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Sunset Strip Icon, Elmer Valentine, Dies
Elmer Valentine, the man credited for putting the Sunset Strip on the map, died in his sleep on Wednesday. In 1960, he opened PJ's on the Strip and then the Whisky A Go-Go. After that he helped open the Rainbow Bar & Grill and the Roxy next door.
Tonight at 8 p.m. Valentine's club's and the House of Blues, Key Club, Viper Room and Cat Club will dim their outside lights for one minute to honor him.
“Its somehow fitting that the man who turned the Sunset Strip lights on would be honored by the lights of those venues that followed his imprint turning theirs off in a tribute to him,” said Lou Adler, who along with Valentine founded The Roxy in 1973.
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“The Strip will not be the same. Elmer Valentine started the legendary music experience on the Sunset Strip, which still flourishes today,” added Todd Steadman, Executive Director of the Sunset Strip Business Association.
Valentine was born in 1923 in Chicago and served in the Air Force during World War II. He later became a Chicago Police Detective before moving to Los Angeles to found PJ's, which became one of the most famous clubs in the country after Trini Lopez recorded a live album during a live show.
Photo (Left to Right): Lou and Elmer on the Strip
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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