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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Boeing Agrees to Buy Spirit AeroSystems

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Herman Melville

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.”

– Paulo Coelho

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New York City Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which New York City neighborhood is renowned for its early 20th-century wave of African-American arts, culture, and intellectualism known as the Harlem Renaissance?

A) Harlem

B) Greenwich Village

C) Brooklyn

D) The Bronx

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The borough where the famous botanical garden with the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is located is D) The Bronx.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Boeing Agrees to Buy Spirit AeroSystems, a Longtime Supplier. (link)

🏦 Finance

The New York Stock Exchange Leads Industry in Global IPO Proceeds for the First Half of 2024. (link)

New York investor buys Home Depot site in Clearwater for $23 million. (link)

🏒 Sports

Isaiah Hartenstein Bids New York Knicks Farewell. (link)

Stewart leads New York against Minnesota after 22-point game. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Tuesday July 9 | 7:10 PM | (more info)

⚾ Long Island Ducks vs. York Revolution
Fairfield Properties Ballpark Central Islip, NY
Wednesday July 10 | 6:35 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺 Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York,
Monday July 8 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🎤 Cindy Blackman Santana Band
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Tuesday July 9 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨Kids Summer Art Camp
All-In-One Event Studio 1 Jericho Turnpike New Hyde Park, NY
Monday, July 8 · 9am - 3pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “New York City at night, lit by neon and holograms” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

New York City History

1969: Stonewall riots.

The Stonewall Riots of 1969 marked a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States and globally. On June 28, 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, sparked spontaneous and violent protests from the bar's patrons and the broader LGBTQ+ community. The raid was part of a routine practice of police harassment against LGBTQ+ establishments, but this time, the community fought back, leading to several days of clashes with law enforcement.

The riots galvanized the LGBTQ+ community, leading to increased activism and the formation of numerous advocacy groups. The events at Stonewall are widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring activists to organize and demand equal rights and protections. The following year, the first Gay Pride marches were held in New York City, Los Angeles, and other cities to commemorate the anniversary of the riots and to continue the fight for equality.

The legacy of the Stonewall Riots is profound, marking the beginning of a more visible and assertive LGBTQ+ rights movement. The Stonewall Inn was later designated a National Historic Landmark, and the area surrounding it was declared the Stonewall National Monument in 2016. The riots remain a symbol of resistance against oppression and a rallying point for ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): Jazz and song vocalist.

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996)

Early Life and Challenges (1917–1932)

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. Shortly after her birth, her parents separated, and she moved with her mother to Yonkers, New York. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Fitzgerald faced numerous challenges, including poverty and the death of her mother in 1932. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a dancer but found herself increasingly drawn to singing. Her difficult childhood and early experiences in New York shaped her resilient character and fueled her passion for music.

Beginnings of a Musical Career (1933–1938)

Ella Fitzgerald's musical career began almost by accident when she entered an amateur talent contest at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1934. Originally planning to dance, she decided to sing instead, performing ""Judy"" by Hoagy Carmichael. Her performance captivated the audience and won her first prize. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her professional career. In 1935, Fitzgerald joined Chick Webb's orchestra as a vocalist. Her time with Webb's band allowed her to develop her style and gain recognition. She recorded several hits with the band, including ""A-Tisket, A-Tasket,"" which became her breakout hit in 1938.

Rise to Fame and the Swing Era (1939–1949)

After Chick Webb's death in 1939, Fitzgerald took over as the bandleader, renaming the group Ella Fitzgerald and Her Famous Orchestra. Throughout the 1940s, she continued to build her reputation as one of the leading jazz vocalists of the swing era. Her versatile voice and impeccable timing made her a favorite among jazz enthusiasts. Fitzgerald's collaborations with other jazz greats, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong, further solidified her status as a prominent figure in the jazz world. Her ability to scat sing and improvise set her apart, showcasing her exceptional musicality and creativity.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was central to Ella Fitzgerald's career and legacy. The city provided the backdrop for her early performances and her rise to fame. Harlem, in particular, was a significant influence on her musical development, as it was the epicenter of jazz and swing during her formative years. The Apollo Theater, where she won the amateur talent contest, remained an important venue throughout her career. Fitzgerald frequently performed at New York's top jazz clubs and theaters, becoming a beloved figure in the city's vibrant music scene. Her connection to New York helped shape her career and cemented her place in the history of American music.

The Great American Songbook and Mainstream Success (1950–1965)

In the 1950s, Ella Fitzgerald began recording ""The Great American Songbook"" series, which featured her interpretations of songs by composers such as Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, and Duke Ellington. These recordings were critically acclaimed and brought Fitzgerald mainstream success. Her clear diction, impeccable phrasing, and ability to convey emotion made these albums definitive interpretations of classic American songs. Fitzgerald's collaborations with arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle produced some of her most celebrated works, further elevating her status as a premier vocalist.

International Acclaim and Later Career (1966–1989)

Ella Fitzgerald's career continued to flourish in the 1960s and beyond, with performances around the world and numerous accolades. She became known as the ""First Lady of Song"" and was celebrated for her contributions to jazz and popular music. Despite facing health challenges later in life, including diabetes that led to the amputation of both legs, Fitzgerald remained active in music. She recorded and performed into the 1980s, captivating audiences with her timeless voice and stage presence. Her dedication to her craft and her resilience in the face of adversity inspired fans and fellow musicians alike.

Legacy and Influence (1990–Present)

Ella Fitzgerald passed away on June 15, 1996, but her legacy endures. She left behind a vast catalog of recordings that continue to influence and inspire musicians across genres. Fitzgerald received numerous awards throughout her career, including 13 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her contributions to jazz and popular music are celebrated through various tributes, including the Ella Fitzgerald Theater in Newport News and the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, which supports music education and scholarships. Her voice remains a benchmark for vocal excellence, and her impact on American music is immeasurable.

Key Achievements:

• Won 13 Grammy Awards and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

• Recorded the critically acclaimed ""Great American Songbook"" series, defining interpretations of classic American songs.

• Became the ""First Lady of Song,"" celebrated for her contributions to jazz and popular music.

Summary:

Ella Fitzgerald's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the most beloved and influential vocalists in American music history is a testament to her talent, resilience, and passion for music. Her connection to New York City, where she launched her career and achieved stardom, played a crucial role in her development as an artist. Fitzgerald's legacy as the ""First Lady of Song"" continues to inspire musicians and captivate audiences worldwide. Her timeless recordings and contributions to jazz and popular music ensure that her influence will be felt for generations to come.

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-Matthew Larsen