
Crowds linger outside the entrance to Studio 54 in New York, Nov. 6, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Ref #: PA.17555473
Studio 54 was the New Club in New York City where the famous and beautiful went to dance and mingle.

Actress Catherine Deneuve dances at New York disco, Studio 54, Feb. 27, 1979. Man at right is unidentified.
The original incarnation of Studio 54 closed with a final party on Feb. 4, 1980, when Diana Ross personally serenaded Rubell and Schrager. Ryan O’Neal, Mariel Hemingway, Richard Gere, Jack Nicholson, and Sylvester Stallone were among the guests. After the original Studio 54 was closed, Schrager and Rubell pleaded guilty to tax evasion and spent 13 months in prison. When it reopened under new ownership in September 1981, Schrager and Rubell were hired as consultants.
“There isn’t a nightclub in the world that you can sit in for a long time unless you can at least buy some liquor and get drunk. Or unless you’re with some girl that really knocks you out.”
— J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Dame Rollerena, drag queen who skates the streets of New York, is shown at New York’s Studio 54, March 1979. (AP Photo)
The key of the success of Studio 54 is that it’s a dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor.
-Andy Warhol

A woman in a gold glitter cast on her leg arrives at New York’s Studio 54 for a night of disco dancing, March 1979. (AP Photo)

A typically attired busboy at Studio 54 in New York carries a container on his head, March 1979. (AP Photo)

Brightly attired patron uses a fan to cool off in the lounge at New York’s Studio 54, March 1979. (AP Photo)

Entertainer Liza Minnelli, center, is shown with fashion designer Halston, right, and Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell, March 1979, at New York’s Studio 54. (AP Photo)

Ballet star Rudolph Nureyev, center in brown leather pants, chats with unidentified friends at New York’s Studio 54, March 1979. (AP Photo)

Singer Bette Midler, left, greets members of the soul group, the Temptations, and unidentified guests, are shown at the new in-spot disco, Studio 54, at a party given to announce the Temptations’ new recording contract with Atlantic records in New York, May 9, 1977. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Halloween revelers at New York’s Studio 54 dance the night away in costumes ranging from burlesque to stellar. The party was held at the New York Discoteque Oct. 31, 1977. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 31/10/1977

Halloween revelers at New York’s Studio 54 dance the night away in costumes ranging from burlesque to stellar. The party was held at the New York Discoteque Oct. 31, 1977. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 31/10/1977

An unidentified woman in a Zoot Suit struts her stuff on the floor of New York’s Studio 54. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/03/1979

Lucie Arnaz, left, and Liza Minnelli chat at New York’s Studio 54, March 1979. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/03/1979

Sophia Loren, with a split seam on her dress, is escorted out the back door of Studio 54 in New York as her chauffeur holds an umbrella, March 11, 1979. Sophia Loren visited the New York nightspot while in town to promote her book. (AP Photo)
Date: 11/03/1979

Dancer Rudolf Nureyev initiates nine-year-old Ricky Schroder into the delights of disco dancing at Studio 54 in New York on Sunday, April 2, 1979. Ricky had previously attended the preview of the remake of The Champ in which he stars with Jon Voight. (AP Photo/Quinto)
Date: 02/04/1979

Actor and comedian Robin Williams dances with his wife, Valerie Velardi, at Studio 54 in New York City on April 12, 1979. Williams is appearing in the ABC television comedy series
Date: 12/04/1979

Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell, second from left, works the line at the door as co-owner Ian Schrager, left, watches outside the disco, June 26, 1979, New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Ali MacGraw celebrates the re-opening of Studio 54 in New York, Sept. 26, 1979, with steady companion Peter Weller. The controversial night spot re-opened after renovations, Tuesday at midnight. (AP Photo)
Date: 26/09/1979

Rock star Elton John, in his trademark hat and tinted glasses, shakes hands with Geraldine Page at New York’s Studio 54, Oct. 28, 1979. (AP Photo)
Date: 28/10/1979

An unidentified woman whispers in the ear of British rock star Elton John at New York’s Studio 54 early Sunday, Oct 28, 1979. John has his customary hat and dark glasses. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 29/10/1979

Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell and his attorney Roy Cohn, left, talk to reporters outside U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Friday, Nov. 2, 1979, after Rubell and his partner, Ian Schrager, pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges. By pleading guilty they avoid prosecution under an indictment that make them liable to prison terms of 36 years each if convicted. (AP Photo)
Date: 02/11/1979

