20 Rare Photos From NYC's Copacabana Nightclub
The Copacabana may just be one of the most famous nightclubs ever. A favorite of Hollywood celebrities, athletes, and yes, even mobsters (Frank Costello was once a partner, and Joe Gallo ran the joint until 1972), the Copacabana has always been the place to be. It’s appeared in movies like Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and Carlito’s Way, and even has a song named after it (you know the Barry Manilow one? Yes, he’s talking about this Copacabana). The New York City institution has cemented itself as a must-visit, and we know why—there’s truly nothing like it. Ahead, we take a look at some rare photos of the club throughout its 80-plus-year history.
Early Beginnings
When the popular nightclub opened its doors in 1940, it was decked out in Brazilian decor, had Latin-themed orchestras, and served Chinese food. Named after the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, it also was famous for its chorus line, dubbed “The Copacabana Girls.”
Chorus Girls Backstage
Here, two Copacabana Girls get ready to take the stage.
Their Very Own Theme Song
These dancers were introduced to the audience each night with their very own theme song, “You Just Can’t Copa with a Copacabana.”
Dancing at the Copacabana
This particular Copa dancer, Lillian Moore, was born in New York City in 1920, and her mother was a former Ziegfeld Follies girl.
Taking the Stage
The Copacabana Girls made between $65 to $75 weekly (the equivalent of around $1000 or so today) and performed in 21 shows per week.
Knitting Backstage
One of the club’s dancers, Mary Elliott, is seen here knitting during downtime at rehearsal. During free time, performers often went out to eat, went to the movies, or took up a hobby, such as knitting.
From the Copacabana to the Big Screen
Many of these dancers were around 20 years old, and a handful went on to perform on Broadway or land Hollywood contracts.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
Besides the Copacabana Girls, countless celebrities could often be found buzzing around the club each night. Here, actors Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz chat next to the Copa’s bandleader, Darryl Harpa.
Garden of Eve
In 1941, the club held a party for the upcoming Paramount Pictures film The Lady of Eve. The party’s guest of honor? A king snake, named Emma, that starred in the movie.
Soldiers Ringing in the New Year
Here, a group of American soldiers rings in the New Year at the beloved hotspot.
Frank Sinatra and Rocky Graziano
New Jersey crooner Frank Sinatra chats with professional boxer Rocky Graziano while taking in a show at the Copacabana. Sinatra performed many a night at the club during the 1940s.
Sinatra Fans
Excited fans lovingly look at magazine photos of Sinatra while waiting for him to take the stage at the Copacabana.
Roberta Carr
Singer and dancer Roberta Carr is pictured here smiling in front of the club ahead of her performance. The club’s location changed several times throughout the years, but its first address was 10 E. 60th Street. Today, it calls 625 W. 51st Street home.
Jack Jones and Jill St. John
Actress Jill St. John and singer Jack Jones sit backstage before Jones’ performance at the nightclub. St. John is famous for playing Tiffany Case, the first American Bond girl.
Sam Cooke at the Copa
In July 1964, singer-songwriter Sam Cooke performed at the Copacabana, resulting in his live-recorded LP, Sam Cooke at the Copa. The album did well and charted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200.
Mick and Bianca Jagger
Mick and Bianca Jagger are pictured here attending the club’s reopening in 1976. The spot was closed from 1973 to 1976 after the club’s operator Jules Podell passed away and reopened later in the 1970s as a disco joint.
Andy Warhol and Divine
The club famously reopened in Andy Warhol’s name. Here, he’s pictured at the festivities alongside drag performer, Divine.
Robin Williams' Comedy Tour
Here, actor and comedian Robin Williams poses at the Copacabana during his "Reality…What a Concept!" comedy tour in the late-70s. This tour’s material was recorded and later became part of the performer’s Reality…What a Concept! comedy album that was released shortly after.
Fundraisers and Benefits
Besides concerts and performances, the Copacabana has also held plenty of benefits since its opening. Here, actress Gwyneth Paltrow attends a fundraiser at the club for Off-Broadway's Blue Light Theater Co. in the ‘90s.
Outside the Club
Today, the Copacabana calls Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood home. In 2012, a second Copacabana location opened up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
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