Howard Merritt
New York & California Disco DJ / Remixer / A & R Man (July 4, 1951 - Present)
Started playing music in 1972 in New York. First major job was a club called "Flamingo", to this day the greatest gay club to date. Also played at the Saint, the Ice Palace, the Cockring, River Club, the Sandpiper, the Pavillion and other smaller venues. Also was one of the first DJs to travel from city to city. Also played at Dreamland in San Fransisco and Reveleations in Los Angeles.
Left New York in the late 80s to move to Key West to play at the world famous Copa and then moved on to manage that club. Worked there for 13 years. I have since retired from spinning and now am a general manager at a club in Fort Lauderdale called Elements.
During my years in New York I also worked the Casablanca (New York) office in promotion and in the A & R department until they closed the label. I worked with Paul Jabarra in the studio along with other producers at Casablanca Records. I also did two remixes for Sylvester while in San Francisco.
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Reader Comments on Howard Merritt
HI HOWARD, JUST STOPPED BY TO SAY HELLO ANDM I WISH YOU THE BEST THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER.. MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY STAY OUT OF HARMS WAY..YOU WERE GREAT AT THE FLAMINGO.. I ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE RECORDS YOU GAVE ME WHEN YOU WERE WITH CASABLANCA ON 55TH STREET N.Y.C. YOU'RE THE MAN..YOUR FRIEND NOW AND ALWAYS DJ STEVE THE SAGA PEREZ... ALWAYS REMEMBER,ASIDE FROM GOD,,MUSIC IS THE ANSWER,,AND LOVE IS THE MESSAGE....PEACE
Posted Aug 21, 05 | 6:32 am by DJ STEVE THE SAGA
Dear Howard:
We editorial research directors often browse to see what's up with those we worked with years ago. I don't know if you'll remember me during the days we worked in disco promotion at Casablanca, but if you do, I send you my fond remembrances and much love.
Tracy Gold
We editorial research directors often browse to see what's up with those we worked with years ago. I don't know if you'll remember me during the days we worked in disco promotion at Casablanca, but if you do, I send you my fond remembrances and much love.
Tracy Gold
Posted Oct 08, 05 | 4:37 am by Tracy Gold
Hey Howard. I was your lightman a couple times at the Music Hall in SF before Dreamland open. They were great nights!
Posted Oct 30, 05 | 8:08 am by Stephen
Howard,
I worked with you at the Ice Palace in NYC in the late 70's.I was just a kid at the time (18) and started working as a bus boy.Amazing times for all !Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the memories I have of the magic you created along with the lighting by your BF Jorge are still fresh in my memory.Your name along with Frank Hulihan and Roy Thode will always be wqhat NYC was about in those incredable day. Thanks for the Magic .
Chase (A.K.A. Richie)
I worked with you at the Ice Palace in NYC in the late 70's.I was just a kid at the time (18) and started working as a bus boy.Amazing times for all !Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the memories I have of the magic you created along with the lighting by your BF Jorge are still fresh in my memory.Your name along with Frank Hulihan and Roy Thode will always be wqhat NYC was about in those incredable day. Thanks for the Magic .
Chase (A.K.A. Richie)
Posted Nov 12, 05 | 4:22 pm by Chase
Thanksgiving, 2006
How interesting that Van McCoy's "Love Is The Answer" was playing on my home system as I surfed onto this sight and your bio. Wow! It feels like I've come full-circle!
...good to know you're alive and, hopefully, doing well.
Season's Greetings, Howard.
Lary Sanders, JMJ
Barefoot Boy, NYC, 1975
Sandpiper, F.I. Pines, 1976 & '77
Flamingo, NYC, 1976
The Ring, NYC, 1977
Infinity, NYC, 1977
Detroit, 1978-1993
San Francisco, 1993-Present
How interesting that Van McCoy's "Love Is The Answer" was playing on my home system as I surfed onto this sight and your bio. Wow! It feels like I've come full-circle!
...good to know you're alive and, hopefully, doing well.
Season's Greetings, Howard.
