In 1977, New York City was a spectacle of glitz and grit. Disco balls spun, reflecting light onto sequined dresses and platform shoes. But tucked away from the mainstream clubs, another scene thrived – the world of topless go-go bars. Photographer Meryl Meisler ventured into these dimly lit spaces, capturing a raw and honest glimpse of life beyond the glitter.
Meisler’s photos aren’t just about the dancers and the customers. They tell the story of the staff who kept these clubs running – the waitresses, the bartenders, the bouncers. These were the people who saw it all, the good, the bad, and the downright outrageous.
One such witness was Jupiter, a former waitress at a topless bar called “9”. Her memories paint a vivid picture of what life was like on the other side of the stage. “It wasn’t always glamorous,” she recalls. Long hours, demanding customers, and a constant hustle were all part of the job. Jupiter’s experience wasn’t unique. She also worked at Playmates and Winks, two other popular go-go bars in the city.
These clubs attracted a diverse clientele, from everyday folks to high-powered businessmen. Jupiter remembers the lawyers and bankers from nearby Citi Corp who frequented Winks. “They’d spend thousands on us girls,” she says. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone – these men, pillars of the financial world, indulging in a world that was considered scandalous by many. Their patronage became so embarrassing that Citi Corp reportedly paid the owner of Winks a hefty sum to shut down.
Meisler’s photos document this era with unflinching honesty. We see dancers in elaborate costumes, their faces a mix of boredom and fatigue. We see waitresses navigating crowded rooms, balancing trays of drinks. We see the quiet moments backstage, where performers prepare for their next set.
While some may dismiss these clubs as seedy or exploitative, Meisler’s photos offer a more nuanced perspective. They show us the human side of the industry, the people who worked hard to make a living and create a space where people could escape from the everyday grind.
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