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{{use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Steve Rubell
| name = Steve Rubell
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1943|12|02|mf=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|1943|12|2|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], New York, U.S.
| birth_place = [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.
| death_date = {{dda|1989|07|25|1943|12|02}}
| death_date = {{dda|1989|07|25|1943|12|2}}
| death_place = [[Manhattan]], New York, U.S.
| death_place = [[Manhattan]], New York, U.S.
| death_cause = [[Hepatitis]] and [[septic shock]] complicated by [[AIDS]]
| death_cause = [[Hepatitis]] and [[septic shock]] complicated by [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]]
| resting_place = Beth Moses Cemetery
| resting_place = Beth Moses Cemetery
| alma_mater = [[Syracuse University]]
| alma_mater = [[Syracuse University]]
| occupation = Entrepreneur, nightclub owner
| occupation = Entrepreneur, nightclub owner
}}
}}


'''Steve Rubell''' (December 2, 1943 – July 25, 1989) was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the legendary [[New York City|New York]] [[Discothèque|disco]] [[Studio 54]].
'''Steve Rubell''' (December 2, 1943 – July 25, 1989) was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the legendary [[New York City|New York]] [[Nightclub|disco]] [[Studio 54]].


==Early life==
==Early life==
Rubell and his brother Don grew up in a [[Jews|Jewish]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Robertson|first=Wilmot|title=Instauration, Volumes 15-16|year=1989|publisher=Howard Allen Enterprises, Inc.|page=32}}</ref> family in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. His father worked for the [[United States Post Office Department|U.S. Post Office]]<!--The U.S. Postal Service didn't exist in its current form or name until 1971.--> and later became a tennis pro. Rubell attended [[George W. Wingate High School|Wingate High School]] and was also an avid tennis player, but decided against playing professionally.
Rubell and his brother Don grew up in a [[Jews|Jewish]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Robertson|first=Wilmot|title=Instauration, Volumes 15-16|year=1989|publisher=Howard Allen Enterprises, Inc.|page=32}}</ref> family in [[Brooklyn]], [[New York (state)|New York]]. His father worked for the [[United States Post Office Department|U.S. Post Office]]<!--The U.S. Postal Service didn't exist in its current form or name until 1971.--> and later became a [[tennis]] pro. Rubell attended [[George W. Wingate High School|Wingate High School]] and was also an avid tennis player, but decided against playing professionally.


Entering [[Syracuse University]], Rubell had the intention of becoming a dentist, but failed his courses and switched majors, studying finance and history. Rubell was reportedly not a good student but managed to complete his studies, eventually completing a master's degree in finance. While attending college, Rubell met [[Ian Schrager]], who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Rubell, along with Schrager, were brothers together at the university's [[Sigma Alpha Mu]] fraternity.<ref name="SigmaAlphaMu">{{cite web|last1=Colacello|first1=Bob|title=Anything Went|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/news/1996/03/studio-54-nightclub-new-york-city|website=Vanity Fair|publisher=Condé Nast|date=March 1996}}</ref>
Entering [[Syracuse University]], Rubell had the intention of becoming a dentist, but failed his courses and switched majors, studying finance and history. Rubell was reportedly not a good student but managed to complete his studies, eventually completing a master's degree in finance. While attending college, Rubell met [[Ian Schrager]], who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Rubell, along with Schrager, were brothers together at the university's [[Sigma Alpha Mu]] fraternity.<ref name="SigmaAlphaMu">{{cite web|last1=Colacello|first1=Bob|title=Anything Went|url=http://www.vanityfair.com/news/1996/03/studio-54-nightclub-new-york-city|website=Vanity Fair|publisher=Condé Nast|date=March 1996}}</ref>
Line 27: Line 27:
===Studio 54 Era===
===Studio 54 Era===
{{main|Studio 54}}
{{main|Studio 54}}
With the help and knowledgeable influence of disco promoter Billy Amato (Smith), Executive Vice president 20th Century-Fox Records, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were introduced to the dance/disco market early 1975 by John Addison of La Jardin.
With the help and knowledgeable influence of disco promoter Billy Amato (Smith), executive vice president 20th Century-Fox Records, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were introduced to the dance/disco market early 1975 by John Addison of La Jardin.
Rubell and Schrager opened two clubs, one in [[Boston]] with John Addison from La Jardin, the other, called ''The Enchanted Garden'', in [[Queens]] in 1975, which later became ''[[Douglaston, Queens|Douglaston]] Manor''. In April 1977, they opened [[Studio 54]] in the old CBS Studio on West [[54th Street (Manhattan)|54th Street]] that the network was selling. Rubell became a familiar face in front of the building, turning people away and only allowing entry to those who met his pedantic standards. Rubell also dealt with the club's celebrity patrons, ensuring that they were thrown lavish parties. His approach worked and the club made $7 million during its first year.
Rubell and Schrager opened two clubs, one in [[Boston]] with John Addison from La Jardin, the other, called ''The Enchanted Garden'', in [[Queens]] in 1975, which later became ''[[Douglaston, Queens|Douglaston]] Manor''. In April 1977, they opened [[Studio 54]] in the old [[CBS]] Studio on West [[54th Street (Manhattan)|54th Street]] that the network was selling. Rubell became a familiar face in front of the building, turning people away and only allowing entry to those who met his pedantic standards. Rubell also dealt with the club's celebrity patrons, ensuring that they were thrown lavish parties. His approach worked and the club made $7 million during its first year.


