The most legendary club of club culture history...
Opening in February 1978 and closing down in the fall of 1987, Paradise Garage is quite possibly the most revered of all of the great Dance clubs. Strongly influenced by David Mancuso's stellar sound system and familial atmosphere at The Loft, Paradise Garage became known for industry-defining sound and a congenial, loving environment serving as respite from the dangers and concerns of the streets of New York City. DJ Larry Levan presided over the Garage (as it was lovingly known) and inspired a reverence from club audiences unsurpassed in the history of Dance music. Paradise Garage became known musically for preserving the spirit and ambience of classic Disco while moving resolutely forward in musical style and innovation. The Dance music genre Garage is a lasting tribute to the club's importance to Dance music history.
Throughout its history Paradise Garage had only one resident DJ, Larry Levan, widely revered as one of the most talented of all Dance DJs. A veteran of the Gallery, Continental Baths, and Reade St. (Paradise Garage's immediate precursor), Levan had strong connections with the New York Disco community.
Larry Levan's musical palette at Paradise Garage was one of the most diverse ever in a Dance venue. He would incorporate elements of Rock, Disco, Jazz, R&B, Latin and more if it seemed to fit the mood of the moment. While nearly anything might be heard on the dancefloor, a more specific style began to emerge as a predominant sound. Ultimately known as Garage, this style was true to the sound and feel of Disco while adding technological elements that successfully brought the music forward. Levan's intimate connection with the record label West End Records, run by Michael Brody's life partner Mel Cheren, insured success for such West End classics as Karen Young's Hot Shot, The Peech Boys' Don't Make Me Wait, and Taana Gardner's Heartbeat.
Part legend and part reality, Paradise Garage is certain to live on.
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