In case you aren’t chosen, we’re coming up on the heels of the Jewish New Year. Unlike in other arty fields, like being a writer or comedian, rock music isn’t a field known for its Jews. I mean, of course there’s Bob Dylan, but a lot of rock stars are hiding their Judaism with stage names. Some rockin’ Jews who you might have thought were goyim:
- Neil Diamond
- Paula Abdul
- Babydaddy of the Scissor Sisters (aka Scott Hoffman)
- Ike Turner
- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- Scott Ian of Anthrax (aka Scott Ian Rosenfeld)
- Lenny Kravitz
- Joey Ramone (aka Jeffrey Ross Hyman)
- Princess Superstar (aka Concetta Kirschner)
- Pink (aka Alecia Beth Moore)
We may not all agree with their theological criticism, but the sentiment is definitely positive. A few indie artists have discussed Judaism with UI, including tattoos with The Bloodsugars, mitzvahs with Au Revoir Simone and Kabbalah with Pharaoh’s Daughter. But if it’s really all about the food for you, check out Drowning Girl’s ode to potato pancakes.
Hopefully this will help you get your indie New Year on, whether you knew you were a Jew or not!
Shalom, triumphantlyjenny.
The cool discovery is that rock and roll may not be known for Jews, but there wouldn’t be rock and roll if not for Jews. Alan Freed (deejay) and Leo Mintz (record store owner) invented the term and popularized the music in Cleveland in 1951. The first rock and roll show at the Cleveland Arena was in 1952 and caused a riot because more people showed up than the hall could hold. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Slash, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, Warren Zevon — all Jewish. The guy who invented the moog synthesizer and electronic music – Robert Moog – Jewish. Checkout http://www.jewsrock.net and you’ll that rock and roll and Judaism are about to get right in your face! A book is coming out, an exhibition being prepared, and an educational DVD is in the works — all celebrating Jewish musicians, record producers, songwriters, promoters, and innovators in rock and roll. Jews DO Rock! Janet