In December 1978, Studio 54 was raided after Rubell was quoted as saying that only the [[American Mafia|Mafia]] made more money than the club brought in. In June 1979, Rubell and Schrager were charged with [[Tax avoidance and tax evasion|tax evasion]], [[obstruction of justice]], and conspiracy for reportedly skimming nearly $2.5 million in unreported income from the club's receipts, in a system Rubell called "cash-in, cash-out and skim." Police reports state that cash and receipts were in the building and were hidden in the ceiling sections of Rubell's office, where both he and Schrager worked.<ref name="times">{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE7DC1131F936A15754C0A966958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 |title=About New York; Nights of Glitz, A Velvet Rope And Memories |last=Martin |first=Douglas |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 25, 1990|accessdate=December 29, 2007}}</ref> A second raid occurred in December 1979. The pair hired [[Roy Cohn]] to defend them,<ref name="time">{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,948580,00.html?promoid=googlep |title=Cocaine Caper?|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=September 3, 1979|accessdate=December 29, 2007}}</ref> but on January 18, 1980, they were sentenced to three and a half years in prison and a $20,000 fine each for the tax evasion charge. On February 4, 1980, Rubell and Schrager went to prison and Studio 54 was sold in November of that year for $4.75 million. On April 17, 1981, Rubell and Schrager were released from prison after which they lived at a [[halfway house]] for two and a half months.<ref name="singleton">{{cite news|last=Singleton|first=Don|title=Studio 54 founder Steve Rubell dies|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19890727&id=WxQyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dKIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1198,5149492|newspaper=Reading Eagle|date=July 27, 1989|page=46}}</ref>
In December 1978, Studio 54 was raided after Rubell was quoted as saying that only the [[American Mafia|Mafia]] made more money than the club brought in. In June 1979, Rubell and Schrager were charged with [[Tax avoidance and tax evasion|tax evasion]], [[obstruction of justice]], and conspiracy for reportedly skimming nearly $2.5 million in unreported income from the club's receipts, in a system Rubell called "cash-in, cash-out and skim." Police reports state that cash and receipts were in the building and were hidden in the ceiling sections of Rubell's office, where both he and Schrager worked.<ref name="times">{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE7DC1131F936A15754C0A966958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=2 |title=About New York; Nights of Glitz, A Velvet Rope And Memories |last=Martin |first=Douglas |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 25, 1990|accessdate=December 29, 2007}}</ref> A second raid occurred in December 1979. The pair hired [[Roy Cohn]] to defend them,<ref name="time">{{cite web |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,948580,00.html?promoid=googlep |title=Cocaine Caper?|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=September 3, 1979|accessdate=December 29, 2007}}</ref> but on January 18, 1980, they were sentenced to three and a half years in prison and a $20,000 fine each for the tax evasion charge. On February 4, 1980, Rubell and Schrager went to prison and Studio 54 was sold in November of that year for $4.75 million. On April 17, 1981, Rubell and Schrager were released from prison after which they lived at a [[halfway house]] for two-and-a-half months.<ref name="singleton">{{cite news|last=Singleton|first=Don|title=Studio 54 founder Steve Rubell dies|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1955&dat=19890727&id=WxQyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dKIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1198,5149492|newspaper=Reading Eagle|date=July 27, 1989|page=46}}</ref>


