The Mel Cheren Collection
New York: Various publishers, 1987-2005. Offset, inkjet, xerox, typescript, and manuscript. Over 400 sheets of documents, flyers, and periodicals, some of which with holograph inscriptions, with 8 photographic prints, 9 postcards and gallery exhibition cards, 2 pieces of manuscript ephemera, and one sticker. Various sizes, from 5 1/2 x 4 to 22 x 17 in, but most 8 ½ x 11 in. All very good. Item #7223
A comprehensive archive of over 400 documents from West End Records’ Mel Cheren, founder of the legendary Paradise Garage and a tireless AIDS activist. The collection represents the range and significance of his work, documenting both his hands-on approach to the label and its musical contributions, along with his work rallying the music industry to raise both awareness and funds for AIDS relief.
Known as the “Godfather of Disco,” Cheren introduced three revolutions to the music industry: the 12’’ vinyl single, the instrumental B-side, and the DJ promo 12”. His club, Paradise Garage, which operated from 1977 to 1987, was at the forefront of dance music and was the epicenter of New York’s gay nightlife. West End Records itself defined New York City dancefloors and further influenced DJs worldwide, becoming one of the most prominent labels in dance music history. Some of its notable releases include Arthur Russell’s disco music as Loose Joints and a compilation of Larry Levan’s Paradise Garage mixes. This collection includes a flyer for the former and liner notes and an image for the latter.
Cheren was profoundly and personally affected by the AIDS epidemic. His involvement in AIDS advocacy began with the formation of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in 1981. He mobilized his connections in the music industry in service of his activism, founding the non-profit 24 Hours for Life, which raised funds from the music industry to benefit AIDS education and research. Cheren was also on the board of LIFEbeat, the American music industry’s AIDS awareness and resource organization. LIFEbeat’s call for the music industry to take action to prevent the spread of AIDS became a mandate following the death of its founder, Bob Caviano, from an AIDS-related illness in 1992, and many of the organization’s programs were dedicated to his legacy.
This collection includes flyers, pamphlets, periodicals, press releases, newsletters, ephemera, and correspondence pertaining to West End Records, Cheren’s AIDS activism, and the advocacy organizations he founded and championed. Altogether, a remarkable and extensive gathering of documents connected to Cheren’s work, activism, and life in New York City.
Price: $7,200.00