Lary Sanders, JMJ
Barefoot Boy, NYC, 1975
Sandpiper, F.I. Pines, 1976 & '77
Flamingo, NYC, 1976
The Ring, NYC, 1977
Infinity, NYC, 1977
Detroit, 1978-1993
San Francisco, 1993-Present
Posted Nov 24, 06 | 10:02 am by Lary Sanders
Howard,
I was in college and law school in New York in the late 70's and early 80's when you and Richie Rivera were DJ'ing at Flamingo (and the Saint and the Ice Palace) and it seemed everyone was either a Richie Rivera or Howard Merritt guy. My friends and I were Howard Merritt fanatics, always waiting around to see if you were going to play Take Off Your Make Up or not!
While I live in California now (on the Central Coast halfway between SF and LA five miles outside the city limits of a town of 20,000!), whenever I listen to XM radio, to all the great songs from back then, I remember how much fun it all was. Thanks!
Glad to know you are still around and doing well.
I was in college and law school in New York in the late 70's and early 80's when you and Richie Rivera were DJ'ing at Flamingo (and the Saint and the Ice Palace) and it seemed everyone was either a Richie Rivera or Howard Merritt guy. My friends and I were Howard Merritt fanatics, always waiting around to see if you were going to play Take Off Your Make Up or not!
While I live in California now (on the Central Coast halfway between SF and LA five miles outside the city limits of a town of 20,000!), whenever I listen to XM radio, to all the great songs from back then, I remember how much fun it all was. Thanks!
Glad to know you are still around and doing well.
Posted Dec 14, 06 | 4:08 pm by dbrown
Larry says "pull youself together" was Flamingo's signature tune. do you have another one?
Please give one unique selling point about Flamingo?
Please give one unique selling point about Flamingo?
Posted Mar 15, 07 | 4:59 am by bobbysgirl
Although we just missed eachother for decades, (crossing paths, but never connecting), I had the pleasure of meeting Howard when I did my classics party at The Copa, Key West. It was June of '91 and I knew he was managing, but I'd been booked by the Lauderdale crew for a "Copa Weekend" (Fri in FTL, Sat in KW), so we hadn't met yet. I waited until I saw him crossing the dance floor, then started Lightning's "Disco Symphony". He came to a dead-stop and looked up at the booth, with a priceless expression. Since then we've babbled on-and-on about the biz on a few occassions. He's a terrific guy! And responsible for one of my top-5 fave remixes of all time... "4, 3, 2, 1...CHOO! CHOO!" BIG hugs to you, Howard! xox Stephen L.
Posted Apr 07, 07 | 2:34 am by STEPHEN L FREEMAN
Howard;
Nice to see this..
I was a solid Flamingo participant; you (and Alan Dodd) were my favorites. Robbie tells me that you are in Florida and doing well.
Really miss those days, Howard. Miss your music
My email: trnrkprod@aol.com
Nice to see this..
I was a solid Flamingo participant; you (and Alan Dodd) were my favorites. Robbie tells me that you are in Florida and doing well.
Really miss those days, Howard. Miss your music
My email: trnrkprod@aol.com
Posted Aug 17, 07 | 6:21 am by w. quinn
Hi Howard,
I was doing some snooping around the internet this afternoon and decided to Google Flamingo. Well I finally found where the Dinosaurs all hang out. Although we never had an opportunity to actually meet I was one of those quintessential NYC gay men that were always at the right place at the right time. I was a member of Flamingo for its entire tenure. I maintain to this day that the days of Flamingo, Fire Island at Studio 54 were undoubtedly the very best days of my life. I just moved to Philadelphia for a job. My partner and I were living in Ft. Lauderdale Wilton Manors. Our condo was a block away From Elements. I wish I would have know that while we were living there. Anyway it’s nice to know that there are still some of us “Flamingettes” still kicking. Best Wishes Michael LaBue
I was doing some snooping around the internet this afternoon and decided to Google Flamingo. Well I finally found where the Dinosaurs all hang out. Although we never had an opportunity to actually meet I was one of those quintessential NYC gay men that were always at the right place at the right time. I was a member of Flamingo for its entire tenure. I maintain to this day that the days of Flamingo, Fire Island at Studio 54 were undoubtedly the very best days of my life. I just moved to Philadelphia for a job. My partner and I were living in Ft. Lauderdale Wilton Manors. Our condo was a block away From Elements. I wish I would have know that while we were living there. Anyway it’s nice to know that there are still some of us “Flamingettes” still kicking. Best Wishes Michael LaBue
Posted Oct 09, 07 | 10:12 am by newyorkmann
Dearest Howard,
I don't think you'll remember me. I was first introduced to you by Larry Coutta at your new apartment on the West side highway back in the early 80's. Then again at the Saint. Larry and Craig have passed. I miss those times. The Saint...you...Robbie Leslie..Larry and Craig. Anyway I was hoping you might know how to connect me to some Saint music. I have cassette tapes from you, Robbie Leslie, Michael Jorba, Fierman, but they are worn out!!! I would appreciate any info
I don't think you'll remember me. I was first introduced to you by Larry Coutta at your new apartment on the West side highway back in the early 80's. Then again at the Saint. Larry and Craig have passed. I miss those times. The Saint...you...Robbie Leslie..Larry and Craig. Anyway I was hoping you might know how to connect me to some Saint music. I have cassette tapes from you, Robbie Leslie, Michael Jorba, Fierman, but they are worn out!!! I would appreciate any info
Posted Dec 30, 07 | 2:14 am by David Ehmer
Howard -- did we ever meet? I'd have to check the back sides of the Love at First Bite and Midnight Rhythm albums. The Love at First party at Flamingo was 29 years ago yesterday, April 10th of 1979. I am one of the Production Assistants of Joe Long. Now residing in the San Fernando Valley of CA. Those days were awesome.