===Hotels===
===Hotels===
After their release on April 17, 1981,<ref name=singleton/> Rubell and Schrager opened the Executive Hotel on [[Madison Avenue (Manhattan)|Madison Ave]] and renamed it Morgans. The hotel was conveyed to them in lieu of payments due to them from defaulted [[promissory note]]s from the sale of the club. Steve Rubell and [[Peter Gatien]] later opened the [[Palladium (club)|Palladium]], a large dance club famous for displaying art by [[Keith Haring]], [[Kenny Scharf]], [[Jean-Michel Basquiat]] and [[Andy Warhol]], and considered central to the New York club scene in the 1980s. In 1998, the Palladium was demolished so that [[New York University]] dorms could be built in its place.<ref name="NYSun">{{cite web |url=http://www.nysun.com/article/30120?page_no=29 |title=Plans at Union Square to Enhance Its Place in History as a Gathering Place |last=Stoler |first=Michael|work=[[New York Sun]] |date=2006-05-30 |accessdate=2007-12-29}}</ref>
After their release on April 17, 1981,<ref name=singleton/> Rubell and Schrager opened the Executive Hotel on [[Madison Avenue|Madison Ave]] and renamed it Morgans. The hotel was conveyed to them in lieu of payments due to them from defaulted [[promissory note]]s from the sale of the club. Steve Rubell and [[Peter Gatien]] later opened the [[Palladium (New York City)|Palladium]], a large dance club famous for displaying art by [[Keith Haring]], [[Kenny Scharf]], [[Jean-Michel Basquiat]], and [[Andy Warhol]], and considered central to the New York club scene in the 1980s. In 1998, the Palladium was demolished so that [[New York University]] dorms could be built in its place.<ref name="NYSun">{{cite web |url=http://www.nysun.com/article/30120?page_no=29 |title=Plans at Union Square to Enhance Its Place in History as a Gathering Place |last=Stoler |first=Michael|work=[[New York Sun]] |date=2006-05-30 |accessdate=2007-12-29}}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
In 1985, Rubell, who was [[closeted]] for most of his life, discovered he had contracted HIV which later progressed to [[AIDS]]. He began taking [[Zidovudine|AZT]], but his illness was furthered by his continued drug use and drinking, which affected his compromised immune system. A few weeks before his death, Rubell checked into [[Beth Israel Medical Center]] in New York City under an assumed name, to seek treatment for severe peptic ulcers, [[kidney failure]] and [[hepatitis]].<ref name=singleton/> He died there on July 25, 1989. Rubell's official cause of death is listed as hepatitis and [[septic shock]] complicated by AIDS.<ref name="times"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Steve Rubell, 45, co-owner of Studio 54 who reigned over...|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-07-30/news/8902210606_1_septic-shock-throat-cancer-short-stories|publisher=chicagotribune.com|date=July 30, 1989}}</ref>
In 1985, Rubell, who was [[closeted]] for most of his life, discovered he had contracted HIV which later progressed to [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]]. He began taking [[Zidovudine|AZT]], but his illness was furthered by his continued drug use and drinking, which affected his compromised immune system. A few weeks before his death, Rubell checked into [[Mount Sinai Beth Israel|Beth Israel Medical Center]] in New York City under an assumed name, to seek treatment for severe [[Peptic ulcer disease|peptic ulcers]], [[kidney failure]], and [[hepatitis]].<ref name=singleton/> He died there on July 25, 1989. Rubell's official cause of death is listed as hepatitis and [[septic shock]] complicated by AIDS.<ref name="times"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Steve Rubell, 45, co-owner of Studio 54 who reigned over...|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-07-30/news/8902210606_1_septic-shock-throat-cancer-short-stories|publisher=chicagotribune.com|date=July 30, 1989}}</ref>


