Music

By Walter Rutledge Ronald K. Brown/Evidence presented their New York City season at the Joyce Theater February 24 through March 1, 2026. The company offered two programs, a total of eight works spanning the years 2006 through 2017. The production experienced some snow drama with the cancellation of the February… Continue reading

Angel  is the debut solo single by R&B artist Angela Winbush. The track was released in 1987 as the first single from her debut album, Sharp on Polygram Records. Continue reading

More Than A Woman is by R&B artist Aaliyah for her eponymous third and final studio album.It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it. Continue reading

The hills are alive with the files of Epstein. Which Trump has surpress for a 1000 days. Continue reading

Down Through the Years by Pastor Emeritus Jasper W. Williams, Jr. was released in 2010, the popular gospel song and radio single song is featured on his traditional gospel album, Landmark. Continue reading

Add To Me is by R&B artist  Ledisi, released as the second single from her ninth studio album, Let Love Rule. Continue reading

Romantic Call is a Dancehall and Hip-Hop collaboration by Jamaican artist Patra featuring Yo-Yo. Released as part of Patra’s debut album, Queen of The Pack. Continue reading

Maya Plisetskaya, Prima Ballerina Assoluta of the Bolshoi Ballet, danced Maurice Bejart’s Bolero set to the famous Maurice Ravel score in 1975. Plisetskaya created a stunning theatrical experience. What makes the piece so compelling is that although Plisetskaya may be accompanied by dozens of other dancers mirroring her movement, the… Continue reading

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

Gotta Man is by Hip Hop artist Eve, released on August 31, 1999 as the second single from her debut studio album Let There Be Eve, Ruff Ryders First Lady. Continue reading

By Walter Rutledge Black History Month 2026, a month of reflection, remembrance and rejoicing the accomplishments of Americans of African descent, has come to an end. It was a month spent celebrating and remembering not only the sacrifices of the renowned such as Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King Jr. and… Continue reading

At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026, Afrobeat pioneer Feli Kuti was posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to receive this prestigious recognition. Fela Kuti was recognized nearly 30 years after his death for his role as the Father of Afrobeat and his use of music… Continue reading

Wattstax was a benefit concert organized by Stax Records  to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 riots  in the African American community of Watts, Los Angeles. The concert took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 20, 1972. The concert’s performers included all of the Stax’s prominent artists at… Continue reading

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… Continue reading

Baby Keem’s Birds And The Birds is a music video featuring Lara Raj. This follows the February 20, 2026, release of his second album, Casino, under PGLang/Columbia Records. Continue reading

Corbin Bleu performed an electrifying rendition of Mein Herr from the musical Cabaret at the 2023 Broadway Backwards benefit. Bleu opened the show, which took place on March 13, 2023, at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.  Continue reading

In this episode of A Black Lady Sketch Show Gabrielle Dennis as a woman who is repeatedly visited by R&B legend Patti LaBelle every time she experiences a breakup. Continue reading

 The first concert of bandleader/pianist William ‘Count’ Basie and his Count Basie Orchestra at the North Sea Jazz Festival 1979. Basie did two concerts at the festival, one month before his 75th birthday. Continue reading

Oh Happy Day is a 1967 gospel music arrangement of the 1755 hymn by clergyman Philip Doddridge. Recorded by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, it became an international hit in 1969. It has since become a gospel music standard. Continue reading

Untold Stories is a landmark Reggae song by Buju Banton, released as part of his critically acclaimed album Til Shiloh.Recorded when Buju Banton was only 22, the track is a semi-acoustic ballad that signaled a major shift in his career from dancehall toward more socially conscious and spiritual themes. Continue reading

Can You Stand The Rain is a classic 1988 R&B ballad by the group New Edition. Written and produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, it was the third single from the group’s multi-platinum fifth studio album, Heart Break. Continue reading

Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. was born on December 8, 1925. He was an African- American entertainer who broke many barriers and paved the way for entertainers in all  disciplines. Davis was primarily a dancer and singer, but he also received acclaim as an actor of stage and screen, musician,… Continue reading

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

You Got Me is a song by Hip Hop Band The Roots, featuring vocals from Erykah Badu and Eve, then known as Eve of Destruction, who raps the second verse but does not appear in the music video. Continue reading

Sammy Davis Jr.’s iconic live performance of Mr. Bojangles in Germany took place on June 28, 1985, at the Hohensyburg Casino in Dortmund. Continue reading

