the past > O'Neill is no stranger to the Gospel music audience given her 30-plus years of experience! From the age of 5 she has been on stage in both group and soloist capacities. Travelling extensively across North America and parts of the United States, she sang with the Elliott Family along with her mother-Joan Elliott, father-Milt and brother-Timmy for most of her youth. They performed as such places as Hamilton Place (Hamilton, ON), Paramount Canada's Wonderland (Toronto), Massey Hall (Toronto), Kleinhan's Music Hall (Buffalo, NY), Rodney Sings (Rodney, ON) and thousands of other venues, too many to mention. Her reputation was then established both as an accomplished soloist and as an affective group member.

Marlene studied first in the Fine Arts Program (theatre, dance and music) at York University and then the prestigious Jazz Music Program at Humber College. In 1987 she embarked on a solo ministry along with her husband Jim, then forming a joint partnership called O'Neill Ministries. She moved on to fulltime ministry in February 1998.

With the loss of Marlene's brother Tim to Cancer in 1997, she is determined like never before to sharing the message through song of the faithfulness, love and grace of her Heavenly Father who has sustained her and her family through this trying time of life.

the present > Marlene stepped into full-time music ministry in February 1998 and currently performs about 120 live concert dates per year. She has eight (8) solo recordings to her credit including her latest release following signing a recording agreement with HMS Music Inc. in Toronto. Current releases are receiving airplay on most Christian radio programs in Canada, parts of the United States, Nairobi, Kenya, Zambia, Australia, Asia Pacific and parts of Europe. Travels have taken her all across Canada, parts of the United States and twice abroad to Zambia, Africa.

Current musical performance experiences include everything from musical theatre stage productions, special conferences, corporate events, church services, and concerts to anthems at NBA games at the Air Canada Centre and various women's conferences where she provides special music, inspirational speaking and worship leading. In addition, Marlene has been privileged to guest solo live with several church choirs and orchestras in Canada and the United States.

Marlene is a regular musical guest on the nationally televised '100 Huntley Street' program and has joined the ladies on the couch as a guest co-host on their 'Full Circle' program as well. She has also been involved in several of their in-house produced CD's. Marlene is on regular rotation as a vocal artist on television's 'The Peoples' Church (Living Truth)' broadcast from Toronto, Ontario - broadcasting to as far away as the UK and India. It was there that she was cast as the female principal role in their Christmas stage production of "A Time for Christmas" in 2002. In addition, Marlene played the female principal role in "Pilgrim's Progress-the musical" workshop/performance reading at Lighthouse Theatre-Port Dover, Ontario. Most recently, Marlene was honored to be cast as the world-famous Mahalia Jackson in the theatre stage production of "The Evolution of Gospel Music", 2009. Produced by Toronto Mass Choir director, Karen Burke and music director/writer, Corey Butler. She provided soul-stirring solos and dramatic stage presence as character 'Ma Lyn' - the midwife to song writer Tommy Dorsey's wife Nettie Harper.

Experience has also allowed her the opportunity to be the critically accclaimed soundtrack soloist for the hit Christian movie in the Apocolypse series, called "Revelation" (1999) in which she sings the opening song titled "I Wish We'd All Been Ready". Recording studio experiences include many compilation CD's, song demos, numerous background vocal sessions and duets with other artists.

missions-humanitarian efforts> O'Neill Ministries has experienced a tremendous increase in music ministry opportunities over the past few years. They are now seeing that over-seas missions are becoming another extension of the music ministry of Marlene O'Neill as the Lord expands her territory. Travels currently take her across Canada, the United States and now twice abroad to Chingola, Zambia, Africa. Marlene has been greatly involved in humanitarian efforts with MATE/FCC (Missions for the Advancement of Theological Education/Friends Committed to Caring) providing, amongst other things, free daily medical clinics and evening concerts to encourage the underprivileged and provide them with the opportunity to receive Christ. August 2005 marked Marlene's 2nd visit to Africa. Her tenacious efforts in this regard has left a definite impact specifically on the youth and musicians of Zambia as she gives of her heart and talents in Jesus' name. MATE/FCC Executive Director states, "Marlene's last trip to Zambia has left pleasant memories in the minds of Zambians and as such they look forward with joy to her return."

Marlene has also partnered with World Vision-Canada; and has been on their team of dedicated Artist Associates for the past eleven (11) years. She provides audiences all over Canada the opportunity to partner with her in assisting the under-privileged around the world via child sponsorship.

the promise > Willing to go any distance throughout the years has allowed Jim and Marlene to witness and experience many life-changing events in others; many of which involve people being encouraged in Christ and seeking to know Him more.

With years of experience and, yes, even challenges under her belt, Marlene is reaching out in a tangible and transparent way with a polished and professional approach to sharing her love for Christ. Her transparency with the audience lets them know that she is simply a "real-life woman" with a "real-life", yet professional, approach to musical worship.

Marlene O'Neill currently resides in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with her husband Jim of 22 years and their two children Kayla (age 19) and Tyler (age 16). They faithfully attend Logos Christian Family Church (PAOC) and participate in events there when not on the road.