Thursday night marked a momentous occasion as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined numerous attendees at Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow’s incredible 70-year career in broadcasting. This bipartisan bash, filled with the nostalgic sounds of oldies music, also served as a 102nd-anniversary party for 77 WABC radio and a splendid 75th birthday celebration for John Catsimatidis, the billionaire station owner.
During the festivities, music producer Steve Garrin lightened the atmosphere when he jokingly suggested that Hillary Clinton should throw her hat in the presidential ring once again. Garrin playfully declared his support by saying, “I voted for you,” to which Clinton quickly responded, “Everyone in New York voted for me.” This exchange prompted Garrin to counter with a witty response, “I know three people that didn’t.” Amused by his retort, Clinton couldn’t help but burst into laughter, creating a lighthearted moment amid the celebration.
Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow’s influence on the music industry was evident as countless notable figures honored him through video messages. Renowned artists such as Carole King, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Lee Greenwood, Frankie Avalon, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Darlene Love all expressed their admiration and gratitude for Morrow’s role in introducing them to the world. Even Yankees GM Brian Cashman and retired baseball player Darryl Strawberry couldn’t resist sharing their appreciation for the legendary disc jockey.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The night was infused with nostalgia as Tony Orlando took on the role of emcee, guiding attendees through a walk down memory lane. The dinner tables were adorned with electric guitars as centerpieces, a testament to Morrow’s lasting impact on the music industry. Many artists in attendance reminisced about their first encounters with “Cousin Brucie” during the 1960s when he served as the announcer at Palisades Amusement Park. This iconic venue served as a launching pad for legendary acts like The Supremes and Billy Joel, as well as hosting Morrow’s own legendary “battle of the bands” events.
Award Presentation and Words of Appreciation
Dressed in a striking gold sequin jacket, John Catsimatidis, alongside his wife Margo, had the honor of presenting Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow with a microphone-shaped award and a classic phonograph. In his mid-80s, Morrow humorously commented on the phonograph, stating, “Believe it or not, when this was around, I was not on the radio.” Expressing his deep gratitude, Morrow thanked the crowd and expressed his desire to keep the turntable in his studio at the station, further emphasizing the importance of his broadcasting roots.
A Night of Appreciation and Remembrance
Completing the evening were station head Chad Lopez and various WABC talents, including Sid Rosenberg. It was Rosenberg who offered a heartfelt homage to his late co-host Bernie McGuirk, perfectly encapsulating the bittersweet emotions that pervaded the celebration. As the night came to a close, it was clear that Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow’s remarkable impact on the broadcasting industry, alongside his enduring influence on popular music, was firmly embedded in the hearts of all those in attendance.
The gala celebration honoring Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow served as a testament to his iconic career and enduring legacy in broadcasting. As esteemed politicians, renowned musicians, and broadcasting industry insiders joined together, the event underscored Bruce Morrow’s significant impact on the world of media and his unparalleled ability to introduce audiences to groundbreaking musical acts. This celebration highlighted Morrow’s roots in Palisades Amusement Park and the tremendous influence he had on launching the careers of numerous legendary artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.