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Jimmy Merry

ca. 1930 - 1988 (New York City Club Owner: Ice Palace, Red Parrot...)

James J. Merry began his career in nightclubs and bars working hard as a waiter and bartender in pre-Stonewall New York. Instead of partying, he saved his money and invested in several small places, including Cowboys & Cowgirls, on East 53rd Street, and Harry's Back East on the upper East Side. I'm not sure if he built the Ice Palace on 57th Street in Manhattan or the Ice Palace on Fire Island first; either way, this was his venture into the big-time disco scene. He also owned "High Rollers," a disco roller-rink on 57th street and 11th Avenue, later to become transformed into the flagship of his holdings, The Red Parrot. He dared to go neck-and-neck with Rubell and Schrager, as well as Area, in a time when competition was really heating up in the top-shelf nightclub scene. He spared no expense; there were live parrots in the place, the first computerized laser light show, incredible decor by Sam Lopata, and dynamite entertainment. Even the logo was designed by Joe Eula; an expensive proposition (he's the one who did the brilliant poster for Miss Saigon).

Personally, Merry enjoyed the company of close friends and would much rather spend evenings at home with a few of them and his beloved collection of jazz records than go out.

Jimmy was also well-known for his genuine concern for the employees that showed him loyalty. Many of his employees worked for him for years. Although he operated many gay establishments, he didn't care whether you were gay or straight. There certainly was no "casting couch" involved. If you showed up on time and did your job, Jimmy was there for you if you were in trouble. On many occasions, when a busboy or waiter would ask for some time off because his girl was having a baby, Merry would peel off a thousand and say, "take care of the kid."

He started to contemplate slowing down in the late '80s, and bought his dream house in Florida. Just a few months after he bought it he was found dead in the home's foyer of a massive heart attack. May he rest in peace. He's a man who brought so many good times to so many, many people.

Personally, when one of MY employees tells me that they've got too much to do, or an assignment's too difficult, I think immediately of my old boss, Jimmy, and say, "If life were easy, it'd be boring."

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Posted by: JudyDoggie

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