Gospel music has experienced a great loss with the passing of one of it’s legends – Mama Mosie Burks of the Mississippi Mass Choir, she was 92. Known as “Mama” Burks, the former lead soloist of the Mississippi Mass Choir’s gospel was born June 17, 1933 in Forest, Mississippi. Continue reading

Don’t Love Me is a single by Nigerian Afrobeats star Omah Lay. It serves as the second single from his highly anticipated sophomore album, Clarity of Mind. Continue reading

The original music video for Freddie McGregor’s 1986 hit Push Come To Shove has two distinct versions, with the Director’s Cut being the most sought-after by purists. Continue reading

Whip Appeal is a R&B ballad by Babyface, released on February 22, 1990, as the third single from his double-platinum second album, Tender Lover. Continue reading

A soulful pick for Valentine’s Day. “Betcha By Golly, Wow” is a cornerstone of Philadelphia soul that perfectly captures the “Quiet Storm” romantic vibe. Continue reading

The Mobb Deep 30th Anniversary “The Infamous” LP live show with Nas, Raekwon the Chef and Big Noyd took place at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York City. Continue reading

Jill Scott recently appeared on Noochie’s Live From The Front Porch, a popular D.C.  based performance platform, where she debuted her new single Lifting Me Up. Continue reading

Vision Of Love is by R&B artist Mariah Carey, recorded for her eponymous debut studio album (1990). The song was re-recorded and produced by Rhett Lawrence and Narada Michael Walden.  Continue reading

Le’Andria Johnson joins gospel superstar Yolanda Adams for a powerful performance of The Battle Is The Lord’s at the 2020 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Continue reading

Stepping Razor is one of the most iconic songs and monikers associated with Reggae legend Peter Tosh (born Winston Hubert McIntosh). Continue reading

Gangsters Of The Groove is a classic post-disco and funk track by the multinational band Heatwave, released in late 1980. Continue reading

Special is a 2026  single by GloRilla, known for its unapologetic and affirmational lyrics. The song features GloRilla rapping about her self-worth and desirability over a beat produced by BankRoll Got It, Lil Ronnie and others. Continue reading

Excerpt from the tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 2026 Grammys.An 11-minute medley began with Nothing Even Matters, continuing with Brown Sugar and featuring Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton performing Lady. Continue reading

SNL Musical guest Cardi B performs “ErrTime” on Saturday Night Live. Continue reading

Relive some of the most unforgettable Record Of The Year wins in Grammy history, featuring memorable moments from Michael Jackson, Silk Sonic, Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Bette Midler, U2, Sam Smith, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant and more. Continue reading

Blessings by Soul of Afrika is a powerful Gospel drill anthem filled with faith, confidence, and spiritual strength. The music video captures real energy, bold declarations, and a message of divine covering and favor—reminding listeners that blessings follow those who stand firm in faith. Continue reading

Spice released Soft Girl Era in January 2026 as her first single of the year, marking a new, independent phase focusing on self-love, luxury, and unapologetic feminine energy.  Continue reading

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

The final act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks takes place after the death of Dr. King . John Jones (Dr Martin Luther King), Sheila Rohan (Rosa Parks) and James E. Murphy (Assassin). Continue reading

Happy Birthday to the dance legend Mikhail Baryshnikov (January 27, 1948) in honor of your 78th birthday O&A NYC Magazine decided to share one of balletomanes favorite cinematic dance moments. Continue reading

The Fourth Act of Martin: A Ballet By Gordon Parks starring John Jones as Dr. King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Park and James E. Murphy as the Assassin. Continue reading

Yesterday, January 25, 2026, marked the 45th birthday of the legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist Alicia Keys.  Continue reading

Raindance is a song by British artist Dave and Nigerian singer Tems. It was through Neighbourhood Recordings as the fifth track from Dave’s third studio album, The Boy Who Played The Harp. Continue reading

Vicki Yohe is a celebrated gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader known for hits like Because of Who You Are, The Mercy Seat, and Under the Blood. Her career spans over three decades, featuring collaborations with CeCe Winans and extensive international missions work, including opening an orphanage in Uganda.  Continue reading

Twice My Age is a classic dancehall/reggae duet released in 1988 by Jamaican artist Shabba Ranks and singer Krystal. Produced by Augustus “Gussie” Clarke, it remains one of Shabba Ranks’ most enduring hits. Continue reading

Martin Act III: Letter From The Birmingham Jail – Dr. King (John Jones) is arrested and while in jail he writes the now historic letter from the Birmingham Jail. With the help of Rosa Parks (Sheila Rohan) King is able to disseminate his message to the masses. Continue reading

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

Musical guest A$AP Rocky performs a medley of Don’t Be Dumb and Helicopter on Saturday Night Live. Continue reading

