Raful Neal

Raful Neal (June 6, 1936 – September 1, 2004)^[1] was an American Louisiana blues singer, harmonicist and songwriter from the United States.^[2]

Neal was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,^[3] and reared by his aunt and uncle on a tenant farm in Chamberlin, West Baton Rouge Parish. He 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,^[4] was initially issued by King Snake Records and later by Alligator Records in 1990.^[5] His 1991 album I Been Mistreated was released on Ichiban Records.^[4] Neal toured globally. In 1997, his harmonica playing was featured on the album Live: Swampland Jam by Tab Benoit.^[6] Neal's album Old Friends was issued in 1998.^[4]

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