Bio

"The greatest gifts that I've ever received from God are my family, and my ability to communicate through music." Cres O'Neal

Cres is definitely a woman of many hats. She started her political career as a LBJ Fellow on Capitol Hill. A few of Cres' accomplishments are her service as Executive Director of two non-profits; and, she is one of the co-founders of the Buffalo Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and The Benedict House - one of the first HIV/AIDS transitional homes in the country. She also has served on numerous national and international boards, including the United Nations Association for the National Capitol area. She married, and moved to Buffalo, New York in the early 80's. There she became Western Regional Director for the New York Civil Liberties Union.

It was while in Buffalo the music bug resurfaced. She became actively involved with several big bands, and played with such artists as Boyd Lee Dunlop, Al Tinney, Art Anderson, and Zaid Alee. She was frequently seen performing at the Colored Musicians Club -- a club that hosted the likes of Count Bassie, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington.

She returned to Washington with her husband and two daughters, and over the years she has performed with such artists as David Berger, David Friedman, C.C. Winans, and the Chieftains. She has also been seen in various stage productions; performing with the Washington Performing Arts Society's Men and Women of the Gospel; and, throughout New York and Washington, DC. Her professional theatrical credits include: Your Arms Are to Short to Box With God, Working, and Beehive, to name a few.

One of the greatest assets to Cres' vocals is her versatility -- she easily moves from one genre to another, from classical to rock. Her Mustang Sally is amazing. Her sound has been compared to Ella, Barbara Streisand, Rosemary Clooney, and Sarah Vaughn.

"She has an unassuming demeanor; yet, her unique vocals are soothing and explosive. Her powerful, captivating voice exudes emotion that draws you into her space." Leonard Hughes, Washington Post

Cres is currently owner/operator of WCJS Radio, and Host/Producer of the radio talk show, Jazzin Em Up With Cres O'Neal. She is also a children book author.

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Registered as WCJS-DB


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