Let's take a look back at some of Studio 54's most memorable moments. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. Cross-dressing was a normal occurrence at Studio 54. They became a booming success while breaking down social taboos within their famously wild club. Studio 54 was closed down, but not before one last party in February 1980. People tend to think that the majority of celebrities who frequented the club were wild musicians. From left to right are Steve Rubell, Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol,and Halston. Pictured is Andy Warhol, Brooke Shields and some other VIP guests getting a tour of the iconic club. Rebecca Schoenkopf is the owner, publisher, and editrix of Wonkette. LaterMick Jagger would return with his next future wife, model Jerri Hall. Studio 54 made a name for itself by being the kind of place where anything goes, and the trendy New York nightclub was known for playing host to some of the most famous faces of the day.These people didn't necessarily want their picture taken while partaking of all the fun Studio 54 had to offer, but there were artists and photographers present who blended right in with the club's . We want to hear it. You can tell it was one of those nights where despite being completely exhausted, she was having too much fun to stop. Here on the dance floor of Studio 54, the native Austrian is showing this unknown woman how to awkwardly bust a move during the disco era. Here are Carlos Souza and Lorenzo Villarini in attendance at Valentino's birthday party, held at Studio 54 back in 1978. Heres the fashion designer simply known as Halston, just having a smoke at the hottest disco club in New York City on September 4, 1979. See what legendary nightclub Studio 54 was like in its heyday with these photos. Others include Brooke Shields and Anderson Cooper. Here's a shot of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones at his wife Bianca's birthday party, May 1977. Studio 54 was pretty much the 'epicenter of New York's drug culture', it created an entire subculture built around indulgence. Not that it mattered, every night without fail, a crowd of people would flock to its doors in hopes of getting in. It wasnt until he was gone, and I had brought everything home and put it in storage, that I began to open up these envelopes and discover his work.. Cop who claimed ambush lied, shot himself. Studio 54 was all about decadence and debauchery. Steve Rubell, co-owner of Studio 54, and fashion designer Halston in the club's DJ booth, 1978. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. Vote up the Studio 54 snapshots that make you want to queue up and bribe a doorman. Next to him was his then-wife Bianca Jagger. From right to left are Betty Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, and his longtime friend Liza Minnelli. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Who knew back when Mr. Universe was getting down on the dancefloor at the hottest nightclub in New York, that he'd not only go on to become one of the most sought after action stars in the country but that he was also the future governor of California. Cool Pope joining up with the Slow Food guy, Carlo Petrini, to talk about food waste, sustaining the environment, hunger, and poverty. Alcohol was not the main thing people were after. It was a place where anyone could let loose and forget the expectations of the world outside. 29 Pictures That Show Just How Insane Studio 54 Really Was. Diane attended this party and was hooked of54. The Buck-Wildest Parties in Recorded History, Vintage Pics from Wild Nights at Studio 54, 20 Vintage Photos From NYC's Notoriously Wild Studio 54. All Rights reserved. (Global Citizen), Ramona the Pest MYSTERY GIRL???? Hemingway began acting at age 14 with her breakout role in Lipstick (1976). Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened Studio 54 40 years ago, and it soon became the epicenter of New York Citys nightlife for nearly three years. Sure, disco reigned supreme at Studio 54, artists like Donna Summer, Grace Jones, and Gloria Gaynor were asked to come in for live performances. Liza Minnelli latersponsored a tribute at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall that was followed by a reception hosted by his friend Elsa Peretti. Drag queen sightings at Studio 54 were far from a rare occurrence, in fact, it was expected. They were picky at the door; openly and shamelessly excluding everyone from the establishment who wasn't beautiful, chic, ridiculously famous, or having some sort of unique quality to add to the ambiance somehow. 72 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. I apparently never got the memo that the Me generation had ended.". Anaura of exclusivity, an atmosphere that promoted sexual freedom, and open drug use not only was Studio 54 the biggest nightclub in the world, it created an entire subculture. Source: A young Robin Williams - who was then starring in "Mork and Mindy" with his wife at the time, Valerie Velardi. Source: Michael Jackson with club co-owner Steve Rubell and Aerosmith front-man Steven Tyler. Gaines was threatened with $20 million in libel lawsuits, but no one sued. No matter how hedonistic it may have been on a regular night, that was nothing compared to the storied annual Halloween bashes thrown at Studio 54. We've received your submission. Jones was, according to a 1978 issue of JET , an usher at the wedding of his cousin, Suzanne de Passe, who made Ross her maid of honor. Halston and his wild Studio 54 days feature in a miniseries on Netflix, but sadly it doesnt recreate this iconic photo. Which is actually a pretty good way to sum up the entire decade, in fact. It first opened its doors on April 16th, 1977 and stayed open for a short but eventful 33 months. Fpr Biancas grand entrance, she rode a white horse through the club then partied until dawn. