Manuel Lee Roth (November 25, 1919 – July 25, 2014) was an American nightclub owner and entertainment entrepreneur. He founded the influential New York club Cafe Wha?
Manny Roth | |
|---|---|
| Born | Manuel Lee Roth November 25, 1919 New Castle, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | July 25, 2014 (aged 94) Ojai, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Miami |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Cafe Wha? |
| Relatives | David Lee Roth (nephew) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces |
| Awards |  Distinguished Flying Cross |
Early life
editRoth was born in November 1919 in New Castle, Indiana.[1] His family owned a small grocery store. He studied business and theater at the University of Miami, but did not complete his studies before enlisting in the United States Army during World War II. Roth was a navigator in bombing missions in Germany, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.[2]
After leaving the Army, he stayed in Germany and helped manage a United Service Organization theater. He then completed his degree at University of Miami.[2]
In the 1950s, Roth started the Cock and Bull, a Broadway-themed club in Greenwich Village in New York, which eventually became The Bitter End.[2]
Cafe Wha?
editIn 1959, Roth opened Cafe Wha? at 115 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village, in what used to be a basement garage and horse stable. Roth tiled the floor and painted the walls himself. In the early 1960s, Cafe Wha? provided a launching place for amateur music and comedy acts including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, The Velvet Underground, Cat Mother & the All Night Newsboys, Kool & the Gang, Peter, Paul and Mary, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor.[2]
Because of financial difficulties, Roth sold Cafe Wha? in 1968.[2]
Later career
editAfter leaving Cafe Wha?, Roth moved to Woodstock, New York, and opened a diner. In following years, he worked in real estate in New York. He died at his Ojai, California, home on July 25, 2014, from natural causes.[3]
Manny Roth was married to Jai Italiaander and later to Marlyse Medel.[1] He has two daughters, Jodi and Jami and one son, Brandon. Van Halen lead vocalist David Lee Roth is his nephew.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b Italie, Hillel (August 2, 2014). "Manny Roth, colorful owner of New York's Cafe Wha? club, dies at 94". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Martin, Douglas (August 2, 2014). "Manny Roth, 94, Impresario of Cafe Wha?, Is Dead". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
- ^ AP Staff (August 2) "Manny Roth, founder of Café Wha?, dead at 94," Associated Press (New York) captured on August 2 (no time).[1]
- ^ "David Lee Roth's Uncle Manny Roth, Owner of Famous Cafe Wha?, Dies at 95". Ultimate Classic Rock. July 30, 2014.