Patrons of New York’s dance club Studio 54 gyrate to the disco beat, Nov. 6, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 06/11/1979

The dance floor is crowded with dancers gyrating to a disco beat at New York’s Studio 54, Nov. 6, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 06/11/1979

Hopeful patrons vie for position by the velvet rope hoping to gain entry into the popular disco club, Studio 54 in New York, Nov. 6, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 06/11/1979
“New York is the loneliest city. It doesn’t smoke anymore, it doesn’t drink much anymore, it doesn’t do drugs, it’s too rich and too expensive. The people who made the fun for the people who made the money have moved out. It’s safe. But the city that doesn’t sleep can now barely stay awake for dessert—if it ever ate dessert… In a generation, New York swapped Studio 54 for an African-dance class. We don’t just connive in our own humiliation, but in our own loneliness, too.
– A. A. GILL, The Sorrow and the Pilates, Vanity Fair, January 2007.

Steve Rubell, (foreground, in short satin jacket) co-owner of Studio 54, is shown overseeing the crowds of hopefuls standing on the outside of the velvet rope, waiting to be allowed entry to dance at the disco club, Nov. 11, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 11/11/1979

Crowds at the entrance to Studio 54 wait to enter the disco dance club in New York, Nov. 11, 1979. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Date: 11/11/1979

Dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater take over the floor at the New York disco Studio 54 Monday night., November 20, 1979. The company performed one its works “Suite Otis” at a benefit for the group. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
Date: 20/11/1979

A general view of the dance floor as revelers dance the night away at New York’s Studio 54 disco, 1977. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17645271
Date: 01/01/1977

Dame Rollerena, who can be seen skating the streets of New York when she’s not at Studio 54, is shown at the club with her magic wand, 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/01/1977

Just a few dancers are pictured on the floor at New York’s Studio 54, 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/01/1977

A couple dances back to back on the dance floor of New York’s Studio 54, 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/01/1977

Woman clad in scant purple garments hits the dance floor at New York’s Studio 54, 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/01/1977

Patrons enjoy themselves at New York’s Studio 54 in 1978. Co-owner Ian Schrager was arrested for cocaine possession Dec. 1978, during an Internal Revenue Service search of the disco’s books, according to U.S. Attorney Peter Sudler. (AP Photo)

Conductor Leonard Bernstein takes to the dance floor with his daughter Jamie at a party at Studio 54 in New York, Nov. 15, 1977. The party followed the premiere of the new movie “The Turning Point” starring Shirley MacLaine and Anne Bancroft. (AP Photo)
Date: 15/11/1977

Leonard Bernstein has a laugh with his daughter Jamie as they rest and have some refreshments after a dance at the Studio 54 disco in New York, Nov. 15, 1977. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17643683
Date: 15/11/1977

Liza Minnelli dancing at Studio 54 in New York City disco on Nov. 19, 1977. (AP Photo/ Richard Drew)
Date: 19/11/1977

Actress Liza Minnelli teases an unidentified man about his shoes as they meet on the dance floor at New York’s Studio 54 at night on Saturday, Nov. 19, 1977. Liza declined the opportunity to dance with the man because of his shoes. (AP Photo/ Richard Drew)
Date: 19/11/1977

Actor Omar Sharif kicks up his heels on the dance floor at New York’s Studio 54 on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1977 with dancing partner Bulle Ogier, a French actress. It was Omar’s first to the popular nightspot. (AP Photo)
Date: 30/11/1977

Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell smiles for a photographer inside his disco as revelers dance the night away in the background, in New York, Dec. 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/12/1977

Literary agent Irving Lazar is pictured at New York’s Studio 54, Dec. 3, 1977. (AP Photo)
Date: 03/12/1977

Liza Minnelli, back to camera, listens to Bianca Jagger and designer Halston at Studio 54 in New York City on December 12, 1977. Bianca Jagger is the guest of honor at party given by Halston (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Date: 12/12/1977

Liza Minnelli with her husband Jack Haley, Jr. at party in honor of Bianca Jagger given by designer Halston at Studio 54 in New York City on December 12, 1977. Minnelli is talking to unidentified guests at the party. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Date: 12/12/1977

Gilda Radner arrives at Studio 54 for a party given in honor of Bianca Jagger December 12, 1977, given by fashion designer Halston. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Date: 12/12/1977

