December 21, 2007

Remembering Mel Cheren, AIDS Trailblazer

Record executive and disco impresario Mel Cheren—who gave the New York City-based AIDS service organization Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) its first home—died on December 7 from AIDS-related pneumonia, the New York Times reports. He was 73 (nytimes.com, 12/21).

Cheren created the Paradise Garage—a legendary gay nightclub—in 1977, and was also recognized for helping create the 12-inch vinyl single, the Times reports.

In 1984, in the early days of the AIDS epidemic, Cheren converted part of his apartment building into office space that would become GMHC’S headquarters. He later formed 24 Hours to Life, an organization that raised music industry funds for those living with HIV/AIDS.

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Bob, New York, 2008-01-03 20:10:53
I lost the opportunity to argue with Mel over his favorite 500 disco songs from the back of his book. He had good taste, but Evelyn King's Shame wasn't even her best song. That was I Don't Know If It's Right. My # 1 was Original's Down to Love Town. I was shocked on Dec. 1, my birthday, to hear that he was near death and someone at Center told me later he had passed. I almost died myself in Aug. 2006, but I dance now whenever I can (New Years Eve music at the Center was crap, though).

Xavier, New York, 2007-12-28 09:27:22
Mel was not the "creator" of Paradise Garage. That credit belongs to Mel's former lover, Michael Brody. Mel was known as the Godfather of Disco and the principal financial benefactor that put up the money for the legendary Paradise Garage on King and Varick Streets. I emailed him earlier this year and asked him not to retire. I had no idea he was so ill.

m00nchild, San Francisco CA, 2007-12-27 03:17:47
I met Mel Cheren earlier this year. Meeting him provided me with a pathway to understand the early phases of the epidemic and my own current diagnosis. He was a charming, passionate man. I had no idea he would pass so soon and I am very sad. I hope he keeps on dancing in the hereafter.