SHECKYmagazine Interview: Woody Woodbury!

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on May 27th, 2005


We interviewed Woody Woodbury! A fascinating chat with a man who made his mark in live performance, television, recording and movies. He was present at the birth of the Cocktail Lounge! His records sold like vinyl hotcakes (“Connoisseurs have acclaimed ‘Woody Woodbury Looks at Life and Love’ the greatest boon to parties since the ice cube.”) And he played host to the thousands of folks who flocked to “Ft. Liquordale” in the 50s, seeking live adult entertainment during what might legitimately be considered an early Golden Age of live comedy and variety.

Back in the ’20’s, 30’s, 40’s and even the 50’s, there were nightclubs. They were all the rage back then. There was no televsion. None. Nada. The comedians, vocalists, jugglers, acrobats, magicians-illusionists, and any number of variety acts were the “in” and hot entertainment values of the day. People would flock to see these performers in person, at these nightclubs. To entice even more customers, the club owners poshed up their clubs, made them spiffy, charming and up-to-date. The very best and talented of these show-stoppers were the most highly paid. The public devoured these entertainment scenes and sometimes had to wait an hour of more after arriving at a nightclub for the next stageshow. It didn’t take long for the club owners to convert that “waiting-for-the-next-show” area into a sit-down and “have a drink or two” while waiting.

And so the waiting room was plushed-up to become the “lounge” and of course, then the “cocktail lounge.” The stronger, more popular acts drew in the best and wealthiest clientele. Now the owners strove to keep these patrons happy in the “COCKTAIL LOUNGE” so what better way than to initiate song and laughter? Thus was born the “COCKTAIL LOUNGE.”

This interview covers Lauderdale, booze, WW II, television, movies, lounges– It’s the world of comedy and entertainment before you were born, when adults bought the tickets, picked out the albums, called the shots and drank them! Block out a few minutes and read the rest!

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