“A continent too often diminished, wounded, or forgotten, yet still rising, still loving, still giving. Africa is the source. The first heartbeat of the world. The flame beneath the ashes, the stardust in our blood.” – Le Pacte de Cendres Continue reading

Act II from Martin: A ballet by Gordon Parks depicts the violent encounter with police during the march on Selma. Continue reading

Martin: A Ballet by Gordon Parks Act 1 Introduces John Jones as Martin Luther King, Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks and James E Murphy as the Assassin. Continue reading

Jill Scott’s Don’t Play on A Color Show is a powerful, soulful live performance of her new single, released around January 16, 2026, serving as a bold anthem about setting boundaries and demanding good love, featuring her commanding voice and signature energy, and previewing her album To Whom This May… Continue reading

Martin: a ballet by Gordon Parks, an original five-movement ballet chronicling the struggles of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Filmed in 1990 the work stars John Jones as Dr. King and Sheila Rohan as Rosa Parks, featuring choreography by Real Lamb. “Martin” (PBS, 1990),  about the life of Dr.… Continue reading

Head Up 2.0 is a collaborative single by South African Hip Hop artists Nasty C and the legendary Soweto Gospel Choir, released on December 19, 2025. The track is an uplifting blend of hip-hop and gospel that explores themes of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Continue reading

Bring Me Home – Live 2011 is a live album by British band Sade, released on May 22, 2012 on RCA Records. It was filmed at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on September 4, 2011 during their music tour, Once In a Lifetime World Tour.  Continue reading

Adunni is a collaborative Afro-Pop single by Afrobeat artists Rybeena and Joeboy, officially released on September 11, 2025. The track was later included as a featured song on Rybeena’s project titled Mr. Bee. Continue reading

Teyana Taylor and Lucky Daye performed their duet Hard Part on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The performance was part of the promotional run for Taylor’s Grammy-nominated album, Escape Room. Continue reading

“My roots are also in the Gospel church, the Gospel churches of the south where I grew up…holy blues—paeans to joy, anthems to the human spirit.” These words written by Alvin Ailey were the impetus for The Holy Blues, a collaborative choreographic endeavor by choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and… Continue reading

Bruno Mars signaled the start of a new era with the release of I Just Might, the infectious lead single from his highly anticipated upcoming album, The Romantic. Continue reading

Fade featuring Teyana Taylor is an iconic 2016 music video from the album The Life of Pablo, by Kayne West. Continue reading

Pretty Wings is a single by R&B artist Maxwell, taken from his fourth studio album Black Summer Night. It was written and produced by Maxwell and Hod David. Continue reading

Ice Cream is the third solo single by Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, from his debut studio album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.The song features Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna. Continue reading

Sounder (1972) is a film drama based on the 1969 novel by William H. Armstrong about a black depression era sharecropper family in Louisiana. The movie starred Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, and Kevin Hooks. Musician Taj Mahal composed the film’s blue-inspired soundtrack and appears in a supporting role. Continue reading

Since its inception in 1984, more than 378 million people around the world have been inspired by the artistry and international inclusiveness of Cirque du Soleil.  Continue reading

Jamaican Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel released a new single and official music video titled 2026 to commemorate the start of the year. Continue reading

Shot on the streets and rooftops of sunny LA, our A-Z of Dance shows you how to set hearts alight and clubs on fire. Float like an Arabesque, spin like a B-Boy, wobble like a Chicken Noodle Soup… it’s time to step up! In a very special project for i-D… Continue reading

In The Closet is by Pop artist Michael Jackson, released on April 13, 1992, by Epic Records, as the third single from his eighth album, Dangerous (1991). Continue reading

Für Elise – Batiste is a reimagined version of Ludwig van Beethoven’s classic “Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor” by Grammy and Oscar winning musician Jon Batiste. The track serves as a centerpiece for his solo piano album, Beethoven Blues, which is the first volume in his Batiste Piano Series. Continue reading

Whippin That Wave is a collaborative single by French Montana and Max B, released on January 2, 2026. The track serves as a lead-up to their highly anticipated joint project, Coke Wave 3.5: Narcos, which is scheduled for release on January 9, 2026. Continue reading

In this video Zaouli Dance Traditions are blended seamlessly with futuristic AI animation. Inspired by the rhythmic movements of West African rituals, this unique video takes you on an otherworldly journey where culture, music, and technology unite in an unforgettable dance performance. Continue reading

Control is a single by R&B artist Tank, through his R&B Money Label in partnership with BMG. Continue reading

