We previously mentioned society columnist Dorothy Kilgallen and the fact that she was a huge jazz fan. Well, today we’re looking at a column that appeared as part of her series, but which she did not write. As you’ll see, this article was written by a guest, Eugene St. Jean, night manager of Colony Record Shop in Manhattan, N.Y.C. This shop was originally on 52nd Street and Broadway, from 1948 through 1970, when it moved to the famous Brill Building at 49th and Broadway, home to many music businesses. Officially it was open until 3 a.m. seven days a week—in its later years it closed at midnight—but they were known to stay open past closing time if customers kept coming. They finally
Thanks, Lewis. An Oldster like me appreciates the variety of namers, most of which I know. I, too, loved browsing at Colony but agree prices were too high. Jazz Record Center and Academy were more reasonable. Cheers, wail on....ZS
Thanks, partner. I wish it were so but a long recovery. It'll happen in time. Again on the post. It was cool to read about records. I had a huge one once, probably close to 10K, but down to 400-500 now, packed with gems. The timeless joys of music. Keep 'em comin'. Cheers.
I didn't come along until the 90s, so I don't know what Colony was like before, but I think I enjoyed looking at their music & movie memorabilia collection better than the records. (Elvis, Beatles, etc., etc) Most of the people who worked there we NOT very friendly, especially on the side with the records
Good point--memorabilia was a specialty, more and more so towards the end. I said the staff were knowledgeable, Not that they were friendly! In fact if you look at their Yelp reviews you'll find complaints about staff members who were openly rude unless customers had lots of money to spend. So you're surely right about that.
Omigod, I loved Colony. I seldom bought anything—the prices were exorbitant—but what a hang! And night time was the right time; I don't think I ever went in during the day.
Loved this!
Thanks, Lewis. An Oldster like me appreciates the variety of namers, most of which I know. I, too, loved browsing at Colony but agree prices were too high. Jazz Record Center and Academy were more reasonable. Cheers, wail on....ZS
Thanks friend!! Feeling all better?
Thanks, partner. I wish it were so but a long recovery. It'll happen in time. Again on the post. It was cool to read about records. I had a huge one once, probably close to 10K, but down to 400-500 now, packed with gems. The timeless joys of music. Keep 'em comin'. Cheers.
I had 5,000 LPs which my friends thought was huge, but other collectors were not impressed. I know several with upwards of 30,000! Keep recovering!
Terrific stuff!
I didn't come along until the 90s, so I don't know what Colony was like before, but I think I enjoyed looking at their music & movie memorabilia collection better than the records. (Elvis, Beatles, etc., etc) Most of the people who worked there we NOT very friendly, especially on the side with the records
Good point--memorabilia was a specialty, more and more so towards the end. I said the staff were knowledgeable, Not that they were friendly! In fact if you look at their Yelp reviews you'll find complaints about staff members who were openly rude unless customers had lots of money to spend. So you're surely right about that.
Here are links to the recordings mentioned by Bird and Prez:
Blackberry Boogie - Tennessee Ernie Ford https://youtu.be/onTD-rpI8Bs
Noah - Kay Starr https://youtu.be/FtMGiYj-z6c
Why Try To Change Me Now - Sinatra https://youtu.be/lb-4OhRXDVU
Thanks Jay! I'm going to put that as a PS after the body of the article! Hope all is well!
Omigod, I loved Colony. I seldom bought anything—the prices were exorbitant—but what a hang! And night time was the right time; I don't think I ever went in during the day.
Very cool--I was only at the original location, 49th and Bdway. THANKS