Omar Cunningham

Omar Cunningham (born 1969) is an American Southern soul and rhythm and blues singer. Born in Gadsden, Alabama, United States,

As a teenager, Cunningham listened to performances at the Skyliner club from his doorstep. He admired the band Daybreak and its lead singer, Red Bird. After Red Bird quit, the band invited 19-year-old Cunningham to be their front man. Touring with Daybreak, Cunningham honed his singing skills and later collaborated on songs like "Dazzey Duks" by Duice and Cameo's album In the Face of Funk. He also joined the group Small Town Boys and played trumpet with Cameo before becoming a solo act.

In April 2003, Cunningham released his first solo album, Hell at the House. The title track is about a man having problems with his wife. Classified as Southern soul, the album features a blues-inspired lyrical style. Drawing from his own life and his friends' experiences, Cunningham wrote 14 songs. "I write about situations in Alabama that people can relate to," he said, attributing the album's success to its relatable themes.

2004 to present day: subsequent work Andy Kellman of IHeartRadio explained that while his 2003 release was "his commercial peak, Cunningham steadily built a solid and unwavering solo discography that appealed to grown fans of traditionally rooted R&B."

In 2004, Cunningham released a self titled album, and in 2006 he released Worth The Wait.

In 2009, for his efforts in the music industry Cunningham won two Jackson Music Awards, 'International Vocalist of the Year' and 'Best Recording by a Single Artist' attributed to his song "The Beauty Shop".

During this time Cunningham worked with singer Willie Clayton, providing songwriting services or vocals for Clayton's albums Love, Romance, & Respect (2009), I Am Rhythm & Blues (2012), and Heart and Soul (2015). One of the songs, on which he is credited as a writer, he made with Clayton, "We Both Grown", features a collaboration with Dave Hollister.

Cunningham released the albums Growing Pains (2011), and Certified (2020). In June 2024, his Facebook account stated that he is currently working on his next release, 'Love... the Album'.

Artistry Cunningham's speciality is modern Southern soul and R&B. Music producer Antonio Turner describes him as "a blues-slash-Southern soul legend.” Joy Briscoe organizer of the Blues Bash music festival in Iowa said that "Cunningham brings a contemporary sound to an old genre."

Cunningham explained he did not even hear the term 'Southern soul' until his first release in 2003. Of his style and category of music he said "you'll hear some country stuff, you'll hear some blues, you'll hear some Gospel. I don't know where that came from. It just came out and that's the category they put it in".

Personal life In 2003, Cunningham was reported to be married and have a son.

Accolades 2009 - Winner - Jackson Music Awards - International Vocalist of the Year. 2009 - Winner - Jackson Music Awards - Best Recording by a Single Artist - "The Beauty Shop". 2024 - Inductee - Alabama Blues Hall of Fame - Master Blues / R&B Artist

Discography Hell at the House (2003) Omar Cunningham (2004) Worth The Wait (2006) Time Served (2008) Growing Pains (2011) Certified (2020)