Rubell's private funeral was attended by numerous Studio 54 regulars including [[Bianca Jagger]] and [[Calvin Klein (fashion designer)|Calvin Klein]] on July 27 at the Riverside Chapel on [[Tenth Avenue (Manhattan)|Amsterdam Avenue]] and 76th Street in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barron|first=James|title=Rubell Created Homes Away From Home for the Trendsetters|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/28/nyregion/rubell-created-homes-away-from-home-for-the-trendsetters.html|publisher=nytimes|date=July 28, 1989}}</ref> He is buried at Beth Moses Cemetery in [[Farmingdale, New York]].{{cn|date=October 2018}}
Rubell's private funeral was attended by numerous Studio 54 regulars including [[Bianca Jagger]] and [[Calvin Klein]] on July 27 at the Riverside Chapel on [[Tenth Avenue (Manhattan)|Amsterdam Avenue]] and 76th Street in Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Barron|first=James|title=Rubell Created Homes Away From Home for the Trendsetters|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/28/nyregion/rubell-created-homes-away-from-home-for-the-trendsetters.html|publisher=nytimes|date=July 28, 1989}}</ref> He is buried at Beth Moses Cemetery in [[Farmingdale, New York]].{{cn|date=October 2018}}


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
[[Mike Myers]] portrayed Steve Rubell in the 1998 drama film ''[[54 (film)|54]]''.<ref name="sfgate">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/1998/08/28/WEEKEND11783.dtl |title=Boring "54" a coup de grace for '70's |last=Ganahl |first=Jane |work=[[SFGate.com]] |date=1998-08-28 |accessdate=2007-12-29}}</ref>
[[Mike Myers]] portrayed Steve Rubell in the 1998 drama film ''[[54 (film)|54]]''.<ref name="sfgate">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/1998/08/28/WEEKEND11783.dtl |title=Boring "54" a coup de grace for '70's |last=Ganahl |first=Jane |work=[[SFGate.com]] |date=1998-08-28 |accessdate=2007-12-29}}</ref>


Rubell has also been the topic of an episode of ''[[Biography (TV series)|Biography]]'' titled ''Steve Rubell: Lord of the Disco.''
Rubell has also been the topic of an episode of ''[[Biography (TV program)|Biography]]'' titled "Steve Rubell: Lord of the Disco".


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 01:41, 26 November 2018

This article is about the nightclub entrepreneur. For the blogger and public relations executive, see Steve Rubel.

Steve Rubell
Born(1943-12-02)December 2, 1943
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedJuly 25, 1989(1989-07-25) (aged 45)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Cause of deathHepatitis and septic shock complicated by AIDS
Resting placeBeth Moses Cemetery
Alma materSyracuse University
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, nightclub owner

Steve Rubell (December 2, 1943 – July 25, 1989) was an American entrepreneur and co-owner of the legendary New York disco Studio 54.

Early life

Rubell and his brother Don grew up in a Jewish[1] family in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked for the U.S. Post Office and later became a tennis pro. Rubell attended Wingate High School and was also an avid tennis player, but decided against playing professionally.

Entering Syracuse University, Rubell had the intention of becoming a dentist, but failed his courses and switched majors, studying finance and history. Rubell was reportedly not a good student but managed to complete his studies, eventually completing a master's degree in finance. While attending college, Rubell met Ian Schrager, who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Rubell, along with Schrager, were brothers together at the university's Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.[2]

Career

Rubell joined the National Guard, returning to New York after a tour of duty in a military intelligence unit. He worked at a brokerage firm after his return. Rubell then decided to start his own business and opened two Steak Lofts restaurants, one in Queens, New York, and the other in Mystic, Connecticut.

