An incredible evening filled with oldies music and joyous celebration took place on Thursday night at Cipriani 42nd Street. The gala was held to honor the remarkable 70-year career of disc jockey Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow in the broadcasting industry. Notable attendees included Hillary Clinton and Gov. Kathy Hochul, who joined forces in paying tribute to this broadcasting legend.
During the event, a delightful exchange took place between Hillary Clinton and music producer Steve Garrin. In a lighthearted moment, Garrin jokingly suggested that Clinton should consider a presidential run once again. Clinton, ever witty, responded by saying, “Everyone in New York voted for me,” to which Garrin playfully retorted, “I know three people that didn’t.” The room erupted with laughter, showcasing the friendly and lively atmosphere of the night.
The evening served a dual purpose, as it also marked 77 WABC radio’s 102nd anniversary and the 75th birthday of billionaire station owner, John Catsimatidis. Dressed in an eye-catching gold sequin jacket, Catsimatidis and his wife, Margo, took center stage to present Brucie with a well-deserved award shaped like a microphone. They also gifted him a classic phonograph as a token of gratitude for his exceptional contributions to the industry.
One of the highlights of the gala was the heartfelt video messages from renowned hitmakers like Carole King, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Lee Greenwood, Frankie Avalon, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Darlene Love. Each artist had collaborated with Brucie over the years, making his show an unforgettable platform for rising rock bands, including The Beatles. Additionally, Yankees GM Brian Cashman and retired slugger Darryl Strawberry shared their thoughts, emphasizing the enormous impact Brucie had on their careers.
Tony Orlando, renowned performer and emcee for the evening, took the audience on a nostalgic journey through the decades with anecdotes and stories. As centerpieces on the dinner tables, electric guitars added a touch of rock and roll flair to the ambiance. Many of the musicians present recalled their first encounters with Brucie at Palisades Amusement Park in the 1960s. The park served as a launching pad for iconic acts like the Supremes and Billy Joel. Brucie, with his leopard-print suit, presided over the legendary battle of the bands held at this historic venue.
Amidst the adulation, Cousin Brucie, now in his mid-80s, expressed his gratitude for the tributes he received. Holding the classic phonograph, he humorously remarked, “Believe it or not, when this was around, I was not on the radio.” Brucie also shared his appreciation and conveyed his desire to keep the turntable in his studio at the station, ensuring that this cherished gift will forever serve as a reminder of the monumental evening.
Among the esteemed guests who attended the gala were station head Chad Lopez and various WABC talent, including Sid Rosenberg. Rosenberg delivered a touching homage to his late co-host Bernie McGuirk, further underscoring the sense of unity and camaraderie in the broadcasting community.
Brucie’s bi-partisan bash was a remarkable and unforgettable celebration of a broadcasting icon’s exceptional career. With stars from different areas of the entertainment industry coming together to pay tribute, the night was a testament to Cousin Brucie’s lasting impact on music and broadcasting.
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