The Gaslight Cafe

The Gaslight Cafe

The Gaslight Cafe was a popular coffeehouse located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was a significant venue for folk music and other musical acts, which helped to launch the careers of many successful artists.

History

The Gaslight Cafe was opened in 1958 by John Mitchell. It was originally a "basket house" where unpaid performers would pass around a basket at the end of each set and hope for tips. The Gaslight Cafe was known for its bohemian crowd and became a hangout for beat poets and folk musicians.

Notable Performers

Many notable performers got their start at the Gaslight Cafe. Bob Dylan recorded his album "Live at The Gaslight 1962" at the venue. Other notable performers include Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, and Bill Cosby. The Gaslight Cafe was also a popular spot for comedians, with Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor both performing there early in their careers.

Legacy

The Gaslight Cafe closed in 1971, but its influence on the music and comedy scene is still felt today. It was a launching pad for many successful careers and helped to shape the folk music scene in the 1960s. The Gaslight Cafe is often mentioned in popular culture and has been featured in films and television shows like Inside Llewyn Davis and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

See Also

• Greenwich Village
• Folk Music
• Beat Generation

References

• The Village: 400 Years of Beats and Bohemians, Radicals and Rogues by John Strausbaugh
• Positively 4th Street: The Lives and Times of Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Mimi Baez Fariña, and Richard Fariña by David Hajdu

External Links

• Official Website
• New York Times Article on The Gaslight Cafe