Brooklyn Music Milestones – January 2014

January 6, 2014 by David K. Moseder

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Jan. 15, 1994: Brooklyn and the world loses one of its finest songwriters and recording artists when American singer songwriter Harry Nilsson dies in his sleep of heart failure after spending the previous day in the recording studio.

Jan. 17, 1975: Columbia Records releases Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, featuring extensive liner notes by Park Slope native Pete Hamill. For various reasons, Hamill’s back-of-album essay is removed from later pressings, but they are later restored after he wins a Grammy for his words in the Annotator category.

Jan. 18, 1974: Barry Manilow’s Mandy reaches number one on the Billboard singles chart. One year later (Jan. 17, 1975 to be exact) the Williamsburg native does it again with I Write the Songs.

Jan. 19, 2003: After 46 weeks on the album charts, Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me finally makes it to the top and stays there for three weeks.

Jan. 30, 1961: The songwriting duo of Carole King and Gerry Goffin score their first number one hit with The Shirelles’ rendition of Will You Love Me Tomorrow. It would become one of the most covered songs in pop music history and was ranked No. 126 among Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”

Feb. 3, 1979: YMCA by Village People peaks at #2 on pop singles chart. Among the group’s Brooklyn connections are original “Indian” Felipé Ortiz Rose, who grew up in our fair borough, and native Miles Jaye Davis. Davis, who replaced original “Cop” Vic Willis in the group before embarking on a successful solo career, studied music at bo
th Brooklyn College and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music.

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Feb. 8, 2009: It’s a big night for two Brooklyn music legends at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards as singer/songwriter Neil Diamond is named MusiCares Person of the Year for his philanthropic work and record company executive Clive Davis receives the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ President’s Merit Award.

Feb. 23, 2003: Norah Jones takes home five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist; Song of the Year and Record of the Year (Don’t Know Why); and Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album (Come Away With Me).

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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