Singing star Diana Ross and comedian Richard Pryor dance at Studio 54 in New York, Dec. 16, 1977. (AP Photo)

Disco Dancing – Bianca Jagger and companion dance at New York’s Studio 54.
EDS: we have not been able to identify Miss Jagger’s companion. (AP-Photo) 16.12.1977
Date: 16/12/1977

New Orleans Jazz basketball players, Pete Maravich, center, Rich Kelley, left, and Aaron James unwind at New York’s Studio 54, Dec. 30, 1977, following an NBA game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Jazz players were in good spirits despite their team’s 118-116 loss to the Knicks. (AP Photo)

Neon decoration in front of an empty dance floor at New York’s Studio 54 disco, shown 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 01/01/1978

Romanian tennis star Ilie Nastase takes to the dance floor, Jan. 6, 1978, at New York’s Studio 54 disco. He wears the eyeglasses of an unidentified partner, who put them down as a joke while they danced. Nastase said it was his first visit to the night club. (AP Photo)

Writer Truman Capote is seen at Studio 54 in New York City on January 7, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.8658369
Date: 07/01/1978

(AP) Capote steeps out – Author Truman Capote dances with Mrs. Winston Guest early thursday morning Jan. 12, at studio 54, a New York City Disco that has become popular with the celebrity set. (AP-Photo) January 12, 1978
Ref #: PA.4400300
Date: 12/01/1978

Pat Boone dances with daughter Debbie Boone at Studio 54 in New York City, Jan. 13, 1978. (AP Photo/Ron Frehm)
Ref #: PA.9482624
Date: 13/01/1978

Margaret Trudeau, estranged wife of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, dances at New York’s Studio 54 discotheque at night on Monday, Jan. 17, 1978. (AP Photo/ Richard Drew)
Ref #: PA.7310896
Date: 17/01/1978

From left, night club owner Steve Rubell, film director Lina Wertmuller and television personality Ed McMahon are pictured at New York’s Studio 54, Jan. 17, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17642644
Date: 17/01/1978

This is a general view of the scene on the dance floor at New York’s Studio 54 disco, Jan. 17, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17645266
Date: 17/01/1978

This is a general view of the scene on the dance floor at New York’s Studio 54 disco with just a few dancers on the floor, Jan. 17, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17645274
Date: 17/01/1978

Club owner Steve Rubell mans the velvet rope outside his disco, New York’s Studio 54, Jan. 17, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17645278
Date: 17/01/1978
Solitaire. It was an attractive name. No wonder they had christened her that in the sleazy nightclubs of Port au Prince. Even in her present promise of warmth towards him there was much that was withdrawn and mysterious.”
— Ian Fleming, Live and Let Die

Farrah Fawcett-Majors dances with Richard Barrie, president of Faberge, during the Faberge party at Studio 54 in New York, Feb. 6, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17643695
Date: 06/02/1978

Margaux Hemingway, Cary Grant and Farrah Fawcett-Majors are pictured at the Faberge bash at Studio 54 in New York, Feb. 6, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17643696
Date: 06/02/1978

New York tennis star Vitas Gerulaitis chats with Jerry Hall, fashion model and girlfriend of Mick Jagger,l at Studio 54, famed New York disco, Feb. 14, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17654489
Date: 14/02/1978

Jack Ford, left, son of former President Gerald Ford, talks with singer Alice Cooper at New York’s Studio 54 on February 16, 1978. Twenty years later, Jack Ford s back on the national scene and he s helping plan another party. This summer’s Republican National Convention in his adopted hometown of San Diego.(AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.4933766
Date: 16/02/1978

American actors Sylvester Stallone and actress Joyce Ingalls pose for the camera at New YorkÂs, United States, Studio 54 disco on Saturday, Feb. 18, 1978. Miss Ingalls co-stars with Stallone in SlyÂs new film ÂParadise Alley. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.11933140
Date: 18/02/1978
Those were the days my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
– Mary Hopkin, Those Were The Days

Margaret Trudeau, estranged wife of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, dances with Tom Sullivan, a member of Andy Warhol’s Factory, dressed in cowboy hat and snakeskin boots, at New York’s Studio 54, Feb. 17, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17643688
Date: 17/02/1978

