DIXIE MELODY BOYS 

Spreading the eternal message of Christ without compromise is the foundation and cornerstone of any career in the ministry of the Gospel. Many talented vocalists and musicians step onto concert stages across the country each week; however, only the faithful and dedicated overcome the pressures of life on the road to delight in the blessings that are reaped by the faithful servant. Ed O’Neal, whose name has been synonymous with Gospel Music for over 50 years, can certainly be labeled as one of the faithful and dedicated. 

O’Neal joined The Dixie Melody Boys in 1961 and became owner and manager of the quartet just a few years later. During the past five decades, The Dixie Melody Boys, led by O’Neal, have enjoyed tremendous success, including a Grammy nomination and numerous Fan Award nominations from The Singing News Magazine, Southern Gospel Music’s leading fan and trade publication. In the realm of personal achievement, a highlight of O’Neal’s career came in September of 2000 when he was named recipient of the Marvin Norcross Award, the highest honor presented at The Singing News Fan Awards Ceremony each year. He was presented this Award in recognition of his long-time service to his community, as well as the Southern Gospel Music industry. Additionally, in October of 2004 he was inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed each year to Gospel Music legends.  

Over the years, The Dixie Melody Boys have been featured on such popular television programs as The Ralph Emery Show and Primetime Country. They have appeared at Carowinds Theme Park, Six Flags Over Georgia and Dollywood Theme Park. Southern Gospel radio stations nationwide consistently fill the airwaves with the music of The Dixie Melody Boys. Throughout the past four decades, hit songs have flowed their way in bunches. In fact, they have enjoyed more than 20 Top 40 hits, including eight Top 10 releases.

The Dixie Melody Boys have seen their fair share of personnel changes over the years, but Ed O’ Neal consistently manages to discover new talent.  In fact, O’ Neal has personally developed so many successful young Southern Gospel careers, his group has been affectionately dubbed “Ed O’ Neal University.”  Today’s “class” has proven to be one of O’ Neal’s finest.  Veteran lead singer, Josh Garner, along with newcomers Willie Sawrey and Jerry Skaggs have joined O’ Neal to make up one of the strongest line-ups in the group’s history.  

The thrill and excitement of performing experienced by each Dixie Melody Boy night after night is most evident at each concert. Their goal of delivering a first-class performance filled with excitement, energy and lots of great traditional, Southern Gospel Music are traits which have proven to play an essential role in the success they have enjoyed. These characteristics, united with their desire to never compromise their responsibility to spread the Gospel through Southern Gospel Music in a Christ-like, professional manner have allowed The Dixie Melody Boys to firmly establish their place at the forefront of Southern Gospel Music.    

1802 Oxford Road - Kinston NC 28504 - 850-529-0790 - www.dixiemelodyboys.com