Brooklyn Music Milestones – March 2015

May 16, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Leader of the Pack Playbill Courtesy of Wikipedia

March 11, 1972: Brooklyn Heights’ own Harry Chapin releases his first studio album, Heads & Tales. Featuring his brother Steve Chapin on keyboards and fellow Brooklynite Timothy Scott on cello, the LP includes the iconic song Taxi.

March 17, 1972: Harry Nilsson’s rendition of Without You completes a four-week run as the top single in the U.S. The Bushwick native’s only number one hit will remain in the top 40 for five more weeks.

Ol’ Dirty Bastard Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

March 28, 1995: The release of Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version marked the solo debut of East New York native Ol’ Dirty Bastard, following his departure from Wu-Tang Clan. The album will peak at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

April 8, 1985: Ellie Greenwich’s autobiographical musical, Leader of the Pack opens on Broadway at the Ambassador Theater. Starring Greenwich herself and fellow Brooklynite Annie Golden (The Shirts), as well as pop legend Darlene Love, it features more than a dozen hit songs and originals written or co-written by Greenwich, including Be My Baby, Baby I Love You, I Can Hear Music and the title tune, all sung by Golden; Greenwich’s own renditions of Maybe I Know and Da Doo Ron Ron, and several numbers by Love.

April 8-14, 1955: Alan Freed and His Rock ‘n Roll Easter Jubilee — the first of the legendary deejay’s 19 holiday extravaganzas at Downtown Brooklyn’s Paramount Theatre — features local sensations The Three Chuckles along with The Penguins and La Vern Baker, among others.

April 17, 1976: Shannon, Sha Na Na co-founder Henry Gross’s only top 10 solo hit, reaches number six on the Billboard singles charts. Twenty-eight years later the song reaches a new audience when it is included on the soundtrack of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

April 28, 1979: Co-written by Midwood native Chris Stein and his bandmate/soulmate Deborah Harry, Heart of Glass becomes Blondie’s first number one single. Stein would later give much credit for the song’s success to Jimmy Destri, the group’s Boro Park-born keyboard player, for his synthesizer work and use of a CR78 drum machine.

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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