Leon Spinks, the new heavyweight champion of the world, dances at Studio 54 in New York, Feb. 22, 1978, with Lisa Dawn Gold of Philadelphia. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17590636
Date: 22/02/1978
“I feel the same way about disco as I do about herpes.”
— Hunter S. Thompson

Leon Spinks, the new heavyweight champion of the world, dances at Studio 54 in New York, Feb. 22, 1978, with Lisa Dawn Gold of Philadelphia. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17590641
Date: 22/02/1978

Designer Halston dances cheek-to-cheek with Liz Taylor at New York’s Studio 54 March 7, 1978, as a cake bearing the actress’s likeness sits in the foreground. Looming n background is a portrait of Taylor’s husband John Warner. The occasion was a belated birthday party thrown by Halston to mark Liz’s 46th birthday. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17590651
Date: 07/03/1978

Singer Tom Jones admired a necklace worn by Rina Messinger of Israel, Miss Universe 1976, while she beams back at him as they meet at New YorkÂs studio 54, on Sunday, March 19, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.12143556
Date: 19/03/1978

Muhammad Ali, despite having been defeated as the world heavyweight boxing champion, still finds himself the center of attention during a visit to New York’s Studio 54, March 25, 1978. Chatting with Ali is television interviewer David Frost, left. Others are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17642639
Date: 25/03/1978

Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali maintains a neutral expression as he makes his way across the crowded dance floor of New York’s popular disco, Studio 54, during a brief visit, March 25, 1978. Ali, remembered for his “Ali Shuffle” in the ring, did not dance during the visit. Others around him are unidentified. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17642642
Date: 25/03/1978

Actor Gene Kelly, left, and director-choreographer Bob Fosse have an animated discussion at the opening night party for Fosse’s new musical “Dancin'” at the Tavern on the Green in New York’s Central Park in this March 27, 1978, file photo. “Dancin’,” Bob Fosse’s celebration of the world of dance, will return to Broadway next season in a new production by the Roundabout Theatre Company. The all-dance show, directed by Graciela Daniele, will open May 5, 2009, at Studio 54, Todd Haimes, the Roundabout’s artistic director, announced Thursday, March 20, 2008. It will begin preview performances April 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, file)
Ref #: PA.5795011
Date: 27/03/1978

Celebrities gather at Studio 54 in New York, April 4, 1978, to watch Academy Awards on giant screen televisions. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Ref #: PA.9730378
Date: 04/04/1978

Celebrities gather at Studio 54 in New York to watch the Academy Awards on giant screen television, April 4, 1978. Margaret Trudeau arrives with Andy Warhol. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Ref #: PA.9730382
Date: 04/04/1978

Author Truman Capote chats with actor Yul Brynner at Studio 54 in New York, April 4, 1978. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Ref #: PA.9730384
Date: 04/04/1978

Celebrities gather at Studio 54 in New York to watch the Academy Awards on giant screen television, April 4, 1978. Margaret Trudeau arrives with Andy Warhol. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Date: 04/04/1978

Ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov does a little jig as he juggles a glass in one hand while attempting to light a match for his dance partner and close friend, Rhoda Grauer, April 18, 1978 during the Don Quixote Ball at New York’s Studio 54. The ball is sponsored by the Harness Ballet School. (AP Photo)
Date: 14/04/1978

Actress Tatum O’Neal appears to be enjoying herself as she dances the night away at New York’s Studio 54 disco, April 15, 1978. Tatum’s father, actor Ryan O’Neal, was also present. (AP Photo)
Date: 15/04/1978
“A wise man once said, never discuss philosophy or politics in a disco environment.”
— Frank Zappa

Young actress Tatum O’Neal, daughter of actor Ryan O’Neal, enjoys the ride as dancer Sterling Saint Jacques gives her a lift during an evening of dancing at New York’s Studio 54, April 23, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 23/04/1978

Television actress Kristy McNichol dances with Stew Star at New York’s Studio 54 disco, May 6, 1978. Ms. McNichol currently stars in the TV series “Family”. (AP Photo)
Date: 06/05/1978

Fashion designer Valentino, dresses as a ringmaster, appears with Brazilian model Dalma at his birthday party at Studio 54 in New York, May 11, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17642656
Date: 11/05/1978

Actress Ali MacGraw and actor Peter Weller relax at New York’s Studio 54, May 11, 1979. They have just completed a movie together. (AP Photo)
Date: 11/05/1978