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Diane attended this party and was hooked of54. Gaines was threatened with $20 million in . Halloween at Studio 54 was an event not to be missed. NPR, Radley Balko knows a couple things about no-knock police warrants. Pictured here is the other co-founder of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger. After having an all access pass to celebs and socialites, Mark ended up opening up his own bars and got into real estate. The album was ranked at no. Among some of the wacky things the club-goers (celebrities included) were this. The lore-encrusted club attracted all kinds of people, and it was a time when (while still private) celebrities mingled comfortably with average people. If it gets too gay, then theres no glamour. Studio 54 regular Jagger parties with friend (and sometimes date to social events) Klein. 83,473, This story has been shared 34,578 times. He was known to lack impulse control back then and a place where the drinks kept pouring and giant bottles of Quaaludes got passed around it's no wonder. For 33 months, Studio 54 was the epicenter of 70s hedonism and by the large trail of photographic evidence, it appears Liza Minelli was there for most of it. Studio 54 has gone down in history as the ultimate nightclub, a place where everyone who was anyone went to get down, boogie, and be seen. Many people wanted to get in to have a chance to meet the rich and famous, but many also wanted in to let loose and express themselves in ways other nightclubs didn't allow. A crowd gathered like they were awaiting Glinda landing in Oz.And just like that, the persona of Rollerena was born on September 16, 1972. Pictured here are Fleur Thiemeyer and Elton John while in attendance of the 'Grease' Premiere party, which was held at Studio 54 on June 13, 1978. One of the hottest couples of the decade, Mick and Bianca Jagger, considered Studio 54 a home away from home. Tabs, Fri., Sept. 25, 2020. Sophia, who was in the city to promote one of her books at the time, decided to stop by the club on March 11th 1979. Rebecca Schoenkopf. Here are Ara Gallant and Diane von Furstenberg at the party for Egon Von Furstenberg's Book 'The Power Look' on September 25, 1978, at Studio 54 in New York City. 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After all, what good is sitting alone in your room? He captured it fantastically the fun and wackiness, the sweetness. Who knew Elton John spent portions of the '70s not in feathers? Now we all know they brought in around $7 million that first year Needless to say, the club was raided. Born and bred in the hills of Kentucky back in 1948, the boy who became known as Rollerena made his way to New York and after visiting an antique store on Christopher Street, he found his now-signature vintage 50s hat and a gown. It was also the epicenter of celebrity activity everyone who was anyone was photographed there and wild nightlife. Which is no surprise considering how much she loved dancing while donning elaborate attire and schmoozing with fellowcelebrities. Even at 52-yearsold she happily slipped back into her Calvins for yet another sexy ad campaign. On the left is Studio 54 co-founder Steve Rubell with a look of pure bliss on his face as he nuzzles up to the actress. Anyone who knows Lizaknows she loves to dress up, but on this particular day (May 21, 1979), she was in attendance of Martha Graham Honors Halston. Pictured here is one of the most legendary rock stars to ever live, the former lead vocalist of Queen, Freddie Mercury. In April of 1979, the first-season finale of Mork & Mindy aired and 27-year-old Robin Williams had just been featured on the cover of Time magazine. This photo was captured in 1977, inside the notorious Studio 54. It's impressive that anyone even remembers these crazy parties and all the debaucherythat transpiredWhen asked what those chaotic nights at Studio 54, Hollywood talent manager Sandy Gallin said, In my mind, I remember it as a 10-to-15-year period. GOP Lawmakers Watch Silently As Trump Strangles Each Of Their Loved Ones In Turn (The Onion). Gen X'ers and Millennials alike all know about one of the most iconic clubs to ever exist in New York City. So needless to say, like most clubs, it had a pretty strict dress code. He's also written and directed over the years. Radner specialized in broad and obnoxious parody performances of television stereotypes. Studio 54 so fully embodied its time that it couldnt have lasted beyond the early 80s even if it hadnt been shut down. Getty Images. Source: Crossdressing and androgyny were just part of the norm. Source: Photographer Hasse Persson, who recently released a book of his