Studio 54 Era

Main article: Studio 54

With the help and knowledgeable influence of disco promoter Billy Amato (Smith), executive vice president 20th Century-Fox Records, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were introduced to the dance/disco market early 1975 by John Addison of La Jardin. Rubell and Schrager opened two clubs, one in Boston with John Addison from La Jardin, the other, called The Enchanted Garden, in Queens in 1975, which later became Douglaston Manor. In April 1977, they opened Studio 54 in the old CBS Studio on West 54th Street that the network was selling. Rubell became a familiar face in front of the building, turning people away and only allowing entry to those who met his pedantic standards. Rubell also dealt with the club's celebrity patrons, ensuring that they were thrown lavish parties. His approach worked and the club made $7 million during its first year.

In December 1978, Studio 54 was raided after Rubell was quoted as saying that only the Mafia made more money than the club brought in. In June 1979, Rubell and Schrager were charged with tax evasion, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy for reportedly skimming nearly $2.5 million in unreported income from the club's receipts, in a system Rubell called "cash-in, cash-out and skim." Police reports state that cash and receipts were in the building and were hidden in the ceiling sections of Rubell's office, where both he and Schrager worked.[3] A second raid occurred in December 1979. The pair hired Roy Cohn to defend them,[4] but on January 18, 1980, they were sentenced to three and a half years in prison and a $20,000 fine each for the tax evasion charge. On February 4, 1980, Rubell and Schrager went to prison and Studio 54 was sold in November of that year for $4.75 million. On April 17, 1981, Rubell and Schrager were released from prison after which they lived at a halfway house for two-and-a-half months.[5]

Hotels

After their release on April 17, 1981,[5] Rubell and Schrager opened the Executive Hotel on Madison Ave and renamed it Morgans. The hotel was conveyed to them in lieu of payments due to them from defaulted promissory notes from the sale of the club. Steve Rubell and Peter Gatien later opened the Palladium, a large dance club famous for displaying art by Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol, and considered central to the New York club scene in the 1980s. In 1998, the Palladium was demolished so that New York University dorms could be built in its place.[6]

Death

In 1985, Rubell, who was closeted for most of his life, discovered he had contracted HIV which later progressed to AIDS. He began taking AZT, but his illness was furthered by his continued drug use and drinking, which affected his compromised immune system. A few weeks before his death, Rubell checked into Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City under an assumed name, to seek treatment for severe peptic ulcers, kidney failure, and hepatitis.[5] He died there on July 25, 1989. Rubell's official cause of death is listed as hepatitis and septic shock complicated by AIDS.[3][7]

Rubell's private funeral was attended by numerous Studio 54 regulars including Bianca Jagger and Calvin Klein on July 27 at the Riverside Chapel on Amsterdam Avenue and 76th Street in Manhattan.[8] He is buried at Beth Moses Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.[citation needed]

Mike Myers portrayed Steve Rubell in the 1998 drama film 54.[9]

Rubell has also been the topic of an episode of Biography titled "Steve Rubell: Lord of the Disco".

References

  1. ^ Robertson, Wilmot (1989). Instauration, Volumes 15-16. Howard Allen Enterprises, Inc. p. 32.
  2. ^ Colacello, Bob (March 1996). "Anything Went". Vanity Fair. Condé Nast.
  3. ^ a b Martin, Douglas (July 25, 1990). "About New York; Nights of Glitz, A Velvet Rope And Memories". The New York Times. Retrieved December 29, 2007.
  4. ^ "Cocaine Caper?". Time. September 3, 1979. Retrieved December 29, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c Singleton, Don (July 27, 1989). "Studio 54 founder Steve Rubell dies". Reading Eagle. p. 46.
  6. ^ Stoler, Michael (May 30, 2006). "Plans at Union Square to Enhance Its Place in History as a Gathering Place". New York Sun. Retrieved December 29, 2007.
  7. ^ "Steve Rubell, 45, co-owner of Studio 54 who reigned over..." chicagotribune.com. July 30, 1989.
  8. ^ Barron, James (July 28, 1989). "Rubell Created Homes Away From Home for the Trendsetters". nytimes.
  9. ^ Ganahl, Jane (August 28, 1998). "Boring "54" a coup de grace for '70's". SFGate.com. Retrieved December 29, 2007.
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