19 Photos That Prove Studio 54 Was the Coolest Club on Earth
When it comes to legendary venues, few can rival the likes of Studio 54. After opening in 1977, the Manhattan nightclub was a glitzy vortex of fame, fashion, and freedom. If you were lucky enough to make it past the bouncer, you were thrust into a surreal world that drew some of the biggest names in entertainment: Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, and Elton John, to name a few. These vintage photos offer a rare peek behind the velvet curtains, capturing the wild energy and glamour of a world-famous venue.
1. Striking a Pose in Cowboy Chic During a Western-Themed Night, 1978
2. ‘Keith Richards, James Brown, and John Belushi at Studio 54 in New York City, 1980’
3. 78-Year-Old Legend Sally Lippman, Better Known as ‘Disco Sally,’ Sets the Dance Floor on Fire, 1978
4. A Woman Strikes a Pose Alongside Her Partner After Being Rejected From Studio 54, 1978
5. The Drinks Were Flowing … and So Was the Hair
6. What a Crowd: Jerry Hall, Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote, and Paloma Picasso at Studio 54 in 1979
7. The Line To Get in Was No Joke
8. Feeling Young, Wild, and Free During the Disco Era, 1977
9. The Aftermath From a Wild Night of Partying at Studio 54 on New Year’s Eve, 1978
10. ‘Andy Warhol, Michael Jackson, and Studio 54 Co-Owner Steve Rubell, 1977’
11. Elton John Visits the Club With a Friend, 1978
12. A Go-Go Dancer in a Sparkling Dress Stealing the Spotlight
13. ‘Diana Ross and Richie Kaczor Giving Studio 54 a Proper Send-Off at Their Last-Ever Party in 1980’
14. A Clubgoer Strikes a Hypnotic Pose in a Striped Bodysuit, 1979
15. ‘Justin Trudeau’s Mother Margaret Trudeau Partying at Studio 54 in New York City, 1979’
16. ‘Grace Jones and Andy Warhol at the ‘Grease’ Premiere Party at Studio 54 in 1978′
17. John Travolta and Sylvester Stallone Ready for a Night of Partying
18. Diana Ross Letting Loose on the Dance Floor
19. ‘Robin Williams and Cheryl Tiegs at Studio 54 in 1979’
What else was going on in the late ’70s?
Get a sense of this time in history with 30 Vintage Photos That Show Why the Late ’70s Are Unforgettable, then check out 15 Retro Photos That Capture the Pure Energy of the Disco Era. Be sure to read 12 Famous 1970s Cocktails to find out what kinds of drinks people were throwing back at Studio 54.