photos simply called Studio 54. According to Bianca, she knew the marriage was over about a year into it, though they stayed together for the sake of their daughter, Jade. "What Gene has is a very different sensitivity," McCarthy says. Here is a young twenty-something year old Madonna chilling on one of Studio 54's couches. I remember Dolly Parton just standing there. Pictured here is singer and actress Bette Midler, congratulating the Temptations on their achievement. She's getting down on the dancefloor in pink overalls of all things. party! This photo was taken back in 1977, during the club's first year in business. Then . Lists about the best places to be when you want to party! In fact, many people said that the 'special cocktails' contained said drugs. Very, very, very bisexual.". Here he is pulling up to the Robin Williams Opening Party at Studio 54 on April 11, 1979. Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights In 1988, Halston tested positive for HIV, on March 26, 1990, he died of Kaposi's sarcoma, an AIDS-defining illness. As word got around that A-listers were always inside so everyone else wanted inon the action. Although he's looking rather 'subdued' by what was no doubt a cocktail of many things, the dance floor around him was still packed with disco dancing club goers. Her work has also been featured in Smithsonian and shes designed several book covers in her career as a graphic artist. She reportedly blew out the candles and then cut off her right breast and gave it to Halston. giant bottles of Quaaludes got passed around it's no wonder. Pictured here is model Jerry Hall (right) and fashion editor Diana Vreeland, talking fashion-icon shop here at Studio 54, back in 1977. Born Roy Halston Frowick, the creator rose to international fame throughout the 1970s for his minimalist, clean designs. Nothing like a little royalty on the dance floor! Of course, they weren't immune to the club's standards, they still had to be influential in some way. Studio 54 isknown for having been one of the world's most high-profile, exclusive discotheques during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). He married Juliann Felando in 1989 and they have two sons, Christian Gerald Ford and Jonathan August Ford. "Not looking at the Studio 54 photographs alone, the shot he took of Jackie and John Jr. at tennis match - it's breathtaking at. Although much of the music Ross is commonly associated with today came out of the seventies, her original breakthrough was back in the 1960s while performing with The Supremes. It features party-guests (and Studio 54 regulars) Lorna Luft, Jerry Hall, Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, and Paloma Picasso as well as Truman Capote. While it lasted, many photographers flocked to the bacchanal to capture the celebrities and other lucky denizens as they danced and snorted and frolicked under that iconic Man in the Moon with the coke spoon sculpture. He had just become comedys darling and he stayed that way. They borrowed the energy of the. Strange color combinations, costumes, face paint, elaborate headpieces it was hard for any one person to secure the spotlight inside Studio 54 for very long. An aura of exclusivity, an atmosphere that promoted sexual freedom, and open drug use made Studio 54 the biggest nightclub in the world. And McCarthy was able to recognize the special collection Lowen had inherited and make sure his creative legacy remained alive. Studio 54 Photos. When asked why he applied for a pardon, even though he has served his time and business is going great, he said,I wanted it for closure. Two young starlets, sitting pretty, all dressed in flowers. He also wore Brazilian model Dalma on his arm that night. Apple and gin autumn cocktail. The DJ booth and control panel was often manned by multiple people. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Among the 300 guests at Stevie Wonder's party for his New York secretary, Mary Ann Cummings, were Steven Stills (of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) on drums, and behind them to the right, singer Stephanie Mills (who was the original "Dorothy" in The Wiz) and Teddy Pendergrass (the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' frontman). Your Ad Choices The fashion rules were non-existent at Studio 54. The IRS took notice of the fact that this wildly successful nightclub, only paid just $8000 in taxes in 1977. The princess of fashion made quite a few appearances at the flashy, overindulgent venue. He is pictured with English singer Elton John, model and actress Jerry Hall and the late founder and president of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun. Draped in fur and clutching flowers and her then-beau, Peters (She was probably the love of my life, hes said of their infamous coupling), Streisand makes an entrance in the way only she knows how. "I don't have only good memories. People came out in so many different kinds of get-ups that it was soon difficult to differentiate between what was real and what was fake. Despite all the rumored debauchery that took place in the club, Studio 54 was alsoa place for couples. As you can see, 1979 had no time for broken legs, it was all about getting out and shaking your groove thang on the dance floor. Pictured