Aaron Neville

Jeff Kaliss on December 7, 2011

The angelic voice of this member of a seminal family — the Nevilles of New Orleans — first became familiar to most of us in 1967, conveying a rare and compelling stream of soul on the single “Tell It Like It Is.” He’s pursued a successful solo career since, though he enjoyed a Grammy-winning collaboration with Linda Ronstadt in 1989 and periodic reunions with the nationally touring Neville Brothers. Aaron’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, yet he’s since performed at relief benefits and is in the process of securing a permanent return to his birthplace. Although he’s recorded the Christmas repertoire before, most of us haven’t had the chance to witness him delivering it live, and it’ll be bound to raise goose bumps, regardless of the weather.