The O'Neal Twins

American Gospel brother duo. They began singing gospel at age 12. In 1969, the O’Neals were voted the “World’s Greatest Gospel Duo” by the National Association of Television and Radio Artists. Their duet “Jesus Dropped the Charges” won them national acclaim in the movie “Say Amen, Somebody” — a documentary on gospel music pioneer Willa Mae Ford Smith. During the 1950s, the O'Neal brothers performed in churches around St. Louis. By 1960, they were performing outside the area. The O’Neals appeared on Peter Brysac’s “TV Gospel time” in 1965 but it was not until the release of their sixth Peacock single entitled “I’ll Trade a Lifetime” in September 1966 that things started to take off. “I’ll Trade a Lifetime” was written by Clyde Bradley, who went on to write other songs for the twins. The twins recorded seven singles and two albums for Peacock Records. Up to this point, the twins had only adopted the music business on a semi-professional basis. In late 1968, Rev. James Cleveland, long time friend and admirer, persuaded the twins to turn professional and go out on the road with him. The O’Neals toured for two years with Reverend Cleveland, and after this they headlined at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, and The Kennedy Center in Washington. They also played in Missouri at the Fox Theatre, American Theatre, Powell Symphony Hall, Kiel Auditorium and Westport Playhouse. In 2004, the duo were inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame.