Palomino Club (North Hollywood) facts for kids
The Palomino Club was a famous music venue in North Hollywood, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. It opened in 1949 and became one of the most important country music clubs on the West Coast. Many legendary artists played there, like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Linda Ronstadt. It was also a popular spot for other country stars to hang out. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, the club started featuring more rock bands. The Palomino Club closed its doors in 1995. It was called "Country Music's most important West Coast club" by the Los Angeles Times.
Contents
History of the Palomino Club
Early Years and Country Music Fame
The Palomino Club first opened around 1949 or 1950. It was started by a bandleader named Hank Penny and his partner Amand Gautier. The club was located at 6907 Lankershim Boulevard. In 1952, Bill and Tom Thomas from Indiana leased the club and later bought it.
The club became even more popular in 1959. This happened when another major country music venue, Riverside Rancho, closed down. Many performers who used to play there then came to the Palomino. By the early 1970s, the club could hold up to 400 people.
The Palomino Club was special because it was a neighborhood bar for working people. It opened early, at 6 AM, with a happy hour from 8 AM to 10 AM. The bar stayed open during afternoon sound checks. This meant regular customers and fans could watch bands prepare for free. Artists often performed short, unplanned concerts for the fans. The dressing rooms were usually open, so fans could meet the artists and get autographs.
During the 1950s and 1960s, almost every famous country and western artist played there. But in the early 1970s, the Palomino started welcoming rock and roll musicians too.
The Rock and Roll Era
In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, the Palomino Club became known for "Cow Punk" music. This was a mix of country and rock. New bands like Rosie Flores and Lone Justice got their start there. Many famous artists, including The Flying Burrito Brothers and Dwight Yoakam, played early shows at the club. Emmylou Harris and her band often sold out the place.
Sometimes, very famous artists like Elvis Costello and Neil Young would play unannounced shows. These events caused big crowds outside and got a lot of media attention. It was also common for surprise guests to join artists on stage. For example, George Harrison, John Fogerty, and Bob Dylan once played an unplanned set together.
Other rock and roll artists who played at the Palomino included The Everly Brothers, The Pretenders, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bo Diddley, The Motels, and Quiet Riot.
The Palomino also had a "World Famous Palomino Talent Show" once a week. Many new acts performed there hoping to become famous. This talent show eventually became a contest, similar to "America's Got Talent."
Club Closure and Legacy
After the original owners, Billy and Tommy Thomas, passed away, the club faced challenges. Tommy's wife, Sherry, tried to keep it going. However, the Palomino struggled financially. It could no longer attract big-name acts to its small venue. The club closed its doors in 1995. On its last night, three blues bands from Southern California performed.
After the club closed, its large neon sign went missing for a while. It was found in a warehouse in 2014. Scott McNatt, who owned the sign, realized how important it was. He contacted a historian named Tommy Gelinas to save and restore it. The Palomino's neon sign has been fixed and is now on display at the Valley Relics Museum in Chatsworth, California.
Movie and Television Appearances
The Palomino Club was a popular spot for actors and stuntmen, including Clint Eastwood. When they became famous directors, they remembered the club and used it as a filming location.
The club appeared in several movies, including:
- Every Which Way But Loose (1978) and Any Which Way You Can (1980), both starring Clint Eastwood.
- Minnie and Moskowitz (1971), directed by John Cassavetes.
- The Other Side of the Mountain Part 2 (1978).
- Hooper (1978), starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field.
- The Junkman (1982).
It also appeared on television shows like CHiPs and T.J. Hooker. The club is also mentioned in the pilot episode of The Fall Guy.
Mary Lyn Dias, who was discovered at the weekly talent show, later became a backup singer for Hoyt Axton.
The club is mentioned in the lyrics of the song "San Ber'dino" by Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. This song is on their 1975 album One Size Fits All.
The band Firehose recorded their famous Live Totem Pole EP at the Palomino on August 16, 1991.
The Palomino was honored several times as "Club of the Year" by Performance Magazine, a publication about touring artists.