Alvin Ailey revolutionized the world of dance by honoring the African American experience, but his journey was not without its struggles. O&A NYC Magazine honors the memory of one of dance’s most prolific pioneers on the anniversary of his 95th birthday. Continue reading

Richard Smallwood wrote the gospel classic Total Praise during a period of immense personal trial while caring for his mother, who had dementia, and a close friend battling cancer. Continue reading

Soldiers in the Army, often performed by Rev. James Cleveland with choirs like The Caravans, is a powerful, classic gospel anthem about spiritual perseverance, It resonates deeply with listeners for its message of faith and divine struggle, often evoking nostalgia for traditional church experiences and celebrating figures like Inez Andrews… Continue reading

Laura Bell Bundy‘s latest video entitled You Can’t Pray The Gay Away bring a common sense solution to an age old question. Just ask either senator from South Carolina. Continue reading

Bounce is a collaborative Afrobeats single by Nigerian artists Bella Shmurda and Seyi Vibez, released as part of Bella Shmurda’s 2026 album, Sanity. Continue reading

Rise Like a Phoenix, performed by Conchita Wurst representing Austria, was the winning song of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The performance is notable for its James Bond-inspired orchestration and Wurst’s iconic “bearded lady” stage persona. Continue reading

Music icon Diana Ross headlined Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026, performing a career-spanning medley of hits in Times Square just before the ball drop to welcome 2026. Continue reading

What better way to start our New Year Celebration then with Vanessa Williams rendition of Happy Days Are Here Again.  Continue reading

Diana Ross headlined the 2026 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve celebration in Times Square on December 31, 2025. At 81 years old, the Motown legend led the countdown to the new year and performed a career-spanning medley of hits. Continue reading

Shirley Horn performs Here’s To Life at North Sea Jazz Festival with Het Metropole Orkest, 1994 Continue reading

Dancer, actor and choreographer Carmen DeLavallade performs The Creation featuring choreography by her husband Geoffrey Holder. Holder also designed the costume and music.  Continue reading

Pressure by Seyi Vibez featuring French Montana was released on December 26, 2025. Directed by Spiff TV, known for his work with artists like Drake and Bad Bunny.The track is featured on Seyi Vibez’s album FUJI MOTO, released under NSNV INC / EMPIRE. Continue reading

  You On You is an R&B single by Tamar Braxton, released  through Tamar Braxton Productions/Platform Sounds. Continue reading

Miracle in Harlem (1948) is a independent American film known as a race film, featuring an all-African American cast. is a murder mystery melodrama with musical elements, considered one of the better films of its genre from that era. The cast in the all black cast included  Sheila Guyse as… Continue reading

Miles Davis and Gil Evans Sketches of Spain: Concierto de Aranjuez performed live in Chicago by Orbert Davis on trumpet. Continue reading

This soul-stirring gospel performance of Oh, Happy Day by legendary musician Ray Charles, accompanied by the Voices of Jubilation, a world-famous 120-member choir from Newark, New Jersey. Continue reading

My Love Is The Same is by Afrobeat artist Adekunle Gold, released as the sixth song on his 2025 studio album, Fuji. Continue reading

In 1971, Alvin Ailey created Cry, one of his signature dance works, as a birthday present for his mother Lula Elizabeth Ailey. Ailey dedicated the ballet to “all black women everywhere — especially our mothers.” The three-part ballet, set to contemporary music by Alice Coltrane, Laura Nyro and Chuck Griffin, depicts a… Continue reading

The Voices of East Harlem was an African American vocal ensemble that originated in an inner-city action project in East Harlem, New York City. The song Right On, Be Free enjoys continued exposure as the last movement of Alvin Ailey‘s masterwork Cry.  Continue reading

8 Days of Christmas is the fourth studio album and the only holiday-themed project released by R&B group Destiny’s Child. Continue reading

Official visualizer for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing performed by Nat King Cole.  Continue reading

Todrick Hall magically appears underneath a green neon light in the shape of a Christmas tree for the accompanying visual. He flips his Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels anthem from 2019 into the sleigh-worthy holiday sing – a long with an equally electrifying music video. Continue reading

In this CBS Sunday Morning report that originally aired August 11, 2019, on the occasion of the dance group’s 60th anniversary, correspondent Rita Braver talked with dance icon and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Judith Jamison and her succeeding artistic director Robert Battle. Continue reading

PBT (Pretty Brown Thing) is a 2025 single by Travis Scott, Tyla, and Vybz Kartel. The track is the fourth and final single from the Cactus Jack compilation album, JACKBOYS 2, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Continue reading