It’s not hard to imagine the conversations that took place inside the walls of Studio 54. Rock ‘n’ Roll pioneer Chuck Berry was also a famous patron of the infamous nightclub, and apparently, so was the Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Below, the two rock legends are seen laughing and chatting it up in February 1980.
Maybe the seasoned 54-year-old Chuck Berry was giving a wide-eyed 37-year-old Keith Richards some guitar-playing tips. The photo of the two of them together is a testament to the power of music and the enduring influence of Studio 54 on popular culture.
Jerry Hall Added an Air of Elegance to the Evening
Joining the ranks of the other supermodels, Jerry Hall also spent her fair share of time at Studio 54. Dressed in luxurious outfits that showed off her incredible figure, Jerry could often be found lounging on the silk couches and soaking up the attention of the male celebrities around her.
In her ‘70s’ attire, Jerry left little to the imagination. Lace, sheer bodysuits were a common choice for the model. Silky hair and an air of elegance completed her outfit. Every evening at Studio 54 was just a little bit better when Hall was in the room.
Donald and Ivana Trump Attended the Club On Opening Night
Although Donald Trump now has an entirely different set of interests and sits in the Oval Office, over 40 years ago, he was one of the first in line to engage in the party lifestyle at Studio 54. On the club’s opening night, Trump was one of the first people to arrive alongside his then-wife Ivana.
After dining at Upper West Side restaurant 'Elaine’s,' with socialite Nikki Haskell and her date, the group decided to check out what was, at the time, simply a new club. According to Haskell, the club was nearly empty when they arrived. In fact, it looked like it was still being put together.
Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards Were Denied Entry
After being invited by Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, and Bernard Edwards, the members of the band Chic arrived at Studio 54 on New Year’s Eve, 1977. Unfortunately, Jones failed to leave their names at the door, and they weren’t allowed onto the hallowed dance floor. Angry and dejected, Rodgers and Edwards returned to their apartment and started composing an angry song about their rejection.
The irate tune ultimately turned into “Le Freak,” Chic’s first number-one and biggest song of all time, which went on to become an iconic disco anthem and a tribute to the exclusivity and excesses institution. The club may be long gone, but its legacy lives on in the music, fashion, and art of the era.
Karl Lagerfeld Hosted an 18th Century Party in Studio 54
After learning of Studio 54’s ability to throw an incredible party, Karl Lagerfeld decided to host his own get-together that centered on the theme of an 18th-century ball. In line with the theme, candlelight was used as the primary source of illumination.
Attendees and staff donned powdered wigs and court dresses and waltzed across the dance floor during an evening that felt like it was right out of a movie set. In an instant, Studio 54 could transform from a ‘70s club into a grand ballroom, a feat that shocked anyone lucky enough to attend these functions.