Johnny Neel Death – Famous Nashville keyboardist and songwriter Johnny Neel has sadly passed away. He died on Sunday 6th October 2024 at the age of 70. He died after a massive heart failure.
He was announced dead on his Facebook page through a Facebook post that reads: “We have sad news to share. Johnny Neel passed away today from a massive heart failure. His wife Christine and his daughter Johnna were by his side. As many of you know, Johnny had a stroke 2019 and never quite recovered from it.”
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, eel took an early interest in music. He made ripples in local music at twelve with his first record, “Talking About People,” published as Johnny Neel and The Shapes of Soul. This appealing song became a Wilmington and Philadelphia radio success, launching a bright musical career.
As an adult, Neel’s talent flourished. He founded the Johnny Neel Band, which was popular East Coast-wide. The band issued two successful independent albums that showed Neel’s musical and lyrical talents, confirming his regional music reputation.
Neel bravely moved to Nashville, country music capital, in 1984. He started performing in bars here, attracting famous musicians. Dickey Betts, a Nashville native and Allman Brothers Band founder, was one. Neel’s career changed when Betts invited him to join his travelling band.
Betts helped Neel on his Epic Records solo LP Pattern Disruptive. The 1988 album had seven Neel-cowritten songs, including AOR hit “Rock Bottom.” Gregg Allman invited Neel to tour with his band after hearing his keyboard and harmonica playing on the record. This cooperation led to Neel co-writing “Island,” on The Gregg Allman Band’s 1988 album.
Neel’s Allman Brothers Band involvement grew over time. A 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences honoured the Allman Brothers Band. Neel supported the band’s heritage with keyboards and harmonica on their 20th Anniversary Reunion tour.