7/20/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin – What a Friend We Have in Jesus (1972)

What a Friend We Have in Jesus was recorded in January 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) then 29 years old and Reverend James Cleveland (1932 – 1991) performed with Southern California Community Choir led by Reverend Dr. Alexander Hamilton (1945-2022). Continue reading

7/19/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Happy Birthday Millie Jackson! Live (London 1984)

Happy birthday to Millie Jackson! She turned 81 years old on July 15th. Millie Jackson is a R&B and soul singer-songwriter, renowned for her powerful vocals, often explicit storytelling, and stage presence. Many fans are celebrating her birthday by listening to her music and sharing well wishes.

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7/18/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Harold Nicholas – Mister BeeBe from Carolina Blues (1944)

An amazing song and tap routine from Carolina Blues (1944) – with a huge cast of dancers and singers, and headed up by the wonderful Harold Nicholas. Continue reading

7/16/25 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Only Seniors (SNL)

An elderly couple (Kenan Thompson, Quinta Brunson) tells their children (Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker) about their new life insurance policy. Continue reading

7/15/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Vin Diesel – Multi Facial (film debut)

Multi-Facial_DVD_cover

Multi-Facial is a 1995 short film directed, written, produced, scored by and starring the 22 year old Vin Diesel in his film debut. Continue reading

7/8/25 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: When Heckling Goes Wrong – Comedian Ron G

Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Ron G is an accomplished comedian, actor, writer, host, and Emmy winning producer. Continue reading

7/8/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Something Inside So Strong- ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah.

This is the live version of Something Inside So Strong ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah. Originally released on TBN as a powerful tribute to songs that have marked monumental moments in black history, music and culture; singer/songwriter, Junior Garr and choir conductor, Marsha B. Morrison, navigated The Spirituals Choir in a time of great uncertainty to give a message of hope. Continue reading

7/7/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Prince- Under the Cherry Moon


In his second film Under The Cherry Moon worldwide musical sensation Prince stars in this offbeat love story of two young people who fight to stay together. Scheming to get rich quick, Christopher (Prince) and his friend Tricky travel to the French Riviera. But Christopher’s plans go awry when he falls madly in love with a beautiful, spoiled heiress whose parents plot to keep them apart.
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7/6/25 O&A NYC DANCE COMMENTARY: The Ramp To Paradise Afterglow

By Walter Rutledge

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) presented A Ramp To Paradise at the Ailey Citicorp Theater on June 27th and 28th. The two-day spring performance season showcased the third rendition of the dance theater narrative. The story begins in 1985 at the now celebrated underground nightclub- the Paradise Garage.  The sold-out Saturday evening performance was followed by a classic Paradise Garage style after party that lasted from 9pm to 12am (that’s 12 midnight not the Garage’s notorious Sunday noon closing- for those who remember). Continue reading

7/2/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Gil Scott-Heron – Black Wax

This film documentary is a portrait of the blues poet Gil Scott-Heron, who gives a personal tour of Washington, D.C. and performs a concert with his Midnight Band.

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