Elmer Valentine
Elmer Valentine | |
|---|---|
| Born | Elmer Alfred Valentine June 16, 1923 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died | December 3, 2008 (aged 85) Studio City, California, United States |
| Occupation | Nightclub owner |
| Known for | Whisky a Go Go |
| Children | 1 |
Elmer Valentine (June 16, 1923 – December 3, 2008) was the co-founder of three famous nightclubs on the
Biography
Early life
Valentine was born in
Career
Valentine moved to Los Angeles in 1960, where he became co-owner of
Lou Adler bought into the Whisky in the late 1970s. Valentine sold his interest in the Whisky a Go Go in the 1990s, but retained an ownership in the Rainbow Bar & Grill and the Roxy Theatre until his death.[2]
During the 1960s and 1970s the Whisky was one of the most important rock clubs in Los Angeles, hosting acts such as The Byrds, the Doors, the Kinks, the Who, and Buffalo Springfield.,[2] Oingo Boingo, The Go-Go's, Tom Petty, The Ramones, New York Dolls, and Blondie. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Whisky was known as a stepping stone for bands such as X, Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Van Halen, Ratt, and many other iconic bands. Both the Whisky a Go Go and The Roxy Theatre remain staples of the Sunset Boulevard club scene.
References
- ^ Martin, Douglas (9 December 2008). "Elmer Valentine, Owner of Rock Clubs, Dies at 85". The New York Times. p. B14.
- ^ a b McLellan, Dennis (7 December 2008). "Elmer Valentine, co-founder of Whisky a Go Go, dies at 85". Los Angeles Times. p. B11.