Johnny O'Neal

Johnny O'Neal began performing gospel piano in church during his teenage years, even as his reputation as a skilled pianist grew under the sway of Oscar Peterson. His turn toward jazz began in 1976, shaped by Peterson, Art Tatum, and Bud Powell; an encounter that impressed Ray Brown opened the door to Milt Jackson’s group. Further engagements followed with Sonny Stitt, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Buddy DeFranco, after which O’Neal settled in New York in 1982 and quickly cut his Concord debut. Steady work with Clark Terry preceded a stint in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1982-1983), and since that time he has largely directed his own ensembles. On record as a leader he has appeared for Concord, Parkwood, and Justin Time, the 1995 Justin Time session containing three effective vocals.