New York Series

When Billy Joel released “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” in 1976 as part of Turnstiles, it wasn’t positioned as a major hit. Over time, though, it has evolved into one of the most haunting and culturally resonant…

Today, Lana Del Rey is seen as an icon of West Coast elegance and mystery, waxing poetic about her California home in tracks such as “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” and the aptly named “California” and “West Coast.”…

Throughout its long-standing history and beloved prominence, the portrayals of New York City are often skewed towards romanticization rather than reality. Shiny yellow taxi cabs weaving through traffic, warm steam rising from manhole…

Grammy award winning artist and activist Tom Morello has released a new single "Pretend You Remember Me" which tells a bold immigration story. "Pretend You Remember Me" is a powerful single written by Morello in support of immigrant…

From the bright guitar strums to the opening lines, Joni Mitchell instantly transports listeners to the heart of late 1960s New York City. In “Chelsea Morning,” part of Mitchell’s second album, Clouds, she paints a radiant portrait of the…

There was a time in history where hip hop gave insight into the issues facing the Black race. But as the infantile genre continued its ascendency into the mainstream during the mid-to-late 1990’s, popular acts and record labels began…

Hit records celebrating a city are supposed to bring people together. Take Ja Rule’s 2004 smash single “New York,” for instance. Featuring hip-hop heavyweights Fat Joe and Jadakiss, the song was released as the second single from his 2004…

The city of New York is used to being serenaded. Entertainers famous and obscure alike have sung the city's praises – delivering some of their biggest records in doing so. From Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” to Jay – Z and Alecia…

Among the songs that celebrate New York City, "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel, from his 1976 album Turnstiles, has become a fan favorite in regular rotation at his concerts, in particular at Madison Square Garden. While the song was…

In times of revolution, those in upheaval look to the leaders of their communities for guidance and support. The Black community is no different. But what happens when many of the great leaders are tampered with, undermined and…