Webster Hall history

In 1887 Webster Hall played host to a private dance for wealthy black New Yorkers, members of the Doctors’ Drivers’ Association, “a band of athletic young gentlemen who are always on the alert to bear physicians on errands of mercy.”

Greek immigrants gather in front of Webster Hall as they prepare to return to their country to engage in the first Balkan war (October 1912).

At top — Webster Hall in 1913

The Clothing Workers of America, for example, an important labor reform group, held its founding convention in Wester Hall in 1914.

“New Vibe(s).” New York Times (1923-Current file): 390.

A 1933 poster advertising the annual Greenwich Village costume ball, designed by John Sloan

“OLD WEBSTER HALL WRECKED BY BLAZE,” New York Times , February, 06 1949.

RCA records purchased the building in 1953 and revamped the building into a modern “art-deco” fashion building with a brand new ballroom that had beautiful acoustics for recording.

The Grand ballroom studios became a site for music icons such as Frank Sinatra, Lois Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, and Elvis Presley, who recorded the legendary song “Hound Dog” in 1956.

The cast of ‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ recording the cast album at Webster Hall, 1961.

Another historic event of the period was on February 2, 1962 when Bob Dylan was recorded for the first time ever playing the harmonica on Belafonte’s title track “Midnight Special”. RCA Victor records flaunted Webster Hall as its home during this time in competition with Columbia records.

Jefferson Airplane’s first New York concert, January 8, 1967, at Webster Hall

When the Ritz opened in 1980, it became a center for new wave music, hosting the American debuts of bands like U2 and Depeche Mode.

Their second performance there, in March of 1981, was reviewed by the New York Times, and the original review — by Stephen Holden, no less — is worth a look if you’re a U2 fan. “Bono Hewson, U2’s lead singer, has a moderately strong voice that was partially drowned out at the Ritz.

Here’s Run DMC performing at The Ritz, May 15, 1984

The Cro-Mags, performing at The Ritz in 1986:

By, Stephen W. “WHERE ROCK LIVES the Uptown Ritz is Putting on the Glitz.” Newsday, April 5, 1989.

In 1990, the Ballinger Brothers bought out the Ritz and it moved uptown.

Although it is currently located still in the Lower East Side of New York, when The Ritz moved, Webster Hall reopened as New York City’s hottest nightclub and concert venue on October 2, 1992.

Even further embracing the musical and young culture of the time, Webster Hall was the location for the party release The Vibe magazine, devoted to urban music and youth culture, on August 17, 1993.

The 1996 New York Times article, describes the growing lines and popularity of bands playing at Webster Hall despite any social stereotypes that may be going on outside of the venue, inside everyone is one and the goal is just to enjoy music and the night, a safe haven.

In 2008 Webster Hall was designated a New York City landmark for its impressive terra-cotta architecture and its status as a beacon of ethnic and social counter-culture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

“Webster Hall.” http://www.websterhall.com/timeline/ (accessed September 28, 2016)

When the club shut down in August 2017 for renovations, there was an outcry from fans who worried that Webster Hall’s history as a dance mecca and a center of gay night life in New York would be lost.