Stay well.
Ramon Sandoval
Stay well.
Ramon Sandoval
Posted Apr 11, 08 | 5:01 am by RAS
HOWARD MISS YOU SO MUCH! THOSE NIGHTS AT FLAMINGO AND SAINTAND FIREISLAND WOW THEY WHERE MAGIC ALWAYS TONYG thank you
Posted Aug 03, 08 | 6:31 am by TONY GUELI
Howard,
How nice to see your comments. Had a wonderful time in KW when you visited. Hope this finds you doing well.
Martin
How nice to see your comments. Had a wonderful time in KW when you visited. Hope this finds you doing well.
Martin
Posted Oct 23, 08 | 7:24 am by Martin Dow-The Monster
Howard - I stumbled upon this site last week while googling The Loft. One thing led to another and I saw your name. It was back in the early 80's at Dreamland - we played a few "teadances" together - I mean together...you on one table and me on the other I never had so much fun! We took turns going between the dance floor and the booth. Although it has been years I hope you remember. My best wishes...Gene Gordon.
Posted Nov 20, 08 | 4:56 pm by Gene Gordon
Hello Howard, I was searching for disco music New York 1978, Fire Island, Turn Table Towers your house on Ocean Walk. I was 24 and up from Florida, staying with Steven Sperry and you was dating Kevin Kaiser. I spent many Sunday mornings at your house. You and your roommates would have a get together. Steven would make a punch...Was best of times. I trust you are well and I thank you for your music. Going to Flamingo was like going to a Broadway production, orchestrated by you.. Encore!
Posted Feb 01, 09 | 1:37 am by Thomas Weedman
Hi Howard, you were influential in bringing me to New York City for the first time before 'Right On Target' actually hit summer of '82. Then lining up my appearance at 'The Saint' later that fall, for the Black Party, one of the most amazing experiences ever, the entire club filled with real life Road Warrior's, a movie come to life. I'll always hold you as one of my closest friends from that wild ride of a time. Regards, Paul
Posted May 14, 09 | 6:39 pm by PAUL PARKER
HOWARD..IT HAS BEEN 29 YEARS SINCE I'VE SEEN YOU...WE WORKED AT DREAMLAND TOGETHER AND WERE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORS..I LIVED WITH RAY KALLAS. THEY WERE SOME OF THE GREATEST YEARS..THE NYC...LA...SAN FRANCISCO YEARS.I STLL HAVE THE"HARDWARE" JACKET YOU GAVE ME ONE CHRISTMAS ALTHOUGH CAN'T SAY IT FITS ANYMORE.I'M LIVING IN NAPLES FLORIDA THESE DAYS.. I HOPE ALL IS WELL..GET IN TOUCH IF TOU LIKE.
Posted Jun 22, 09 | 12:37 pm by ran adler
Hi Howard , its mark from NYC/ and scandals, just spoke to paul spacek and he told me you are spinning on FI this week end , I will be out there! tell me where and when, looking forward to it
Mark
Mark
Posted Aug 06, 09 | 5:05 pm by mark Ciolli
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