CASSIUS Gems: Meet Ari O’Neal, The Guitarist Who Stole The Show From John Legend At The DNC
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John Legend‘s Prince tribute performance at the Democratic National Convention went smoothly, but he didn’t seem to be the most memorable person on the stage at that moment.
Longtime Prince collaborator Sheila E. was by his side, but guitarist Ari O’Neal still stole the show.
Even W. Kamau Bell was stunned by her electric performance, so he posted a few screenshots of her on stage, one showing her playing her guitar with her eyes closed and another showing her still playing the perfect notes while lying on the stage.
“Ok, so we are all agreed that we all need to know her name so we can become a part of her army. Right? RIGHT???” Kamau Bell tweeted.”
After a quick internet investigation, newly minted fans found out who she was, and she was flooded with praise, which made her night even more special.
She tweeted, “I can’t stop crying. Yall are so kind. I feel so special. I appreciate you all so much.”
But there’s a reason she was comfortable playing in front of Chicago’s United Center, which has a 23,500 capacity and millions more at home; she’s used to it.
O’Neal is seasoned for big moments because she’s collaborated with big names like Alicia Keys, Nelly, Jay Z, Lizzo, and is currently on tour with SZA.
And did we mention she was a part of Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance?
In 2021, she credited her ability to get major gigs and rise to being a loyal Fender user and always staying active on social media.
“Post, post, and post,” she told Guitar World. “I’m always active on my social media pages; it’s really important… As is being different! I want to play like I’m an old Black man, and still look like a Barbie.”
And O’Neal is active on social media. Peep some of her most stunt-worthy Instagram moments below.
