
Congatulations to Mr. O'Neal on being selected to the Jazz Foundation of America's Jazz Legacy Fellowship!
Link:
https://apnews.com/article/jazz-legacies-fellowship-mellon-foundation-bertha-hope-0f293e44b2a1bfab53d91a322c93f395
"Keyboard wizardry and good-time vocalizing...There aren't many who do what he does, or who do it as well."
-The New Yorker
BIO
Johnny O'Neal is a GRAMMY nominated world-renowned pianist and vocalist, known for his soulful, personable, and even humorous performances and virtuosic improvisations. His concerts regularly feature many styles, from jazz and traditional blues to pop, R&B and occasionally gospel music too. He has performed or recorded with Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Carmen McCrae, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Sonny Stitt, and many more.
O'Neal started making a splash in the music world early on as a prodigious young teenager winning the 2nd Annual James Cleveland youth gospel piano competition in Kansas City. He was later discovered by bassist Ray Brown who facilitated O'Neal's first album. Over the coming years he would tour with artists including Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Carmen McRae. He also toured as lead singer with Ray Charles' band following Mr. Charles' transition. In 1988 his album "Soulful Swinging" was nominated for a GRAMMY for best jazz album.
O'Neal continues to make waves in the modern era. He played the part of Art Tatum (at the recommendation of Oscar Peterson) in the 2005 Oscar-winning film "Ray," performed and recorded with artists such as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Harry Connick Jr., and Ron Carter. He is known to perform in Europe, China, South America, Canada, and all across the United States.

At the 2023 Detroit International Jazz Festival
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PRESS
"[An] uncommonly warm baritone...technically polished and sumptuous as a vocalist...A pianist of more dimensions than a single set could reveal"
-The Chicago Tribune
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"Gustily radiant blues singing...Leaving one of Mr. O'Neal's shows , you'll probably feel...unburdened." - New York Times
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"An unerring sense of swing" -San Francisco Classical Voice
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"A voice like maple syrup on pancakes" - The Wanderer Online (Edmonton)
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"[O'Neal] climbs the depths and heights, stepping into the unknown possibilities in his live shows. He takes his audience for a memorable trip."
-Connecticut Examiner
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"A performer who loves to both entertain and connect personally with his audience." -CT Public
PERFORMANCES
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March 28 2025
Zinc Bar (New York, NY)
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April 12 2025
Mezzrow (New York, NY)
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April 18 2025
Solo Piano Festival @ Vermont Jazz Center
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April 24 2025
Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
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April 29 2025
Cellar Dog (New York, NY)
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May 12 2025
Mezzrow (New York, NY)
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VIDEOS
Through The Fire (Chaka Khan)
Nat King Cole Centennial Celebration @
Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Lincoln Center, NYC
Shouting the blues with the Rodney Whitaker trio
Talk and Concert at Google
Did I Ever Really Live? (Hague & Sherman)
Tight (Betty Carter)

TOUR
ON THE SCENE










Pictured (L to R)
1st Row: Houston Person, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner, Veronica Swift
2nd Row: Itay Morchi, Mark Lewandowski, Daralyn Jay, Emmet Cohen
3rd Row: Ron Carter, Benny Green, Sheila Jordan
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