THE PARADISE GARAGE

THE PARADISE GARAGE was a discotheque notable in the history of modern 

LGBT and nightclub cultures and in dance and pop music.

 It was founded by Michael Brody, its sole proprietor, and was located at 84 King Street, 

in the Hudson Square neighborhood of New York City. It operated from 1976 to 1987

 and was the base for DJ Larry Levan. Its name derives from its origins as a parking garage. 

The Paradise Garage's business model was largely inspired by David Mancuso's Loft parties: 

no liquor was served, there were no sales of food or beverages, and the club was 

not open to the general public.

The sound system was developed, designed and installed by Richard Long of 

Richard Long & Associates (RLA), and was said by those who attended to be the

 best in New York City at that time. The club has been credited for its influence on

 the development of the modern dance club as it is today; unlike other clubs of its time, 

the Paradise Garage was focused on dancing rather than social interaction, and it was 

the first to put the DJ at the center of attention.

Among those to benefit from what became known as "The Garage Sound" or "Garage Music" 

was West End Records, run by Mel Cheren. Among its successes were "Sessomatto" by Sessa Matto, 

Karen Young's "Hot Shot," "Heartbeat" by Taana Gardner (remixed by Levan), 

"Do It to the Music" by Raw Silk, and "Don't Make Me Wait" by the Peech Boys 

(produced by Levan). West End Records folded for a number of years,

 re-opening in the late 90s and releasing one of Levan's DJ sets recorded live at the Garage.

The building which housed the Paradise Garage is now a facility for Verizon Communications.

 As of 2008, the Paradise Garage trademark is now owned by Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC).

The unique and eclectic style of disco and dance music played at the Garage gave rise

 to the descriptive terms "garage," "garage style" and "garage classic"

 (to describe a record that was made famous or is associated with the Paradise Garage).

 When the term "garage music" is used in reference to the Paradise Garage,

 it does not exclusively mean house music, although certain house tracks may

 be considered to be garage classics. House music as a genre got its start

 from the Garage's house DJ Larry Levan and his contemporaries, 

Frankie Knuckles and Nicky Siano who were both also influential disc jockeys.

 These disc jockeys played all kinds of music so long as it was danceable;

 at the Paradise Garage, one was liable to hear The Clash and The Police

 as well as traditional "disco" artists like Gwen Guthrie and Sylvester.

 Levan is remembered by all for his ability to choose and play different records from

 different types of music and make it all fit together. 

I have a personal memory of my BF @ the time, (1985) JOEY NAPIERKOWSKI taking me to the entrance of the PARADISE GARAGE.

we had been out on a date, as we were walking he found a big wheel toy tricycle in the trash. he picked it up and we walked all over NYC with him holding his newly found big wheel. we walked by the paradise garage... they didn't let us in with joey's big wheel...
he was the love of my life...