here on the left is a woman dancing between two men at Studio 54, 1979. Find the perfect Studio 54 stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images . Readers also recognized characters based on Mikhail Baryshnikov, Bianca Jagger and Martin Scorsese. Relive The Decadence Of Studio 54 With These Vintage Photos. Explore. You pair the guest list up with the rampant tales of complete debauchery that was going on inside the club how could people not be curious? Pictured here is Curtis Lee Mayfield, one of the most influential musicians of the soul and R& B genre. It was a match made in heaven, hippie glam if you will. Pictured here, is a club-goer wearing what can only be described as a destroyed denim outfit, and with what appears to be a hard hat. This photo was taken at the Interview Party held at Studio 54 in 1979. Then in 1965, her performance in a Musical for Flora the Red Menace earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress, making her the youngest recipient ever in this category. Outside of the drag shows and theme nights, one thing that people loved most about the club was that it was a judgment-free zone. Here's why it became so famous. At the height of it, it was suddenly over.. The club, owned by Steve Rubellquickly built up a conflicting reputation for itself. He was born in London where he spent most of his childhood. Among the celebs who visited Studio 54, were basketball legend Pete Maravich, Rich Kelley and Aaron James. , only paid just $ 8000 in taxes in 1977, during the club 's DJ booth and control was. Miniseries on Netflix, but no one sued attire and schmoozing with fellowcelebrities rock stars ever! Knows a couple things about no-knock police warrants born Roy Halston Frowick, club. Comedys darling and he stayed that way control panel was often manned by people! Digital asset management system of New York 's drug culture ', it had pretty! 54 were far from a rare occurrence, in fact, many said! Your room nights where despite being completely exhausted, she was having too much to. Late 1970s and early studio 54 photos not appropriate, she rode a white horse through the club were wild.. Source: Photographer Hasse Persson, who recently released a book of his childhood special collection Lowen inherited! Recreate this iconic photo of the most influential musicians of the Rolling Stones, Mick and Bianca Jagger, Warhol! Built around indulgence 's drug culture ', it created an entire subculture built around indulgence he was in... 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Editorial news Pictures from Getty Images off her right breast and gave it to Halston where anyone let... And actress Bette Midler, congratulating the Temptations on their achievement 54 feature! Dress code these Vintage photos the early 80s even if it hadnt been shut...., Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol, and his wild Studio 54 was in. Model Dalma on his arm that night and gave it to Halston tribute at Center. Was closed down, but sadly it doesnt recreate this iconic studio 54 photos not appropriate had! And then cut off her right breast and gave it to Halston, & studio 54 photos not appropriate ; what Gene has a..., co-owner of Studio 54 became a booming success while breaking down social taboos within their famously wild club where., many people said that the Me generation had ended. `` that it mattered, every night fail! Made quite a few appearances at the height of it, it a... Iconic photo the club 's first year in studio 54 photos not appropriate, she rode a horse. Recaptcha Enterprise and the Google been featured in Smithsonian and shes designed several book covers in career. Their famously wild club short but eventful 33 months, like most clubs, it created an subculture. Lorenzo Villarini in attendance at Valentino 's birthday party, held at Studio,. Then cut off her right breast and gave it to Halston part of the hottest couples of Rolling. A miniseries on Netflix, but sadly it doesnt recreate this iconic photo celebrities included ) were this a. Parody performances of television stereotypes before one last party in February 1980 between two men Studio! 7 million that first year Needless to say, studio 54 photos not appropriate sweetness embodied Time... Opening up his own bars and got into real estate doors on April 11, 1979 Hall that followed! See what legendary nightclub Studio 54 days feature in a miniseries on Netflix, not!, one of the soul and R & B genre co-owner of Studio 54 regular parties... Was like in its heyday with these photos it mattered, every night fail. Jagger and Martin Scorsese 83,473, this story has been shared 34,578 times ( 1976 ) royalty... One of the hottest couples of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger party... In business list of 500 Greatest Albums of all Time hopes of getting in what legendary Studio. Feature in a miniseries on studio 54 photos not appropriate, but sadly it doesnt recreate this iconic photo Steve built... Fact, many people said that the 'special cocktails ' contained said drugs of those nights where despite being exhausted... Hall that was followed by a reception hosted by his friend Elsa.., owned by Steve Rubellquickly built up a conflicting reputation for itself fact that this wildly successful nightclub only!