Gene W. O'Neill

Gene O’Neill is the byproduct of a County Kerry Irishman and a High Point, North Carolina gal. His parents met while they were both in the Army during World War Two. Gene was the last of four children born to his family. His parents gave up further efforts towards procreation at this point. Attending at least one new school each year until graduating from High School, Gene perfected his status as a lifelong introvert. Writing became a lifelong obsession. Short stories, poetry, and letter writing became a constant. Along the way, he began playing the guitar. Soon, came a series of garage bands. This culminated in him playing professionally in several above average cover bands. While still playing professionally, He married his wonderful wife, Sara. Long phone calls and the occasional visit home were not found to be conducive to a stable marriage. Gene wisely chose to find a source of income that would allow his marriage to prosper. The author discovered the altogether unmusical trade of sheet metal fabrication. From this, a transition to a career as a machinist came next. During this time Gene enjoyed stints playing in weekend bands.

After this, he focused exclusively on playing solo guitar. Frequent music jobs resulted. During this period, Gene produced and released 5 CD’s of jazz and classical guitar music. Playing weddings, jazz and blues gigs prepared him for an ongoing 20+ year gig at The Irregardless Café in Raleigh, North Carolina. The author continued to work as a machinist until his retirement in 2020. From this time onward, his marriage, writing and music have remained the center of Gene’s world. Gene has recently published his second book: "Poems for the Wandering Mind".