4/2/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY Pt.2: Sade – Is It A Crime (Live Aid 1985)

Sade performing ‘Is It A Crime’ at Live Aid in front of 72,000 people in Wembley Stadium, London on the July 13, 1985. The event was organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the largest satellite link-ups of all time, the concerts were seen by around 40% of the global population. Continue reading

4/2/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Smokey Robinson Ooh Baby Baby Live

One of the earliest captured live versions of Ooo Baby Baby featuring Smokey Robinson and The Miracles on the television show Ready Steady Go. The 1965 live performance showcases the group in their prime.

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3/26/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Vanessa Williams – Save The Best For Last

Save The Best For Last is by R&B artist Vanessa Williams from her second studio album, The Comfort Zone. Written by Phil Galdston, Jon Lind and Wendy Waldman, and produced by Keith Thomas, Wing and Mercury Records released it as the album’s third single on January 14, 1992. . Continue reading

3/19/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY – WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Ella Fitzgerald A-Tisket-A-Tasket

A-Tisket, A-Tasket is the 1938 breakout hit that catapulted Ella Fitzgerald to national stardom. Co-written by Fitzgerald and arranger Al Feldman (Van Alexander), the song is a playful jazz adaptation of a 19th-century children’s nursery rhyme. Ella famously performed the song in her 1942 film debutRide ‘Em Cowboy. Continue reading

3/12/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Sarah Vaughan – Misty (Live from Sweden 1964)

Sarah Lois Vaughan  was described by Scott Yanow as having “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century. Continue reading

3/5/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY- CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit

Strange Fruit a song performed most famously by Billie Holiday, who first sang and recorded it in 1939. Continue reading

2/26/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Marvin Gaye -What’s Going On – Motown 25 Yesterday, Today, Forever

Marvin Gaye’s performance of What’s Going On at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special in 1983 is widely considered one of the most poignant moments in music history. Taped on March 25, 1983, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the special celebrated the 25th anniversary of Motown Records. Gaye’s appearance was particularly significant as it was his final television performance before his death in 1984.

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2/19/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Lift Every Voice and Sing -Ledisi – Super Bowl LIX

Grammy-winning R&B singer Ledisi delivered a powerful rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing at Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, at the Caesar’s Superdome in her hometown of New Orleans. Continue reading

1/29/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: The Roots – Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody


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The Roots perform Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around from the  2014 soundtrack of the film For A Revolution. In this clip, which juxtaposes black and white footage of 20th-century Civil Rights protests with color footage of the band performing in a recording studio. Continue reading

1/22/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Toni Braxton – Seven Whole Days

Seven Whole Days is a classic R&B track by Toni Braxton, released on October 8, 1993, as the third single from her self-titled debut album.  The song was written and produced by the legendary R&B trio Babyface, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Daryl Simmons. Continue reading