Aaron Neville is a large, muscular man with a soft heart. Though often known for his ethereal and angelic vocals, Neville’s caring nature also shines through as a poet. Both of these talents have been displayed in recent months, not only in his recently released album of spiritual music but also as a contributor of poetry to an unusual forum.

  While he celebrates the release of his recent album, Devotion, Neville also continues in his new role as staff poet for Angola State Prison’s The Angolite. His verses, which are spiritual in nature and address topics like life on the street and family, will continue appearing in all future editions.

  A special quality of innocence and sincerity delivered from the heart kisses all of Neville’s work. As a vocalist, its presence becomes all the more significant when the singer moves from secular to spiritual material. Neville’s affinity with gospel and spiritually uplifting music is well known through recordings of tunes like "Ave Maria" and his annual appearance at the Jazz & Heritage Festival’s Gospel Tent. For the first time, however, Neville devotes an entire album to his great passion by releasing Devotion on his own Tell It label.

  From the first strains of the classic "Mary, Don’t You Weep" we feel the comfort of Neville at home in the gospel environment. The tune swings with a traditional gospel quartet feel with Neville reaching to the heavens for some delicious high notes.

  "We brought the church to the studio," says Neville, who remembers singing "Mary, Don’t You Weep" back in the ’70s, when a bunch of guys would come over to the house to harmonize. "I had been into Claude Jeter with the Swan Silvertones, so that’s one of the songs that we started doing. That and ‘Banks of the River Jordan’ by the Brooklyn Allstars." Neville includes the song on Devotion, his falsetto and signature yodel-like vibrato simply goose-bump raising.

  Neville delivers his own message of faith and hope penning the lyrics of "Jesus is a Friend of Mine." Written back in the ’80s, the music is by the late choir director and keyboardist Sammy Berfect. The two frequent collaborators recorded the song, though it was never released. Neville’s talent for poetry and concern for humanity and especially the youth are evident in his heads-up narration: "I used to ride that little outlaw trail, I even spent a little time in jail … but Jesus held my hand."

  This song, as well as all of Neville’s compositions including hits like "Yellow Moon" and "Brother’s Keeper," began as poems before they were set to music. They are among about 30 works, some dating back to the ’70s, that make up a yet unpublished book called Collection of Poetic Works by Aaron Neville. In the volume, Neville address topics such as life on the streets, his life in music, and his family. It includes a moving tribute to his uncle George Landry, "Ode to My Big Chief Jolly," and the introspective "I Sing Because I Am a Song."

  Wilbert Rideau, editor of The Angolite, became aware of Neville’s poetry during one of the singer’s many visits to the penitentiary to perform for the inmates. Neville brought him the book as a gift along with rosary beads for the prisoners. Neville, who at age 18 spent time in jail, first met Rideau in 1982 when as head of the Uptown Youth Center the singer assembled a group of kids for a trip to the prison. In 1985 and again last summer, the Neville Brothers performed in Angola’s Rodeo Arena. Neville has returned to sing in a smaller venue for older inmates, and makes another appearance in January for an audience of "young lifers."

  The July/August edition of The Angolite published his poem "Mister Jones." The "Jones" of the lengthy work is heroin and speaking from experience, Neville warns of its lure and danger. He writes, "He’ll make you throw away your pride; He’ll have you robbing and stealing. He’ll make you forsake your loved ones; Just for that magic feeling."

As an entertainer at the prison and staff poet, Neville’s aim is to lift people’s spirits. "Like the Lord says, ‘Love me, feed my sheep, visit me in prison. For there but the grace of God go I,’" Neville quotes. You can feel Neville’s sadness when he adds, "I had a friend up there, and he’s been there for 21 years. When I saw him, I sort of flipped around and I just pictured myself there. I know I would just want somebody to care."

  Whether Neville’s words are sung from a stage or in print, they come from his personal experiences and deep religious convictions. As a teenager, he discovered that writing was a way to get through life’s ups and downs. "I’m not a sit-down writer," Neville explains. "I have to be inspired. It’s like somebody’s telling me the words."

  Motivation to write one of Devotion’s more modern tunes "What Would Jesus Do?" came from the popular slogan "WWJD?" displayed on bracelets, T-shirts and bumper stickers in recent years. "It took me a while to realize what it meant," says Neville, "because I used to see it all the time and it would stand out to me." The co-written tune again addresses young people, but Neville plans to write another version directing his message to adult responsibilities.

  "I also want to talk about what Jesus would do if he passed somebody out on the street that was homeless," says Neville, a co-founder of New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness. "Would he walk over them like a lot of people do?"

  Musical talent runs strong in the Neville family, with Aaron’s son Ivan taking pen in hand contributing "Singing You a Prayer" to the album. The special tune, which deals with finding one’s way back from trouble, features Aaron and Ivan singing a rare duet. Aaron’s dazzling vibrato opens followed by Ivan’s deeper, soul-drenched response. When the two come together, they make a perfect match.

  "That was a joy," says Aaron of working with Ivan. "He wrote it for me to sing to him, because he went through his changes and he’s been drug-free for the last two years. He knows I’m in his corner. I’ve been there and I know what he’s been through and I’m praying for him."

  It had been years since father and son recorded together, but the next project is already in process. The two, along with Aaron’s sons Jason and Aaron Jr., are working on a new disc appropriately titled My Three Sons. "It’s coming full circle," says Aaron, "Everybody’s got their head on right and are ready to take care of business." .

Aaron Neville will perform at the New Orleans Saints-St. Louis Rams game Sunday (Dec. 24) at the Superdome. He’ll sing the pre-game national anthem and will perform during the halftime and post-game festivities.