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Draft:Phil Greenwald

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Phil Greenwald
Born(1918-08-31)August 31, 1918
New York City, U.S.
DiedJanuary 18, 1982(1982-01-18) (aged 63)
SpouseJanie Streicher

Phil "Philly" Greenwald (August 31, 1918 – January 18, 1982) was a notable figure in the entertainment industry, particularly known for his role as the Director of Entertainment, Talent Booker, and Nightclub Producer at the Concord Resort Hotel in the Catskills. Greenwald is credited with transforming the Catskills into a renowned destination for high-profile celebrities by being the first booker to replace salaried social staff with one-night headliners.[1] His contributions significantly shaped the Borscht Belt and Catskills from the 1940s to the 1970s, helping to transform it into a cultural hub for the Jewish community in New York during that period.

Early Life and Career[edit]

Greenwald began working at the Concord Hotel in 1940 as a lifeguard. Within a few years he was made Head of Entertainment at the hotel, where he was responsible for presenting at least 1000 acts a year on a $3 million budget, which was unusually large for the time.[2]

Concord Resort Hotel[edit]

Under Greenwald's direction, the Concord Resort Hotel emerged as a prominent entertainment hub. During his tenure, the New York Times recognized the Concord as the largest nightclub in the world, noting its substantial entertainment budget.[3] [1] In 1959, the hotel paid Milton Berle unprecedented $6,500 for a single night's performance.[4]

From approximately 1948 until his death in 1982, Greenwald brought numerous stars to perform at the Concord, including:

As described by Greenwald’s son Joey in "It Happened in the Catskills" by Harvey and Myrna Frommer, Greenwald was once contacted by the William Morris agency and offered a country and western singer for $50. Greenwald's response was, “I wouldn’t have that in my hotel for anything in the world, no matter the price.” The singer was Elvis Presley.[10]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Levy, Alan (8 December 1974). "The Concord: Eat, Swim, Eat, Rest, Eat". New York Times. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Phil Greenwald, Held Talent Post at Concord". New York Times. 18 January 1982. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  3. ^ Zweibel, Alan (2020). Laugh Lines: My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier. Abrams Press. ISBN 978-1-4197-3528-8.
  4. ^ "NIGHTCLUBS: Competition in the Catskills". Time Magazine. Time Magazine. 10 August 1959. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Montana, Carol (28 February 2023). "Memories of a Catskills Entertainer: Billy Vine". Sullivan County Democrat.
  6. ^ Starr, Michael Seth (2004). Bobby Darin: A Life. Taylor Trade Publishing. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-58979-598-3.
  7. ^ "Barbra Streisand Archives". Barbra Streisand Archives.
  8. ^ a b Frommer, Harvey; Katz Fromer, Myrna (1 January 1989). It Happened in the Catskills: An Oral History in the Words of Busboys, Bellhops, Guests, Proprietors, Comedians, Agents, and Others Who Lived It. p. 159.
  9. ^ Henderson, Florence (20 September 2011). Life is Not a Stage. Center Street. ISBN 978-1-4555-0491-6.
  10. ^ a b Frommer, Harvey; Katz Fromer, Myrna (1 January 1989). It Happened in the Catskills: An Oral History in the Words of Busboys, Bellhops, Guests, Proprietors, Comedians, Agents, and Others Who Lived It. p. 154.
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