"The Garage" | |
Address | 84 King Street New York, New York United States |
---|---|
Coordinates | 40°43′41″N 74°00′23″W / 40.72794°N 74.00645°W |
Operator | Michael Brody |
Type | Nightclub |
Capacity | 1,400 |
Field size | 10,000 square feet (930 m2) |
Construction | |
Built | 1924 (as auto garage) |
Opened | January 28, 1978 |
Closed | October 1, 1987 |
Demolished | 2018 |
Architect | Victor Mayper |
Paradise Garage, also known as "the Garage"[1][2] or the "Gay-rage",[3][4][5] was a New York City discotheque notable in the history of dance and pop music, as well as LGBT and nightclub cultures.[6][7][1] The 10,000 square feet (930 m2) club was founded by sole proprietor Michael Brody, and occupied a building formerly located at 84 King Street[8] in the SoHo neighborhood. It operated from 1977 to 1987 and featured resident DJ Larry Levan.[9]
The Garage is credited with influencing the development of modern nightclubs, and is cited as a direct inspiration for London's Ministry of Sound.[10][11] Unlike other venues of its time, Paradise Garage promoted dancing rather than verbal interaction, and it was the first to place the DJ at the center of attention.[12] It was known for its enthusiastic-yet-unforgiving nature toward performers.[citation needed] It hosted many notable musicians including Diana Ross[13] and a young Madonna.[12] In 1979, Tim Curry released the album Fearless, containing the single "Paradise Garage", whose lyrics narrate visiting the discotheque.[14][15]