CONEY ISLAND — Now that the 44th Annual Mermaid Parade is officially back on, following financial concerns, Coney Island USA named the king and queen for this year’s celebration on June 20. Musicians Jesse Malin and Rickie Lee Jones will be the parade’s king and queen this year.
Malin was the vocalist of punk band D Generation. In 2003, he released his solo debut, “The Fine Art of Self Destruction.” Rolling Stone described him as “a gritty troubadour of the streets.” He released eight more solo albums over 20 years, and his touring resume included headline shows and festival performances.
Musician Jesse Malin is the king of the 44th Annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. Photo: Mark Seliger
Malin’s songs have been covered by Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, Green Day, Elvis Costello, the Bleachers and Counting Crows.
In 2023, Malin suffered a rare spinal stroke, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He performed two sold-out nights at the Beacon Theatre the next year. This year, he made his off-Broadway debut in “Silver Manhattan.”
Jones is a two-time Grammy Award winner. Her career began with her self-titled debut album in 1979. She was named “The Duchess of Coolsville” by Time magazine.
She won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1980. In 1999, she was listed as one of VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Rock & Roll.
Jones released her Grammy-nominated album “Pieces of Treasure” in 2023 and published her celebrated memoir, “Last Chance Texaco.” Her next solo album is planned for 2026.
“The royalty for this year’s parade is a dream come true,” said Adam Rinn, Coney Island USA’s artistic director. “There’s no other working artist in New York at the moment who’s more deserving to lead this parade than Jesse.”
Rickie Lee Jones is the parade queen. Photo: Astor Morgan
Rinn said Malin is not only talented but an incredible songwriter who has given artists of all disciplines venues around the city to showcase their work.
“Rickie Lee Jones is one of the best singer-songwriters ever,” Rinn continued. “Rickie has influenced a generation of artists with her beautiful voice and her genre-defying blend of rock, jazz and pop.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced in his April 16 State of the Borough address that he will allocate funds to the nonprofit to help with the parade. Along with the help of a GoFundMe page that raised $40,000, the parade is back on.
“Nothing captures the magic of summer in Brooklyn better than the Mermaid Parade,” Reynoso said. “When Coney Island USA came to us in need, there was no question we had to step up.
“This parade belongs to the people of Brooklyn and to the thousands of artists who pour their hearts into their costumes, floats and performances every year. With Jesse Malin and Rickie Lee Jones as King and Queen, the 44th Annual Mermaid Parade is going to be an unforgettable celebration. I’m proud to help make it happen.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
