
The Staple Singers were a gospel, soul, and R&B family singing group and one of the first early crossover groups. Roebuck “Pops” Staples the patriarch of the family, formed the group with his children Cleotha, Pervis, and Mavis. Yvonne replaced her brother when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and again in 1970. Continue reading
Category: Live Performance
7/21/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Thelonious Monk – Blue Monk (Norway, 1966)


Thelonious Monk performing Blue Monk with Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums live at the University Aula in Oslo, Norway, 1966. Continue reading
7/17/24 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Visiting Africa- Richard Pryor Live on The Sunset Strip

Richard Pryor‘s live performances at the Sunset Strip caught on film. Pryor talks about racism and the differences between blacks and whites Continue reading
6/21/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: The 77th Annual Tony Awards | Alicia Keys and Jay Z | Hell’s Kitchen Performance

Alicia Keys and Jay Z perform Empire State of Mind with the company of Hell’s Kitchen at The 77th Annual Tony Awards. Continue reading
6/20/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Miles Davis – Live in Germany 1988 (Munich Philharmonic Concert Hall)


When Miles Davis first went back on the road in June 1981, his band had no idea what they were going to play. Rehearsals had been almost non-existent and there was no set list. On stage, you never knew what was coming next. The performance was one of complete spontaneity and improvisation. But gradually, Miles’s performances became more structured. Continue reading
6/14/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Luciano and Capleton – Combination Dubplate

The messenger Luciano and King Shango Capleton – combination dubplate. Very iconic movement for reggae culture. Continue reading
6/4/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Tems: Tiny Desk Concert

Tems recently performed her own NPR Tiny Desk Concert as part of an ongoing series celebrating Black Music Month. Throughout June, the show will be releasing concerts from nine Black women artists, ranging from newcomers on the scene to industry veterans. Continue reading
5/16/24 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Donny Hathaway – The Ghetto Live 1970

The Ghetto is a socially conscious, mostly instrumental jazz-flavored anthem, released as the first single off Soul artist Donny Hathaway’s debut album,Eveything Is Everything, released as a single in 1969 on Atlantic Records. Continue reading
5/13/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY SPECIAL: Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder original name is Stevland Hardaway was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on this date May 13,1950. A child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. In addition to his acclaimed artistry, Wonder has routinely tackled social issues through his music appearances. Continue reading
5/12/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Marcus Miller – Live at Jazz in Marciac 2012


William Henry Marcus Miller Jr. is a jazz artist, songwriter and record producer. He has worked with Miles Davis , Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross and saxophonists Wayne Shorter and David Sanborn among others. Continue reading









