About
Neal Francis (born Neal Francis O'Hara) is a Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his infectious blend of retro-soul, funk, and New Orleans-influenced R&B. A piano prodigy who began playing at age four, Francis spent his early career touring with blues legends like Mud Morganfield and as a member of the instrumental funk group The Heard (2012–2015). After a period of personal struggle with addiction, he achieved sobriety and launched a solo career that has earned critical acclaim for its analog-driven, high-energy sound. His breakthrough second album, 'In Plain Sight' (2021), was famously recorded in a supposedly haunted church in Chicago. Francis continues to be a staple of the modern soul scene with his 2025 release 'Return to Zero' and a reputation as a masterful live performer.
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