Hearsay (song)
Hearsay is a song written by Tony Haynes and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It was performed by American singer Alexander O'Neal and released in 1987 as the lead single from his second studio album, also titled Hearsay.
The song Hearsay is a new jack swing track that addresses themes of gossip, rumors, and the impact that misinformation can have on relationships and reputation. The lyrics focus on the singer's attempts to defend himself against false accusations spread through hearsay.
The single reached the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot Black Singles chart and achieved moderate success on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a significant hit in the UK, reaching the top 40. The song helped solidify O'Neal's status as a prominent R&B artist in the late 1980s and is considered one of his signature songs.