Career
In 1960, Neely recorded with pianist Earl Washington for the Formal label in a band which included Walter Perkins on drums. That same year, Neely went on to join the Lionel Hampton band. Down Beat (February 2, 1961) wrote: "John Neely, 30 year old Chicagoan, is being hailed by his fellows as "one of the baddest acts in the country and the next BIG man on tenor.".