Back in the Day : Brooklyn Music Milestones-December, 2015

December 3, 2015 by David K. Moseder

Dec. 8, 1999: Jay Z is named Top Rap Artist at the 10th annual Billboard Music Awards Two years later Fiesta, his collaboration with R Kelly, winds the award for Top R&B Song

Dec. 10-11, 1982: Although his most recent album, 1981’s Power of Love, failed to click commercially, Arlo Guthrie remains a popular draw, playing a two-night stand at The Bottom Line.

Dec. 14, 1970: Multi-genre world music pioneers Mandrill are at Electric Ladyland studios recording the first tracks of their self-titled debut album. Long a favorite among musical connoisseurs over their four-decade career, the Grammy Award-winning Bedford-Stuyvesant-originating septet is also one of the most sampled groups among hip-hop’s elite artists.

Irving Berlin / photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Dec. 25, 1941: On his NBC radio show, Bing Crosby introduces the world to Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. While working in sunny California, Berlin, who was Jewish, nostalgically recalled his experiences at friends’ and neighbors’ houses in Brooklyn during the holiday season. White Christmas has become the most-recorded Christmas song of all time and Crosby’s version remains the biggest-selling single ever.

Artists on our Radar

Janet LaBelle Takes the Spotlight: Blending Vintage Vibes with Modern Magic

Janet Labelle With Guitar In Hand / photo by John Nyboer

Dynamic Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Janet LaBelle continues to push her creative boundaries. Known for her unique ability to fuse analog warmth with modern production, LaBelle has been praised by Jersey Beat for her “sweet voice and sharp, thoughtful songwriting,” and her newest projects are no exception. Her music defies easy categorization, effortlessly blending elements of folk, classic rock, and pop into a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. LaBelle recently released her single “Day in the Sun” on September 13 via her own Wild Violet Records, and it has already been captivating audiences with its sunny melodies and deeply personal narrative. The song, inspired by a meaningful hike with a friend in 2023, showcases her talent for finding beauty in simplicity, a theme that resonates through much of her work. The inclusion of horns marks an exciting creative evolution, adding a new layer of depth to her already richly textured sound. Throughout her career, LaBelle has explored a wide range of musical styles. She first made waves as a teenager in the punk-pop band Avery, and since then, her solo work has spanned genres like classic rock, folk, pop, and even French chanson. Her previous EPs, including Moon Songs (2010) and Blossom & Blue (2011), demonstrate her eclectic tastes, with influences ranging from surf rock to vintage country. Working with respected producers such as Evan Taylor (Bernie Worrell) and Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu, They Might Be Giants), LaBelle continues to expand her sound, evolving with each new release. Fans can catch her live at upcoming performances, including a show at Our Wicked Lady on September 24th and at Sleepwalk on December 3rd. These live shows will give listeners a chance to hear both her new and classic material in an up-close setting. Her combination of memorable songs, captivating performances and a unique voice sets her apart as an artist who continues to rise, drawing listeners in with every new creation.

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