Alexander O'Neal, born on November 15, 1953, in Natchez, Mississippi, is a renowned American R\&B singer, songwriter, and arranger. He gained prominence in the mid-1980s as a solo artist, achieving eleven Top 40 singles on the US R\&B chart, with three also reaching the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, O'Neal found substantial success in the United Kingdom, securing fourteen Top 40 singles on the UK Singles Chart between 1985 and 1996, along with three Top Ten albums on the UK Albums Chart .

O'Neal's musical journey began after relocating to Minneapolis at age 20, where he performed with several bands, including the Mystics and Wynd Chymes. He became a member of Flyte Tyme, a band that included Monte Moir, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Although he was initially considered for the lead singer role in The Time, a disagreement with Prince led to his replacement by Morris Day

In 1984, O'Neal signed with Tabu Records, where he collaborated with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. His self-titled debut album, released in 1985, featured hits like "If You Were Here Tonight" and "Innocent." His 1987 album *Hearsay* became a significant success, particularly in the UK, where it peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart and was certified triple platinum. The album included hits such as "Fake," "Criticize," and the duet with Cherrelle, "Never Knew Love Like This" .

Beyond his musical achievements, O'Neal has appeared on various television programs, including the British reality show *Celebrity Big Brother* in 2015. In 2024, after a relationship spanning over thirty years, he married his longtime partner, Cynthia.

O'Neal's enduring influence in the R\&B genre is evident through his extensive discography, which includes nine studio albums, six compilation albums, and two live albums. His distinctive voice and emotive performances have solidified his status as a significant figure in the music industry.