Brooklyn Music Milestones – August 2015

August 10, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Little Anthony & The Imperials_John Mitchell

Little Anthony & The Imperials Photo by John Mitchell / courtesy of Wikipedia

August 14, 1966: Little Anthony & The Imperials, with Fort Greene native Jerome Anthony Gourdine on lead vocals, headlines a concert at the Surf ’n’ See Club in Seabright, New Jersey. Among the support acts is a local band, The Castiles, featuring 16-year-old vocalist Bruce Springsteen.

August 16, 1994: Criss, a band formed and led by former Kiss drummer Peter Criss, releases Cat #1. Of the 11 tracks, 10 are co-written by Williamsburg native Criss, including the autobiographical Blue Moon Over Brooklyn and an acoustic rendition of his 1976 Kiss hit, Beth.

August 23, 1970: Toward the end of the Velvet Underground’s three-month residency at Max’s Kansas City, Lou Reed performs with his long-time bandmates for the last time (until their 1993 reunion tour). It would be nearly two years before the Brownsville-born Reed would resurface with a self-titled album, the prelude to a successful solo career.

Lou Reed Photo by Howard B. Leibowitz/ B.L.Howard Productions

August 27, 1996: Bedford-Stuyvesant-born Aaliyah releases her second album, One in a Million, which goes on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide and be certified double platinum.

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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