MARLENE O'Neill
a condensed biography
Born in Toronto, Ontario Canada, Marlene O'Neill is one of Canadian Christian Music's premier Southern/Inspirational vocalists. Numerous nominations and awards have been given to Marlene in honor of her outstanding musical achievements from both GMA-Canada and MAJA Music Awards organizations. Music experiences include everything from musical-theatre stage productions, special conferences, corporate events, church services, and concerts.
Currently Marlene receives calls to sing the anthems at NBA games and various women's conferences where she provides special music, inspirational speaking and worship leading. She has ten (10) compact disc recordings to her credit of which several singles have been released to radio.
O'Neill has taken her special brand of Southern Gospel across Canada, the United States, Scotland, Zambia, Africa and Guayaquil, Ecuador. Her music has even traveled to places where she herself has yet to see; nations such as Poland, Nairobi, Kenya and the Asia Pacific.
2010 found the release of Marlene's current project titled "the Hymns Project". O'Neill was a regular musical guest on the nationally televised "100 Huntley Street" program before they became an informative, Christian news-based program. She can also be seen regularly on the Peoples Church (Living Truth)" television broadcast.
Other recording studio experiences include compilation CDs, song demos, in-studio vocal coaching, background vocals and duets with other artists. With years of experience and, yes, even challenges under her belt, Marlene is reaching out in a tangible and translucent way. With a polished and professional approach to sharing her love for Christ she is reaching the world for His glory.
Her transparency with the audience lets them know that she is simply a 'real-life' woman with a 'real-life', yet professional, approach to musical worship.
MARLENE O'Neill
a complete biography
the past
O'Neill is no stranger to the Gospel music audience given her 35-plus years of experience! From the age of 5 she has been on stage in both group and soloist capacity. Many Southern Gospel fans in Ontario watched Marlene grow up on stage, singing with her mother and brother as "The Elliott Family". They performed in such places as Hamilton Place (Hamilton, ON), Canada's Wonderland (Toronto), Massey Hall (Toronto), Kleinhan's Music Hall (Buffalo, NY), Rodney Sings (Rodney, ON) and thousands of other venues, too many to mention.
the present
Marlene stepped into full-time music ministry in February 1998 and has ten (10) solo recordings to her credit including her latest release titled 'the Hymns Project'.
missions-humanitarian efforts
O'Neill Ministries has experienced a tremendous increase in music ministry opportunities over the past few years.
the promise
Willing to go any distance throughout the years has allowed Jim and Marlene to witness and experience many life-changing events in others; many of which involve people being encouraged in their walk.
With years of experience and, yes, even challenges under her belt, Marlene is reaching out in a tangible and transparent way with a polished and professional approach to sharing her love for Christ. Her transparency with the audience lets them know that she is simply a "real-life woman" with a "real-life", yet professional, approach to musical worship.
recently
Marlene O'Neill currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jim - married since 1987. They have two children and a new son-in-law! Kayla is married to Ben Lehman and they enjoy raising their little-one, Stella (a tiny chihuahua). Their son Tyler works in the fitness clothing industry and spends lots of time at the gym. They faithfully attend Kennedy Road Tabernacle in Brampton, Ontario and participate in events there when not on the road.