Welcome to Cres O'Neal's Place

Cres' Bio

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

Crescentia O'Neal was born in Washington, DC on December 24, 1955. She was introduced to music, at an early age, through her mother, classical vocalist Patricia O'Neal. She would watch, listen, and try to imitate as her mom and accompanist Roberta Flack blended harmonious melodies. Cres has been performing from the age of six when she had the lead in her school musical. Throughout High School you could hear her perform in such musicals as Damned Yankees, Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, and Flower Drum Song.

After college, Cres left music to buckle down in the real world. She married Muthiah Seralathan, and moved to Buffalo, New York. 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 versitility -- she easily moves from one genre to another, from classical to rock. Her Mustand 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

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Announcing the release of Celebrate The Holidays With Cres.

Well everyone, afte many years of doing background vocals for everyone else, I have finally completed my Christmas CD -- which happens to be my first. Downloads now available at www.cresonealmusic.com. Just click the photo to be tranported. Somehow that sound like Star Trek, doesn't it? Oh, well, enjoy!:o)

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In Memoriam: Remembering Ms. Eartha Kitt

On December 25, 2008, the world lost one of the most exciting actresses, singers, and dancers of all times, Ms. Eartha Kitt. Ms. Kitt succumbed to Colon Cancer at the age of 81. Born on a cotton plantation in North, South Carolina, Eartha Mae Keith rose to notoriety with her distinctive voice and rendition of the song Santa Baby. Probably known best for her role as Cat Woman in the Batman Series, Ms. Kitt's career spans 60 years.

Known for being outspoken, her frankness produced an all but uneventful life. In 1968, after making anti-war statements at a White House luncheon, rendering Lady Bird Johnson to tears, Ms. Kitt was virtually professionally exiled from the United States by the public. "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed," she told the group of about 50 women. "They rebel in the street. They don't want to go to school because they're going to be snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam." She later stated in an interview that, "My house was bugged. They couldn't find any information on me being a subversive because I happen to love America; I just don't like some of the things the government is doing." Ms. Kitt remained in Europe until her return to the Broadway production of Timbuktu in 1978.

In 1984 she returned to the music scene with a vengence, obtaining her first gold record for her Disco song, "Where is My Man," which reached #7 on the US Billboard dance charts. The younger generation will know her as the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney movie, "The Emporer's New Groove," her role in "Holes," and her recurring role as Yzma in the television series, "The Emporer's New School" -- a role she held until her death.

We will surely miss you Eartha. Your absence will leave a great void.