Prince Vittorio Emanuele, left, son of Italy’s exiled King Umberto and his wife, Princess Marina Doria, stop to wish a happy birthday to Roman fashion designer Valentino at a costume party for the designer at New York’s Studio 54, May 11, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 11/05/1978

Actor Abe Vigoda of “Barney Miller” fame, and his wife Beatrice are shown at New York’s Studio 54, May 15, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 15/05/1978

Former Columbia Pictures president David Begelman, right, is shielded from photographers by a companion as he leaves New York’s Studio 54, May 18, 1978. Begelman pleaded “nolo contendere” (no contest) in Los Angeles to charges of grand theft of $40,000 from Columbia Pictures. (AP Photo)
Date: 18/05/1978

Veteran comedian Phyllis Diller hits the dance floor with club owner Steve Rubell at Studio 54 in New York, June 11, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 11/06/1978
Nightclubbing we’re nightclubbing
We’re what’s happening
Nightclubbing we’re nightclubbing
We’re an ice machine
– Iggy Pop, Nightclubbing

Veteran comedian Phyllis Diller hits the dance floor with unidentified friend at Studio 54 in New York, June 11, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 11/06/1978

Actress Carol Channing and film producer Allan Carr kick up their heels in animated fashion at New York’s Studio 54 during a party for the opening of the movie “Grease”, June 13, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 13/06/1978

Rock star Elton John is shown with actress Stockard Channing at New York’s Studio 54 disco, June 13, 1978, during a party for the opening of the movie “Grease”. (AP Photo)
Date: 13/06/1978

Actress Carol Channing and film producer Allan Carr kick up their heels in animated fashion at New York’s Studio 54 during a party for the opening of the movie “Grease”, June 13, 1978. (AP Photo)
Date: 13/06/1978

Unidentified disco dancer at Studio 54, New York City, June 22, 1978. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Date: 22/06/1978

Eartha Kitt, left, and her daughter, Kitt McDonald are seen at New York’s Studio 54, June 22, 1978. (AP Photo/G. Paul Burnett)
Date: 22/06/1978
I have died too many times
believing and waiting, waiting
in a room
staring at a cracked ceiling
waiting for the phone, a letter, a knock, a sound…
going wild inside
while she danced with strangers in nightclubs…
— Charles Bukowski, Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame

British pop singer Elton John, left, Lana Hamilton, wife of actor George Hamilton, and rock singer Rod Stewart arrive at New York’s Studio 54, July 10, 1978, to celebrate at a party given by RCA Records, who signed John to a contract with the recording company. Others are unidentified.
Date: 10/07/1978

Dr. Timothy Leary, the former psychedelic drug guru puts his all into dancing at New YorkÂs studio 54, Thursday, July 20, 1978 while he boogies at a post premier party for the opening of Sgt. Pepper’s lonely hearts club band! (AP Photo/Drew)
Date: 20/07/1978

Actress Ali MacGraw and her companion, movie producer Larry Spangler, make the scene at New York’s Studio 54, Oct. 10, 1978. MacGraw came, danced and went barefoot. (AP Photo)
Date: 10/10/1978

New York Yankees’ Reggie Jackson dances the night away with companion Lisa Ryall, who identified herself as a New York model, at New York’s Studio 54, Oct. 19, 1978. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17642637
Date: 19/10/1978

Joan Kennedy, wife of Massachusetts Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, shrieks with delight as she grabs a floating balloon during the Yankees victory party at Studio 54, Oct. 19, 1978. This was her first visit to the disco. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.17654485
Date: 19/10/1978

John F. Kennedy Jr. gets set to try and dodge photographers and run for a cab after exiting New York’s Studio 54, Dec. 13, 1978. (AP Photo)

Federal agents carry boxes of files and records from New York nightclub Studio 54, Thursday, Dec. 14, 1978. An Internal Revenue Service (IRS) spokesman said the books had been seized in connection with an undisclosed investigation. The owners of the nightclub were charged with tax evasion. (AP Photo)
Ref #: PA.8631115
Date: 14/12/1978

U.S. Treasury agents load boxes of files and records from New York nightclub Studio 54 into trucks to transfer to government offices, Thursday, Dec. 14, 1978. Co-owner of the nightclub Ian Schrager was arrested earlier today for cocaine possession during an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) search of the disco’s books. (AP Photo)
Date: 14/12/1978
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