Johnny O'Neal

Johnny O'Neal was an American R&B singer best known as a member of Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm. He also sang with blues guitarist Earl Hooker. O'Neal used various pseudonyms such as Brother Bell, Burntface Brother, and Scarface Johnny. As a solo artist he recorded for King Records and Sun Records in the 1950s. He also formed his own group called Johnny O'Neal and the Hound Dogs.

Career Born Johnny O'Neal Johnson, he became the lead singer of Ike Turner's band the Kings of Rhythm. In January 1951, he recorded his debut "War Bound Blues" / "Ruth Ann" in Cincinnati which was released in March. His next single "Friday Night Blues" / "Blues About Baby" was released later that year.

In January 1952, O'Neal collaborated with Turner to record for the Bihari brothers in Greenville, Mississippi. Backed by the members of kings of Rhythm which included Turner on piano and Raymond Hill on tenor saxophone, O'Neal recorded the sides "If You Feel Froggish" / "Whole Heap Of Mama" released on Saul Bihari's Blues & Rhythm label. These remained unissued for decades until they were released on various compilations.

O'Neal and Turner had some friction, so therefore, Turner married O'Neal's girlfriend Alice because he "didn't want to be locking heads with him." He figured if he married her, O'Neal "couldn't do nothing." 1952: Brother Bell – "If You Feel Froggish" / "Whole Heap Of Mama" (Blues & Rhythm 7002) 1953: Johnny O'Neal with Orchestra – "Johnny Feels The Blues" / "So Many Hard" (King 4599)

Album appearances

1976: Sun: The Roots Of Rock: Volume 3: Delta Rhythm Kings (Charly Records) 1984: Sun Records: The Blues Years 1950-1956 (Sun Records) 2001: The Kings of Rhythm featuring Ike Turner – The Sun Sessions (Varèse Sarabande) 2006: Ike Turner & His Kings Of Rhythm – Early Times (Rev-Ola Records) 2011: Ike Turner – That Kat Sure Could Play!: The Singles 1951 To 1957 (Secret Records)

2013: The Sun Blues Box (Bear Family Records)