"The Rise and Fall of Studio 54"

 

The Rise and Fall of Studio 54: A Cultural Icon of New York City Nightlife

I had commented in yesterdays "Monday's music that I would find some information on the famous or infamous "Studio 54 the most famous club of the Disco era.  Here is some quick facts for those that remember the hair, the music, the flared collars and the bell bottomed jeans.  I honestly believed that the reason that Disco was so popular was that it was a form of "escapism", remember we had the "Misery Index" a new word that described the "Malaise" or the economic policies of the carter years and the post Vietnam era.  Disco started falling out of vogue when external factors forced the American people to step away and face reality, notably the "Iranian Hostage Situation", the subsequent failure at "Desert One" and the "Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan" was a triple whammy and it showed the weakness of the United States and that we were a "Paper Tiger"  We had to face reality and it was ugly, and Ronald Reagan ran on a slogan of "Are you better of Now than 4 years ago?"  and it was catchy and it showed that Jimmy Carter and his nanny state 1.0 had hobbled America. and it was a game changer.  Disco was a casualty of that era.  

I shamelessly clipped the Following article off "Google"

Introduction

Studio 54 was a New York City nightclub that became one of the most iconic and infamous nightclubs in the world. It was opened in April 1977 by Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, two young entrepreneurs who wanted to create the ultimate party destination in the city.

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The Club that Defined an Era

The club quickly became a cultural phenomenon and was known for its opulent and decadent interior design. The club's interior featured a giant disco ball, colorful lights, and a dance floor that could accommodate hundreds of dancers. The walls were covered in metallic silver and gold fabrics, and there were ornate sculptures and art installations throughout the club. The overall effect was a lavish, theatrical experience that became a symbol of the excesses of the era.

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Steve Rubell, Michael Jackson, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Cherrie Currie at the Studio 54

Studio 54 was also a celebrity magnet, attracting famous figures like Mick Jagger, Liza Minnelli, and Andy Warhol. The door policy was notoriously strict, and Rubell and Schrager were known for their discretion when it came to who was allowed inside. This exclusivity only added to the club's mystique and made it even more desirable. Despite the high cover charge and expensive drinks, Studio 54 was always packed with people who wanted to be a part of the scene.

The Downfall and Legacy of Studio 54

However, Studio 54's success was short-lived. In 1979, Rubell and Schrager were arrested and charged with tax evasion. They had been skimming cash from the club's profits and were eventually sentenced to prison. After their arrest, Studio 54's popularity began to wane, and it closed its doors for good in 1980.

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Andy Warhol, Calvin Klein, Brooke Shields and Steve Rubell at Studio 54

Despite its brief existence, Studio 54 left an indelible mark on New York City's cultural landscape. Its influence can still be seen today in the city's vibrant nightlife and in popular culture. The club's legacy has been immortalized in films, books, and documentaries, and its iconic status as a symbol of the disco era will never be forgotten.

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Sylvester "Rocky" Stallone and Sasha Stallone.

Where Are They Now: Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager

After their release from prison, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager went on to have successful careers in the hotel industry. They opened the Morgans Hotel in New York City in 1984, which became a landmark in the boutique hotel industry. Schrager continued to build on this success, launching the luxury hotel brand Edition Hotels in 2007. Rubell, unfortunately, passed away in 1989 due to complications related to AIDS.

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Ian Schrager, Roy Cohn and Steve Rubell.

In Conclusion

Studio 54 was a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of the disco era in New York City. Its iconic status as a symbol of the excesses of the era has endured, and its influence can still be seen in the city's vibrant nightlife and popular culture today. Although the club's success was short-lived, it remains a cultural touchstone and a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry.

We highly recommend the documentary: Studio 54