Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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McCOY, Neal

(b Hubert Neal McGauhey Jr, 30 July 1959, Jacksonville TX) Irish-Filipino country singer and entertainer. His parents had eclectic musical tastes; during high school he sang in musicals, gospel quartets, choirs and local clubs, then worked a honky-tonk circuit while holding down various daytime jobs. He won a talent contest in Fort Worth and toured America, Canada, Far East and Europe with Charley Pride '80-7. He signed to short-lived 16th Avenue Records in Nashville as Neal McGoy, changed it to Neal McCoy and became known for live shows; joined Atlantic '91 and scored minor country hits '91-3. He stayed based in Texas, but made an impact at Nashville's Fan Fair '93 with a dynamic stage show; Atlantic brought in new producer Barry Beckett and suddenly the 'real McCoy' sound was captured on record with massive hits 'No Doubt About It' and 'Wink' both '94, 'They're Playing Our Song' '95, 'Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye' '96. His albums also did well as McCoy became one of country music's top live attractions. Albums included At This Moment '91, Where Forever Begins '92, No Doubt About It '94, You Gotta Love That! '95 and Neal McCoy '96, all on Atlantic.