Scrapbook

The N.W. Corner of Oak and Atlantic avenues in Wildwood, location of today’s Bolero Resort Motel. But from the 40’s to the 70’s or so, Ground Zero for the entire rock and roll history of the resort. Of dozens and dozens of legendary nightclubs, the Bolero Bar and Supper Club were the centerpieces. Sammy Davis, Jr., Johnny Mathis, Connie Francis, Al Alberts and the Four Aces, Steve and Edie, the Four Tops, and thousands of other musical icons performed there. Directly across the street from the Hof Brau Hotel, site of Bill Haley and the Comet’s 1954 debut of “Rock Around the Clock,” the first #1 song in rock and roll history, the Bolero Bar and Supper Club hosted the biggest and brightest stars of all time. And the bill wasn’t limited just to rock stars or pop singers. Many Hollywood actors, actresses, and film comedians also graced their stages - like Joey Bishop, Mickey Schaughnessey, and Red Buttons.

The original Bolero Bar and Supper Club (Top three photos) were destroyed by fire and replaced by the first Bolero Motel and Bar in this photo, which was eventually demolished and turned into the Bolero Beach Resort we know today.

In the next issue we move a few doors west on Oak Ave. to check out the incredible OAK and RIPTIDE Clubs, two out of six of he most important clubs in rock and roll history, at the intersection of Oak and Atlantic avenues.