Excitement grew as I was able to snag an interview with Robin Wilson, the frontman for both the Gin Blossoms and now the Smithereens, on The Long Island Sound podcast. To be frank, this is my biggest celebrity interview to date and I was a bit nervous.
Robin Wilson is about to be inducted into The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on August 25th. I began to wonder how this Tempe, Arizona navtive got the call to be in the Hall of Fame, and to my surprise his roots to the Island have a unique connection to Valley Stream, NY through his first marriage.
Getting Aquainted
Sure, like any seasoned interviewer, I did my homework as the familuar Gin Blossoms’ repertoire came front and center to the cacophoney of songs rambling around this tattered brain of mine. “Allison Road,” “Follow You Down” and “Hey Jealousy” all bounced back into my mind as I researched Robin Wilson.
Still I was a bit concerned about going the interview alone, so I reached out to an old guest of the podcast, Peter Mancini, a fabulous singer/songwriter in his own right. With about thirty years between Peter and myself, I was captivated to see my co-host question one of his musical influences, and provide a true songwritters perspective on the podcast episode. During an earlier interview with Mancini, he mentioned the Gin Blossoms as one of bands he admired. Pete really stepped up with some great insights, and literally saved the session, when a camera glitch could have been an unfortunate hiccup for the flow of the conversation. You can hear the full interview right here on The Long Island Sound Podcast.
Record Store Rendezvous
Prior to streaming service playlists, the teenage Rock-n-Roll faithful would peruse the local record store to quench their thirst for audio excelence. That’s exactly the nexis where the Gin Blossoms began.
…so pretty much all the musicians either hung out at Tower Records or worked there, and so I knew Bill Leen, the Gin Blossoms’ Bass player.
Robin Wilson
Robin brought us back to the path of his incorporation into the group and how generous bandmate would share the limelight and have him take the frontman position.
Being in the company of musicians, and surrounding yourself with great music from all genres cultivates a furtile field for aspiring musicians to find their path. The recipe of placing oneself in the company of music lovers seems to have helped Robin Wilson be in the right place at the right time. That’s one of the reasons why I love hosting The Long Island Sound podcast. Connecting with artists of all stripes has given me the opportunity to make connections, and root out inspiration, not only for music, but for my personal well-being.
From MTV to SNL Making Connections
Curious to understand how this Tempe, Arizona navtive came upon the shore of Long Island. Robin recalled meeting his ex-wife, Gena Rositano on Jon Stewart’s show on MTV in 1993.
And so all these all these years, you know, I’ve had an inside track to you know, the world of MTV and of Saturday Night Live. And that’s just through Gena.
Robin Wilson
The Gin Blossoms appeared on Stewart’s premiere show, along with a guest appearance by Howard Stern. Gena is a native of Valley Stream, and both Robin and Gena settled there. Jon Stewart later officiated Robin and Gena’s wedding and as they say, the rest is history. Gena later moved on to Saturday Night Live, where the Gin Blossoms appeard in March of 1996.
Chance Meetings
Wilson has built an amazing music career through timely connections, talent and perseverance. Whether it was working with Marshall Crenshaw and the Smithereens or working with fantastic producers like Don Dixon or John Hampton the Gin Blossoms were in the company of the very crew who produced, R.E.M., The Replacements, the White Stripes, and Jimmy Vaughn.
Lamenting the pending induction at The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, I pointed out the wellspring of talent Robin will join who all made their home on Long Island. From Billy Joel to Joan Jett and the likes of Harry Chapin, Jimmy Webb and Steve Vai. Robin will be playing at his induction on Friday, August 25th along side his son, Aubrey. He plans on playing some Gin Blossom and Smithereen tunes and will be joined by Graham Maby (Bassist for Joe Jackson) who also resides on Long Island. You can find all the details about Robin’s induction ceremony by going to The Long Island Music and Entertainment website.
I’ve been continually amazed at the ability for artists, particularly singer/songwriters and their ability to create the songs that often become the soundtracks for our lives. Talent and hardwork don’t always pay immediate dividends, but for the lucky few who are skilled at making their own breaks, with purposeful networking; sometimes they get to snatch the brass ring for their chance to sing the words, we cannot find, and draw out sweet emotions from time to time.
For the rest of the story and my interview with Robin Wilson, as well as other amazing artists and new music, search for “The Long Island Sound” wherever you listen to podcasts or find it right here on Spotify.
Comments are closed.