O'Bryan emerged as a pop/soul sensation in the mid-1980s, captivating audiences with his dynamic voice and stage presence. Born in North Carolina and raised in California, his musical ascent was sparked by joining a church choir and gaining exposure that led to a deal with Capitol Records through Soul Train's Don Cornelius. He first hit the charts with "Gigolo" in 1982, followed by his acclaimed debut album, Doin' Alright. His 1983 cover of Stevie Wonder's "You and I" further elevated his profile, garnering significant acclaim. Despite his early success, frustrations with the music industry led O'Bryan to step back. It was during his active years that he discovered Karyn White, who later gained fame with "Superwoman." O'Bryan returned in 2007 with F1RST, which rekindled his presence in the music scene despite mixed reviews, and continued to release popular singles like "For the Love of You" and "Sometimes (Lockdown)." O'Bryan has also produced music for icons like Janet Jackson and Johnny Gill. He continues to tour, delighting fans with both classic hits and new material, solidifying his status as a resilient and influential artist in the soul and pop music scenes.