Alexander O'Neal (born November 15, 1953)[1] is an American R&B singer, songwriter and arranger from Natchez, Mississippi.

Alexander O'Neal was born November 15, 1953, in Natchez, Mississippi, United States,[1] just a few months after his father died.

[3][4] He became a member of Enterprise for a brief period before joining Flyte Tyme, a band which included Monte Moir, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

[citation needed] In 1985, O'Neal released his self-titled debut album under the production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as Monte Moir.

The same year, he also scored his first R&B Top 10 single with "Saturday Love", a duet with Cherrelle from her High Priority album.

The most successful of these gave O'Neal his biggest UK hit when "Criticize" peaked at #4 on the chart in late 1987.

The album became his highest charting release in the UK, reaching #2 and going gold, although it ultimately sold fewer copies than Hearsay.

The single was released shortly before O'Neal embarked upon a UK tour, with Mamma Freedom providing support.

In 2019, O'Neal made an appearance alongside Cherrelle at the Soul Train Awards[11] to pay tribute to long-time collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

In 2021, O'Neal made an appearance alongside Whyso, O'Mega Red, and J Dore of The High Children on "Say His Name," a song dedicated to the memory of George Floyd.

[12] In 2006 O'Neal appeared on the Weakest Link, All Singing All Dancing Edition, where he was the 5th contestant voted off the show.

The programme included an in-depth interview with O'Neal by noted UK R&B writer Pete Lewis of the award-winning magazine Blues & Soul.

[15] O'Neal was honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[16] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.