Alexander O'Neal: The Soulful Voice of Minneapolis Funk

Alexander O'Neal is an American R&B and soul singer renowned for his powerful baritone and a string of definitive 1980s dancefloor hits. Hailing from Natchez, Mississippi, he found his greatest success as a flagship artist for the Minneapolis sound, with his 1987 album 'Hearsay' achieving platinum status and spawning multiple charting singles.

Early career

Born in 1953, Alexander O'Neal moved to Minneapolis in the early 1970s to pursue music. His initial big break came when he joined the band Flyte Tyme, which later evolved into The Time after a lineup change that saw him replaced.

This connection led to his collaboration with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. After they were fired from The Time, they began working with O'Neal, crafting his self-titled debut album released on Tabu Records in 1985.

Breakthrough

Alexander O'Neal's commercial peak arrived with his second studio album, 1987's 'Hearsay'. The album, produced entirely by Jam and Lewis, became a landmark release for the Tabu label and the Minneapolis funk genre.

'Hearsay' reached number two on the Billboard R&B chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Its success was driven by a series of sleek, uptempo singles and soulful ballads that dominated urban and club playlists for years.

Key tracks

Fake — This accusatory funk anthem from 'Hearsay' became an instant classic, showcasing O'Neal's commanding vocal delivery over a relentless Jam and Lewis groove.

Criticize — One of his biggest crossover hits, this single peaked at number four on the Billboard R&B chart and received heavy MTV rotation, cementing his mainstream profile.

If You Were Here Tonight — A standout slow jam from his debut album that established his credentials as a formidable soul balladeer early in his solo career.

Never Knew Love Like This — A duet with labelmate Cherrelle, this song became a top 30 pop hit and remains a quintessential quiet storm radio staple.

Saturday Love — Another celebrated duet with Cherrelle, this track is a perennial favorite on 1980s R&B and retro playlists for its infectious chemistry and melody.

The momentum continued with 1991's 'All True Man', which generated the hit title track and 'What's Missing'. Throughout the 1990s, O'Neal maintained a steady output, including the UK Top 10 album 'Lovers Again' in 1997, finding a particularly loyal audience in the United Kingdom and Europe.

His later work includes the studio album 'Five Questions: The New Journey' in 2011 and a series of live recordings. Alexander O'Neal continues to perform his extensive catalog live, celebrated for his enduring voice and the timeless quality of his biggest hits.

Fans of Alexander O'Neal's brand of sophisticated funk and soul should also explore Cherrelle. She was his frequent duet partner on Tabu Records and shared the same production team. The Time represents the foundational Minneapolis funk act from which O'Neal's collaborators emerged. Jam & Lewis were the mastermind producers behind his signature sound, also crafting hits for many others. For a similar blend of soulful vocals and electronic funk, listen to Keith Sweat, who led the new jack swing movement that followed.

Alexander O'Neal's music remains a fixture on classic soul and quiet storm FM stations, as well as dedicated 80s R&B radio streams. His anthems are regularly featured in rotations that celebrate the golden era of funk and sophisticated urban music.

You can hear the timeless hits of Alexander O'Neal on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his essential contributions to R&B and soul music through our curated selection of online radio stations.