Early Atlantic City Entertainers
During Atlantic City's golden years, all through 1920s and into the 1950s, the city was a showcase for singers, musicians, comedians and everyone in the theatrical world. Anyone who was "anyone" played Atlantic City.
Examples of entertainers that regularly performed in Atlantic City during those nostalgic by-gone years are shown below.
John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa was a composer and conductor best known for American military and patriotic marches.
Guy Lombardo
Guy Lombardo's band, The Royal Canadians, claimed to create "The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven."
Barbara Stanwyck
In 1926, Barbara Stanwyck was a showgirl at the Cafe' Beau Arts in Atlantic City, when her name was still Ruby Stevens.
Bob Hope
When Bob Hope performed in Atlantic City, he often played golf at the Atlantic City Country Club.
Count Basie
Bandleader and jazz pianist Count Basie played at the Atlantic City Clubs, and also Steel Pier.
Kate Smith
Kate Smith may be best known for singing God Bless America at Flyers games, however in her earlier days she was a star performer on Steel Pier.
Sammy Davis Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. often played at the 500 Club. His mother tended bar at the nearby Graces' Little Belmont.
The Three Stooges
The Three Stooges, Moe, Larry and Curley made numerous appearances on Steel Pier, beginning in 1936.
Ziegfeld Follies
The Ziegfeld Follies started out in Atlantic City in 1906, but later moved to Broadway. The Ziegfeld Follies featured some of the most beautiful chorus girls in the world, all elaborately costumed.
Sophie Tucker
Sophie Tucker, who was known as "The Last of the Red Hot Mamas" was one of the star performers at the 500 club .
Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole often played his Jazz Piano, and sung his soft ballads, at the Atlantic City clubs.
