Brooklyn Music Milestones – October 2012

October 6, 2012 by David K. Moseder

Nov. 3, 1962: The Crystals start a two-week run at No.1 on the U.S. singles chart with He’s A Rebel. It was the third of the group’s six top 20 hits.

Nov. 5, 1988: The Locomotion by Brooklyn songwriting duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King becomes the first song to reach the Top 5 in three different renditions as Kylie Minogue’s version hits No. 3 on the charts. Originally a number one hit for Brighton Beach’s Little Eva in 1962, the song was also a chart-topper for Grand Funk Railroad in 1974.

November 12, 1996: Bedford-Stuyvesant rapper Lil’ Kim releases her debut studio album, Hard Core. It debuts at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and number one on Billboard‘s Top R&B Albums, and would go on to be certified double platinum.

Nov. 15, 1980: For the third straight November, Barbra Streisand has a hit duet on the charts.Guilty with Barry Gibb will eventually rise to number three, a tad short of chart-toppers You Don’t Bring Me Flowers with Neil Diamond, 1978, and No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)with Donna Summer, 1979.

Nov. 15, 1986: Five years after Edward R. Murrow High School senior Adam “MCA” Yauch co-founded what would evolve into the mca Beastie Boys, the group releases its first album, Licensed to Ill. It would become the first hip-hop LP to top the Billboard albums chart.

December 3, 1994: During the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live, Adam Sandler performs The Chanukah Song for the very first time. A later recording of the song would become a holiday season staple on several New York radio stations.

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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