Brooklyn Music Milestones – July 2014

July 6, 2014 by David K. Moseder

July 31, 1971: With her own single It’s Too Late having recently finished a five-week run at the top of the charts, Carole King scores a number one hit as a songwriter with James Taylor’s rendition of You’ve Got a Friend.

August 7, 1974: WABC radio program director Rick Sklar gives Sheepshead Bay native Bruce Morrow a big send off. Even though “Cousin Brucie” is moving to rival Top 40 station WNBC, the highly popular DJ is allowed to do a final show – a going away party that includes tributes and “roasts” from the likes of ABC colleague Dan Ingram, sportscaster Howard Cosell, station GM George Williams and even Morrow’s long-time nemesis, Murray the K.

August 11, 1962: Abraham Lincoln High School alumnusNeil Sedaka’s ninth top 40 single, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, is also the first of his three chart-toppers.

August 14, 1965: I Want Candy by The Strangeloves (Brooklynites Bob Feldman and Jerry Goldstein and Bronx friend Richard Gottehrer) peaks at number 11 on the Billboard singles chart.

Aug. 17, 1959: Local boys Santo and Johnny begin a 13-week run in the top 40 with Sleepwalk. With Johnny on steel guitar and Santo on six-string , the Brooklyn-born-and-raised Farina brothers created one of the most memorable instrumentals of the early rock era. The song hit number one on Sept. 21, 1959.

Aug. 18, 1998: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, a collaboration of two top Brooklyn emcees, is released to critical acclaim. It peaks at number 13 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart and reaches 53 on the Hot 200.

Sept. 9, 1964: Local acts Little Anthony & the Imperials and Jay & the Americans play “Murray the K’s Big Holiday Show” at the Fox Theater on Flatbush Avenue at Nevins Street. Among others on the bill are the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Miracles, Martha & the Vandellas, the Searchers, Dusty Springfield, the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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