Pianist Brian O'Neal uses music to change the world one ear at a time

Brian O'Neal: Changing the World One Ear at a Time

People use the term “Divine Order” so frequently and so loosely that it can sound cliché. But when you hear musician Brian O’Neal’s story you can’t help but check your cynicism at the door and consider the possibility that “Divine Order” actually exists. He walked away from a high-paying corporate job in Atlanta because one day something clicked. He did not give three weeks notice or ease his way out with a back up plan; he had to leave right away. So, he did.

“I’ve always wanted to do music – my whole life. That was my dream. I went into software engineering to be responsible,” says Brian O’Neal. “My mom would say if you want to do music, then fine, just have a back-up. But if you know you have something to fall back on, then how hard will you work toward your dream? I worked harder without something to fall back on.”

When O’Neal left his job, he had a few plans. He figured that people would always need piano players. He was willing to play in churches, schools or where ever music was needed. But, he never had to put his plan into motion. He received an unexpected call from an old friend.

“Shortly after leaving my job, I received a call from my buddy, Kem. He had just been signed to Motown and he wanted to find out how quickly I could get back to Michigan to help him out. He was surprised when I told him that I’d just quit my job to focus on music and could leave right away.”

This part of Brian O’Neal’s story definitely reads like a charmed Fairy Tale. But the fateful turn of events he experienced in Atlanta were actually the culmination of many years of hard work. A native Detroiter, he began playing drums at age six -- an age when most people are just beginning to master the alphabet. A multi-instrumentalist, he also plays the bass, the saxophone and the trombone. He started playing piano when he was asked by his band teacher to fill in on the piano for a performance. He became instantly hooked and later received a full musical scholarship to Alcorn State University.

So with all this musical talent, how did O’Neal find himself working at Ford Motor Company? Like most concerned parents, his wanted him to play it safe. Even though he did for awhile, he couldn’t ignore the voice of his strongest supporter forever.

“Throughout my family’s objections, my grandmother always encouraged me. She was the extra flame beneath me.” It was his grandmother, the late Daisy O’Neal, who purchased his first piano for him and he later memorialized her on his sophomore CD release, Daisy.

His grandmother’s belief in him has obviously paid off. Brian O’Neal has become a sought after Jazz (among other genres) pianist throughout the nation. His song “Mesmerized” has won a best song designation on OurStage.com and he hailed the #1 spot for several weeks on the MySpace charts. Two of his songs have even been selected for play on The Weather Channel. In addition to being Assistant Music Director and keyboardist for Universal Motown Recording Artist, Kem, he has also shared the stage with many other musical greats including: Stevie Wonder, Ledisi, Will Downing, Morris Day and The Time, India Arie, Fantasia, Chaka Khan and Najee.

This gifted writer, producer, composer and performer is on a mission to “Change the World One Ear at a Time.” But it all started with a little faith and a whole lot of Divine Order. Or as O’Neal puts it, “I walked the plank. I jumped. There were no sharks. I was able to swim to shore and the island was music.”

On Friday, September 4, Brian O’ Neal will be performing at a Jazz Cruise Fundraiser on the Detroit Princess. He is donating his entire show to benefit Special Time, an afterschool program for special needs children in Detroit. This event will be held from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and the evening includes BET comedian "Simply Shanell", dinner, a cash bar and a 3-hour cruise along the Detroit River. Visit http://www.brianoneal.com/jazzcruise for more information. This performance will bring O’Neal one step closer toward establishing the DO Foundation (DO stands for Daisy O’Neal). The foundation is being established to bring immediate help to hurting people – especially the homeless and the hungry.

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