was always shy, but I can connect with people onstage—soul touching soul.”

[Joshua Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hear his speaking voice in this....

Sure, I've heard his beautiful singing voice. But, as I was reading, I heard him speak the whole book in a Louisiana drawl very similar to my Dad's & my cousin Leon Kensie's. Very roughly, toughly poetic prose that fills in the blanks you want to know about when he sings. I love it.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 2 out of 5]

if this wasn't for my book club I would not have finished it.
I love Aaron Nevilles music and he's always been a mystery and he had such a wild life because of his choices. he spent the majority of his life committing crimes and using drugs.
there was something off in his tone in how he reflected on his life - bc of like he spoke with arrogance and lacked humility.

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone asked me to describe hope, I would describe "Tell It Like It Is" as the most endearing tale of hope, love, faith and persistence I can imagine. Much appreciation to Aaron Neville for sharing his journey through life. Bonus: I listened to Aaron Neville music while reading!

[John C Prejean Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about Aaron that I never knew about. Hearing his life story from his voice made it that much better.

Such a great musician, artist, and person who led a very interesting and adventurous life growing up.

[Ragan Gankendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaron Neville has led a fascinating life. He is clearly a great storyteller who successfully transforms his life adventures into a really riveting read. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it for anyone who loves New Orleans music and/or the Neville Brothers.

[Tim O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so fast because it was such a delight. Raw, honest and heartfelt, it made me admire this amazing singer and songwriter even more. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go listen to the “Apache” album.