Studio 54 By: Chris Lambert

Growing up in New York (born & raised in the other Brooklyn, Staten Island), we (New Yorkers’) always felt we were above the “Star Struck” world of the rest of the country. There were many opportunities to run into or meet celebrities. Whether it be Don Imus at the Garden Open Tennis Tournament or Danny Divito at Katz Deli, there were always plenty of celebs roaming the City.

It's the Disco SeasonHaving a best friend who was a Sargent at the police Precinct 6 doors down from Studio 54 in my 20’s provided ample opportunities to meet & greet many of the crazy’s that frequented the club. I’m sure you all heard many stories about the club, and I can tell you, most are true (loved the Bar with no seats and a floor mirror surrounding the bar! Hooray for mini skirts). Besides never having to pay for a drink due to my friends Police status at the club, they were many times with access to the VIP club. Great times from what I remember (I did tell you, FREE BOOZE).

Working for a company in the Cosmetic Packaging Industry , I had the opportunity to develop Fragrance’s for many Celebs. Those meetings with the likes of Cher (kind of dull) , Cindy Crawford (at the telephone bank of the Revlon Building ), Liz Taylor (even at her advanced age, one of the most stunning and sweetest ladies I ever met), Ivanka Trump (spent most of the meeting on the phone with her “pool Boy”) (it may seem like I am name dropping, as of course I am, but just in the context of the story) were always exciting, but never came close to the time of meeting my all the who's who of the entertainment of the world and I Loved it.

From the first time I saw all these beautiful people coming in their red convertible (this scene clinched it) in my mind like the National Lampoon movie and through of them in swimsuits and Movie careers. I never held the Billy Joel thing against them. I never had a song written about me, so who am I to judge about all these up town people.

Every year, the Fragrance Foundation held it “Fragrance of The Year” Ball at Lincoln center. It was a black tie affair which many of the celebs attended. Every year and here I was take it all in. After all It was happenstance and luck that a kid from Staten Island made it here at all. Normally, not one of my favorite events (there were many others, like the Victoria Secret Runway show, one of my biggest customers at the time. Sorry, last name drop!) but I was super excited. Of course, leading up to the event, I spent countless hours trying to figure

out a way to meet them without looking like a Star Struck clown (as we New Yorkers’ are not).Before you know it smaller Disco Clubs started poping up all over Manhattan on the East side along first avenue. like Adam's Apple.

According to Wikipedia Studio 54 had been launched as the disco dancing and music trend was gaining popularity in the U.S. Its popularity grew rapidly, especially after the publication of a widely-circulated picture that showed actress Bianca Jagger at the club, riding a white horse. In the month after its opening, the club served an average of 2,000 guests per night. although it was only open on Tuesdays through Saturdays. By August 1977, the club had become so successful that Rubell and Schrager were considering opening similar nightclubs in Los Angeles and London. Rubell ultimately chose not to open similar clubs around the world, saying: "I'm very cautious about protecting the name and not cheapening it." In November 1977, Dan Dorfman of New York magazine quoted Rubell as saying that "only the Mafia made more money" than Studio 54, which made $7 million in its first year.

Upon Studio 54's first anniversary in April 1978, which attracted 3,000 guests, Rubell said the club's popularity contradicted sentiments that the club "wouldn't last more than a couple of months". That October, Rubell and Schrager closed the club for nine days, spending $500,000 on renovations. The work included adding spotlights and mirrored walls, as well as a movable bridge.

I remember standing out front at the Red Carpet as all the celebrities arrived. They were all just as beautiful in real life as the movies & magazines. I thought to my self that, I'm just a Star Stuck clown was standing here in aw of all the activity around me. I told my friend Frank about my encounter with all these people and the parties I attended at studio 54 and he thought it would be a great addition to his new book which is about a collection of short stories. Well, here it is, I hope that you enjoy reading it.