Raful Neal

Raful Neal (born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on 6 June 1936; died 1 September 2004) was an American blues singer, harmonica player, and songwriter. His children who are (or were) blues musicians include Jackie Neal (1967 – 2005) and Kenny Neal. Neal 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. Neal's first album, called Louisiana Legend, was initially issued by King Snake Records and later by Alligator Records in 1990. His 1991 album I Been Mistreated was released on Ichiban Records. Neal toured globally. In 1997 his harmonica playing was featured on the album Live: Swampland Jam by Tab Benoit. Neal's album Old Friends was issued in 1998. Nine of his ten children are (or were) blues musicians, including Jackie Neal (1967 – 2005) and Kenny Neal.