Neal Evans Boyd, also known as Neal E. Boyd, was born on November 18, 1975, in Sikeston, Missouri, and was an American singer. Raised by his mother under conditions of poverty, he discovered opera through the Three Tenors during junior high school and began singing in their style. He earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Missouri School of Music and later attended the New England Conservatory of Music. Boyd won the third season of America's Got Talent in 2008, performing "New York State of Mind" and "The Prayer" during his initial audition. Following his victory, he released his debut album, My American Dream, in 2009. He performed for U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Boyd died on June 10, 2018, following complications from liver disease.
