St. John's Confidential File

HELLO AMERICA!—Without a doubt, the year 2021 will be one for change and one to remember, that's for sure!  With the second attempt at impeaching former President Donald Trump and all the drama that will, no doubt come with it, it will make better TV viewing no matter how many shows or specials the networks attempt to deliver for...

HELLO AMERICA!—Thank you again for all the messages of good wishes and support during this time of my "vision" problems. Things are much better and hopefully, in a month or so, I will return to my normal sighted-self.  However, I have been able to keep up with the news as well as those who make it. Cicely Tyson, who passed...

HELLO AMERICA!—During my stay at home, the world continued to twist and turn in every direction trying to escape the corona invasion. Then witnessing the horrifying scene of thousands of citizens attacking the Capitol was something unbelievable to witness. It was as if we were viewing a Hollywood film with tons of yelling, screaming, angry extras working had for...

UNITED STATES—Harlan said to Laurel, “They’re in.” She grabbed his arm. “Let me see.” He handed her the binoculars. “Here comes the tricky part, I hope this works.” She smiled. “I’ve got faith in them.” Shail said,  “Okay, let’s hook up.” They stood on either side of her. “Ready? On three. One… Two… THREE!” On three they bumped against her,...

UNITED STATES—“Laurel, how’re you doing?” He walked up to the car, leaned on the door, and then saw the cats. “Is this the one you’ve told me so much about?” “Yes, this is Samantha, and a couple of her friends.” He reached over Laurel. Samantha sniffed his hand, and licked it. Laurel’s expression changed. “Harlan, we need your help.” He...

HELLO AMERICA!—It was back to the gossip world again, and I was ready. As soon as it was known that I was resuming my column, the phone began to ring off the wall. And that’s the way I liked it. Sonny King, a mutual friend and one of Elvis Presley’s bodyguards, called and gave me information about the rock...

HELLO AMERICA!—Indeed it was a new world to Jonathan. He was struck by the famed Hollywood sign. Just seeing it gave him a feeling of the reality of his arrival. The rain formed vertical lines on the car window, and he strained to see all the washed down pastel-colored stucco houses, flanking each side of the street. It was...

HELLO AMERICA!—After escaping a brutal attack by the KKK while attending Earlham Collage in Richmond, Indiana, I felt extremely lucky to find a new home base at USC; not only that, meeting Sheridon Stokes in my class who was touted as one of the most gifted flute players in California. 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award Sheridon Stokes became the youngest contract musician...

HELLO AMERICA!—I have been receiving tons of letters from students begging for advice concerning what music schools to attend. Well, since I was fortunate to attend not only the USC music school, under Dr. Charles Hirt, later at UCLA and finally at Dominican University of California at San Rafael, it is very easy for me to recommend the following...

HELLO AMERICA!—Life has many ups and downs as most of us know. Salvatore Scorza’s life is no exception. What “saved’’ him is the fact that he was born an artist. One of his uncles was a world renowned sculptor where some of his work is in the Los Angeles Colosseum, who he met once when he was 10 years of...