St. John's Confidential File

HELLO AMERICA!─With the death of Congressman John Lewis, one realizes we are witnessing the birth of a new America, along with a new cry of those around the globe who are hungering for acknowledgement and respect as human beings. The coronavirus has opened the hidden doors of bigotry, and ignorance that has been cleverly hidden for many decades, which would...

HELLO AMERICA!─If your name on a marquee means success for a film than any studio of note will stop at nothing to get that actor before the camera. The coronavirus forced Hollywood productions and studios to close all their stages down and placed all their films on hold until it is safe for the crews and actors to work. ...

HELLO AMERICA!─As usual America’s most talented artists eagerly come to the aid of those who need support in dealing with the current challenge of survival. During the World War II, stars such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Faye Ray, Jimmy Derante, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Diana Shore and tons of others flooded radio shows and theaters centering on national...

HELLO AMERICA!─During the last few weeks, nearly every country in the world was experiencing explosions and protests within their communities and cities. For many of us who grew up during the second World War, it brought back memories of ringing alarms and warnings from neighbors to remain inside and lock all doors because of the impending marches by protesters...

HELLO AMERICA!─Like so many other places and cities around the U.S. and the world, Hollywood is under siege. The studio stages are dark, Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount, Disney seem to be relics of another age.  Absolutely nothing is happening, as for the town itself, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard looks as if everyone has left town hoping to find...

HELLO AMERICA!─Because it was during much of the university years that I experienced several riots as well as peace marches that caused death and injuries to many Americans. During the covering of the George Floyd tribute held throughout the nation, the explosive death sounds heard in downtown Los Angeles, Watts, and several outer communities were recalled.  Suddenly, nearly every...

HELLO AMERICA!─There are special reasons why you consider someone SPECIAL. Simply because they never give up, no matter how tough the road forward seems. For some, it is an excuse to accept the condition they are experiencing and lean on others for survival. They refuse to look in the mirror and genuinely see who, or what they have become,...

HELLO AMERICA!─Atlanta based hip-hop duo, the Buckhead Boyz, lifts the veil of transparency as to what today’s recording artists are experiencing during the time of the pandemic. More specifically, as to what adjustments, decisions, and options independent and “new” artists on the rise must elect to make to become and stay relevant in the music industry in the sea...

HELLO AMERICA!—Because of my weekly entertainment column in the Canyon News in Beverly Hills, I receive letters from people, young and old concerning so many issues. However, stories and items about their favorite actors, musicians, and even certain outrageous politicians really do spark a lot of interest. To be honest, I have to have my small staff of people who really keep...

HELLO AMERICA!─In the old days when many of the great musicals and plays arrived on Broadway, they were so compelling, millions of talented people jumped at the chance of emulating them, one way or the other. They inspired young people with any kind of musical, comedic or writing talent to do anything to justify hopping a bus or train...