Alexander O’Neal is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and arranger hailing from Natchez, Mississippi. Born on November 15, 1953, O'Neal's soulful voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a notable figure in the rhythm and blues scene since the mid-1980s. O'Neal launched into stardom following the success of his self-titled debut album in 1985, which included hits such as "If You Were Here Tonight" and "A Broken Heart Can Mend." However, it was his sophomore album, "Hearsay," released in 1987, that solidified his place in R&B history with classics like "Fake" and "Criticize," cementing him as a master of the Minneapolis sound.

Throughout his career, O'Neal has enjoyed a devoted following both in the United States and overseas, particularly in the UK, where his mix of soulful ballads and funky grooves found a receptive audience. His collaboration with fellow singers Cherrelle on "Saturday Love" stands as one of the defining duets of the era. More recently, he has remained active in the music industry with projects like "Hearsay 30," a deluxe anniversary edition of his breakthrough album, "The Lost Tapes," which gives fans a glimpse into previously unreleased material, and "Live in Minneapolis," showcasing his enduring ability to captivate an audience with his vocal prowess. Despite the ebbs and flows of the music industry, Alexander O'Neal's artistry has stood the test of time, embodying the evolution of contemporary soul music.

Genres

Contemporary R&b

Funk

Minneapolis Sound

Post-disco

Quiet Storm

Soul

Urban Contemporary

Related Artists

Luther Vandross

Peabo Bryson

Keith Sweat

Johnny Gill

Freddie Jackson

Teddy Pendergrass

Anita Baker

Sade

Marvin Gaye

Prince

R. Kelly

Barry White

Latest Release

Love Finds A Way

Alexander O'Neal

Single - Released September 14, 2023