Neal McCoy (born on July 30, 1958 in Jacksonville, Texas) is an American country singer of mixed Irish and Filipino descent. He stepped into the scene in the early 1990s, and currently lives in Longview, Texas. Through his career he has had great commercial success on the both the US Country and US Billboard charts, his 2005 greatest hits album has been certified platinum in the US which is a successful feat for any artist.
He also has double number ones on both the US and Canadian Country charts with songs 'Wink' and 'No Doubt About It' which he often performs live to huge applause from his audiences. An interested singer/songwriter who regales tales of his long career to the crowds between the smooth country vocal on classics such as 'They're Playin' Our Song'. Neal cannot be an artist described as being stuck in his glory day however, he performs amazing country covers of some classics such as Michael Jackson's 'Man In The Mirror' and Led Zepplin's 'Stairway To Heaven'.
It's his closing medley however which keeps fans old and new discussing his show as they leave with such excitement. For a 56 year old musician, his performance of some of the most contemporary new songs including Adele's 'Rolling In Deep'. Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' and more make up a brilliant end to a fascinating live show.
Taking an interest in music from an early age, Mark Wills began his musical journey through performing in various garage bands inspired by rock artists such as Bon Jovi. In his teenage years he fell in love with country music and at 17 took the opportunity to enter a local talent show in Georgia. Winning the talent show was just the beginning of his humble climb up the ladder, it wasn’t long before he transitioned into singing on demos and eventually his talent being recognised, amounting to his label partnership with Mercury Records Nashville who he signed with in 1996. Later that year he released his debut self-titled album, produced by Carson Chamberlain and Keith Stegall. The first single to come off that album ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ was a roaring success and headed straight into the country charts at number six. His commercial success really took off with the release of his second album, ‘Wish You Were Here’ which featured the title track which earned him his first number one and landed number eight in the Country album charts. That album also scored Wills the ‘Top New Male Vocalist’ title at the Academy of Country Music Awards in 1998.
With seven studio albums under his belt, Mark Wills has forged his path to success as well as becoming a recognised Country icon. His live performances have won over many a heart. Simplicity is key for Wills, often performing on a stool in regular clothes and with an acoustic guitar shrouded in a single spotlight. His deep sultry tone wafts through the room, enchanting all present as he delves into his back catalogue playing tracks like ‘I Do (Cherish You)’, ‘Places I’ve Never Been’ and ‘19 Somethin’. The rapport which Wills creates with the attentive audience is both charming and endearing, the intimate settings allows the relationship with the crowd to blossom as he interacts in between tracks asking for song suggestions with plenty of banter. Mark Wills is a pure delight to watch and is guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps.