Roseland actually started in Philadelphia in 1917, but sought a change of scenery after the city's blue laws kept them from operating on Sundays. Two years later, in the heart of Manhattan, Roseland set up shop in a five story building at Broadway and 51st. It hosted jazz greats like Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and a young Ella Fitzgerald.
In 1956, after the original building was torn down, Roseland put it's roots down in an abandoned skating rink on West 52nd. It saw the rise of rock and disco, it's share of controversy and many and varied events over the years. It was considered a neighborhood menace after a teenager was shot there in 1984. Madonna performed an exclusive show that had fans waiting for days outside the venue only to go home after 30 minutes of music. Fiona Apple had her breakdown there. Hillary Clinton even celebrated her 53rd birthday within it's walls.
There's no doubt it will be missed by many. I'm only sorry my vacation will be next year, and not in time to see this piece of music history before it's lights go out. I'm a musician myself, and I'd often daydreamed about singing there. As of now, there are no plans for the building, but hopefully some of it's parts will be preserved as a living memorial of all the wonderful music that has played there over the years.
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