Neal Creque

Neal Creque (1940–2000) whose real name was Earl Neal Creque was an American organist and jazz composer, born April 13, 1940 and originally from the Virgin Islands; he was based in the Cleveland area, was a professor at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and played frequently around northern Ohio up until his death.He also composed music with Mongo Santamaría including the Grammy-nominated song "Sofrito" which was sampled by Jennifer Lopez on the album J.Lo.. Neal also wrote and played on, Grant Green's "Windjammer." He was a sought after session musician and his credits include Stanley Turrentine, Teresa Brewer, Leon Thomas, Harold Ousley, Bernard Purdie, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. Neal released three solo albums, the first being "Creque," in 1972, followed by "Contrast!" and "Neal Creque and the Hands of Time", both in 1974. His daughter Nina Creque was part of Gerald Levert's group 1 of the Girls.