West End Records

Larry Levan: Rememberances (pg. 3)

"I met Larry Levan in early 1976 at Nicky Siano's club Gallery (when it was around the corner from Flamingo, just off Houston Street). It was before the crowd started to arrive. I was there to give Nicky a test pressing of a dance record I had written and recorded called "Cathedrals," and Larry had just put the finishing touches on the refreshments for the evening. Nicky made the introduction, and Larry and I immediately became a mutual admiration society for the next 17 years.

Knowing Larry. I was lucky enough to have been a part of the Paradise Garage (original membership #2288 -- La Rue + 2 guests) from its very humble beginning (that little room to the left of the top of the ramp, half an unfinished hardwood floor and the first of what was to evolve into the now-famous Levan/Garage sound system) right through to a time, by 1979, when it was the club heard 'round the world. In all honesty, two of the five most exciting nights of my life took place at the Paradise Garage.

Larry and I were never in touch with each other all the time, but we were never out of touch. When I stopped writing and recording in 1980, when the bottom dropped out of disco, when most people in the industry preferred to look the other way when I came around, Larry continued to welcome me with open arms. I was always given the VIP treatment whenever I arrived at the Garage. I was always welcome in the booth, as it were my second home. He always acknowledged the music I had made as if he felt it was a truly important contribution to dance. He made some very difficult years in my life a lot easier to take.

The last time we spoke was right after he had finished the remix on Loleatta Holloway's "Strong Enough." I thank God that I had the chance to give him some positive feedback and love before his passing. I can find joy in knowing that I was able to return some of what he had given me over the years.

The music of Larry Levan, the man and his mixes, orchestrated my life for over 17 years. Now that he has been taken from us, I'm sure that all he would want us to do is continue dancing. I will miss him with all my heart ... may he rest in peace."
-- D.C. LaRue

"Every so often, something beautiful in our lives passes on. We find sadness in this because we can no longer see it, or feel it, or be near it. However, we must remember that these things live on in our memories and in our spirits. We have had many beautiful and crazy, fun-filled years of music and love that he has given us, bringing many different people form all walks of life together. We grew up together, as a family and the best of friends. We thank you Larry. He made our minds look to enjoy life, as we lost ourselves of the wrong things in this world, with his music. This is not a moment of regret; we will never forget. His spirit will always be here with us, [as will] his music [which] lifted us up in times of need. He will always be in mind, heart, and soul and person the one who opens doors to our future and fantasies on any and all dancefloors."
-- Bilal H. Mainor

"The legacy of the man will live in the very soul of music forever."
-- Ace Mungin, Ace Beat Records

"Larry lit the spark, and IÕll always carry the flame for him."
-- Robert Owens

"As my dance music educator, Larry Levan instilled in me a musical vision that I have never lost sight of, and I thank him for that. 'Time Warp,' 'Baby I'm Scared Of You.' 'No News Is News,' 'Dancing In Outer Space,' 'Running Away,' 'Give Me Your Love,' 'Thinkin' About Your Love,' 'Don't Make Me Wait,' 'Street Player,' 'Weekend,' 'Messin' With My Mind,' 'Is It All Over My Face,' 'Love Sensation,' 'Heartbeat,' 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' 'Pull Up To The Bumper,' 'I'll Be Your Pleasure,' 'Let's Go Dancin',' 'Can't Play Around,' 'Keep On,' 'Seventh Heaven,' 'You Can't Hide (Your Love From Me),' 'Moody,' 'Don't Go Lose It Baby,' 'Music Is The Answer,' and 'You Don't Know' are not just song titles, but memories of an unforgettable era in music, and, more importantly, memories of one special person: Larry Levan. Larry, as you always taught us: Love Is the Message. May peace be with you."
-- Michael Paoletta, Billboard Magazine

"My fondest memories of Larry Levan are: the places he would take me through his music, hanging out in the booth with him at the Garage, his smile, when I'd bring him a tape of a new remix and he would send people dancing right through the ceiling. 'Thanks To You Fiercely.'"
-- Shep Pettibone