Where Artistry Meets Innovation
Pianist | Speaker | Producer | Innovator
Harold O'Neal is a pianist, speaker, producer, and creative visionary whose work connects people, institutions, and ideas across music, business, storytelling, and culture. Recognized by The New York Times, NPR, Fortune, The 92nd Street Y, and others, he has built an unconventional career spanning mainstream entertainment, Fortune 500 advisory, and enterprise innovation. His collaborations span some of the world's leading creative institutions and cultural figures, including Pixar—where he contributed to the Academy Award-winning film Soul—and George Clooney, serving as Music Director for the inaugural Albie Awards hosted by John Oliver, with presenters including Michelle Obama, Julia Roberts, and Meryl Streep.
"Gorgeous... somewhere between Ravel’s 'Miroirs' and Duke Ellington’s great 1953 album, 'Piano Reflections'. "
-Ben Ratliff, The New York Times
Beyond music, O'Neal advises organizations on creativity, innovation, and strategic partnerships. He has served as an adviser to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, moderated conversations on creativity, AI, and innovation at the Aspen Ideas Festival, and spoken for leading organizations including Google, the World Economic Forum, and McKinsey & Company. He was personally selected by Bill and Melinda Gates as one of 100 global thought leaders invited to participate in the Goalkeepers initiative advancing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
Most recently, O'Neal joined astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson for The Universe Is Absurd!, a two-night live event at the Saban Theatre alongside William Shatner that blended music, science, storytelling, and improvisation, and served as music director for A$AP Rocky and Dave Chappelle at the private finale celebration of Rocky's Don't Be Dumb U.S. tour.
Across all of his work, O'Neal is guided by a simple belief: that creativity has the power to bring people together, expand what they believe is possible, and shape culture for the better.
“In addition to O’Neal’s spontaneity, he’s one of the most distinctive, creative, insightful musicians at work today.”
-Rob Wolcott, Forbes
Discover
Harold O’Neal’s
World of Music
Dive into the music and legacy of Harold O’Neal, where timeless artistry and innovative storytelling come to life.
Let's Collaborate
Speaking | Workshops
Inspire and engage with thought-provoking talks and immersive workshops designed to spark creativity and transformation.
Concerts | Performances
Immerse yourself in dynamic performances that captivate and connect.
Production | Consulting
Collaborate on film, music, and creative projects to craft impactful experiences that blend artistry and innovation.
Press | Media
Explore Harold O’Neal’s global recognition through features in leading media outlets and acclaimed publications.
Marvelous Fantasy
The New York Times lauds Marvelous Fantasy as a "strange and gorgeous" solo piano record, drawing comparisons to Ravel’s Miroirs and Duke Ellington’s Piano Reflections, with its rhapsodic, soulful compositions that transport listeners to another time.
A Jazz Pianist's Cinematic Fantasy
NPR's iconic All Things Considered Christmas Special, on the stage of one of the most celebrated holiday broadcasts.
Don't Just Cope-Create!
During the global crisis, ths exclusive feature by Forbes highlighted how creativity can emerge from solitude, showcasing a deep dive into resilience, storytelling, and music through this exclusive feature.
Pixar Co-Founder Ed Catmull and Harold O'Neal in Forbes
Join Harold O'Neal and Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull in this Forbes feature as they discusses storytelling and their work o Soul. The piece delves into their insights on creativity, technology, and the evolving landscape of narrative experiences.
92Y's '7 Days of Genius'
Profiled as part of 92Y's '7 Days of Genius' event, a program covered by MSNBC, Harold O'Neal was showcased among global visionaries redefining creativity and innovation. The event generated major buzz with contributions from A-list figures and thought leaders across art, science, and culture.
A New York Times Acclaimed Sound
A masterful blend of jazz and Romantic piano, this feature highlights a cinematic approach to solo piano, praised for its nuance, depth, and expressive storytelling.
Leadership: Include U
This article highlights Harold O'Neal as one of the featured thought leaders in Fortune's Include U Challenge, sharing his insights on creativity and inclusion alongside CEOs, artists, and activists to inspire meaningful connections and empathetic leadership.
WNYC Soundcheck: Bridging Jazz and Classical Improvisation
A deep dive on WNYC's Soundcheck into the connection between jazz and classical improvisation, exploring how influences from Maurice Ravel to Duke Ellington shape a unique approach to spontaneous composition.
The New York Times Critic's Choice
Featured alongside Lil Wayne in The New York Times, this review spotlights a bold return to the jazz scene, blending orchestral piano with dynamic storytelling and deep musical roots.
"Master storyteller... vibrant and insightful"
CRISTINA JONES, Salesforce
"A piece of work that seems to be out there on its own. I have an idea where the
music comes from, but I’m not hearing it anywhere else"
BEN RATLIFF, The New York Times
“Not many people have a resume like O’Neal’s”
JON SCHAEFER, WNYC Soundcheck
“One of the most distinctive, creative,
insightful musicians at work today.”
ROB WOLCOTT, Forbes
“A subtle animator is Mr. O’Neal”
GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO, The New York Times
"Has the charmed life of a lauded musician and
busy speaker, focused on the
creative process...."
ELLEN MCGIRT, FORTUNE
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