Brooklyn Music Milestones – June 2011

June 6, 2011 by David K. Moseder

June 6. 1981: Neil Diamond’s America becomes the third top 10 single from his phenomenal album The Jazz Singer, which on this same date is enjoying its 28th week in the top 25.

June 18, 2005. Wes Jackson launches the first Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. Among those taking the stage at The Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg are local favorites Medina Green, Ge-ology and Amir.

July 17, 1967: Arlo Guthrie’s performance of Alice’s Restaurant Massacree at the Newport Folk Festival gets the attention of Warner Bros. Records, which signs him to its Reprise label. The Coney Island native’s first album, Alice’s Restaurant, debuts two months later.

July 22, 1968: Brooklyn-born Al Kooper, late of Blood, Sweat & Tears, releases Super Session featuring Mike Bloomfield (Electric Flag) and Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield). Although he jams separately with the two guitarists, the album is widely credited with ushering in the “super group” era, with the likes of Blind Faith and Crosby, Stills & Nash soon to follow.

Aug. 15, 1965: WABC radio DJ “Cousin” Bruce Morrow, a native of Sheepshead Bay, draws the honor of introducing the Beatles at their historic Shea Stadium concert.

Aug. 15, 2008: Grizzly Bear gets a huge boost when, at a concert in Toronto, Radiohead lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood steps forward to thank “my favorite band in the world” for touring with them. The following August, after a Grizzly Bear show at the Williamsburg Waterfront, audience member Jay-Z calls them “incredible” and “inspiring.”

Aug. 19, 1972: Brooklyn Tech alumnus Harry Chapin’s performance ofTaxi is one of the musical highlights as the pilot for The Midnight Specialairs on NBC. Two other Brooklyn natives are heard throughout the series’ eight year run: announcer Wolfman Jack and a prerecorded Johnny Rivers singing the title song.

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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