Back in the Day: Brooklyn Music Milestones -November , 2015

November 3, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Nov. 10, 1962: Bobby’s Girl, sung by 18-year-old Brooklyn native Marcie Blane, enters the Top 40 on its way to becoming the number three hit in the U.S. It is blocked from the top spot by juggernauts The Four Seasons and Elvis Presley. None of her six subsequent singles came close to cracking the top 40, but 1964’s Bobby Did is notable in retrospect as an early songwriting effort by then-unknown Neil Diamond.

Nov. 12, 1965: With Brooklyn-born Lou Reed on guitar and lead vocals, The Velvet Underground play their first live gig. The concert, staged at Summit (NJ) High School, reportedly nets the group a whopping $75.

Nov. 13, 1991: It’s a Kings County double bill at the Bottom Line with Kenny Vance, on the eve of re-forming the Planotones and still going strong 24 years later, opening for David Forman, whose self-titled 1976 release was named one of “10 Singer-Songwriter Albums Rolling Stone Loved in the 1970s You’ve Never Heard.”

Nov. 17, 2009: Message to the Other Side (Osirus Part 1) by Ol’ Dirty Bastard (nee Russell Jones of Fort Greene) is released, nearly five years to the day after his death. The album is officially sanctioned by ODB’s family and Wu Tang Clan cohorts.

Nov. 22, 2004: Brits invade Brooklyn as U2 shoots the video for All Because Of You from a moving flatbed truck that concludes with the band crossing the Manhattan Bridge into our fair borough. Later in the day, with MTV cameras rolling, they perform a brief concert under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Nov. 27, 1970: Touring to support their eponymous debut album, Cactus, the brainchild of Brooklyn uber-drummer Carmine Appice and fellow Vanilla Fudge alumnus Tim Bogert, open for Black Sabbath at the Sunshine Inn, Asbury Park, New Jersey. Also on the bill is Steel Mill, featuring 21-year-old Bruce Springsteen.

Artists on our Radar

Jessi Robertson: A Voice for the Vulnerable

Jessi Robertson-Memory and Abandoned Parts Album Art

Jessi Robertson is a powerhouse voice that captivates you from the first note. In a world where music is often a safe place for personal expression, she stands out as a compelling voice for the vulnerable. With her vivid lyrics and haunting melodies, her over 15-year career as a musician has carved a way for herself in the folk and Americana music scene, captivating audiences with her raw honesty and emotional depth. Born in a small town in upstate New York, Robertson’s journey into music began at an early age. Robertson moved to Brooklyn in 2003, as she honed her craft, recognizing its ability to speak directly to the human experience with authenticity and sincerity. Once in BK, she released her debut album, “Small Town Girls,” in 2010, which gained much traction for its lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. Following this came her 2014 release “I Came From The War.” Throughout her career, Robertson has fearlessly tackled themes ranging from love and loss to social justice and mental health. Her most recent release, “Memory and Abandoned Parts (15-Year Anniversary Edition of Who We Are, What We Have Done)” is a re-release of her original 2008 album. She continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, as the release explores the complexities of the human condition. Robertson’s impact extends beyond the recording studio. Recognizing the power of music to effect change, she uses her platform to advocate for issues close to her heart. Whether performing at charity events or speaking out on social media, Robertson is committed to using her art as a force for good. Through her music, Robertson invites listeners to confront the complexities of the human experience with empathy and compassion, reminding us of the power of art to bridge divides and inspire change. As she continues to evolve as an artist and an advocate, one thing remains certain: Jessi Robertson’s voice will echo in the hearts and minds of listeners for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

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