Hillary Clinton, Kathy Hochul celebrate radio legend ‘Cousin Brucie’
It was Brucie’s bipartisan bash.
Hillary Clinton and Gov. Kathy Hochul attended an oldies music-filled gala on Thursday night at Cipriani 42nd Street to honor disc jockey Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow’s 70-year career in broadcasting.
One attendee, music producer Steve Garrin, quipped to Clinton that she should throw her hat in the presidential ring again.
He added, “I voted for you,” and Clinton retorted, “Everyone in New York voted for me.” Garrin fired back, “I know three people that didn’t,” and Clinton cracked up, we’re told.
The event doubled as a party honoring 77 WABC radio’s 102nd anniversary — and a 75th birthday bash for billionaire station owner (and frequent Republican mayoral hopeful) John Catsimatidis.
Morrow is known for introducing his audience to rock bands as big as The Beatles, and was fêted via video by hitmakers including Carole King, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Lee Greenwood, Frankie Avalon, Gary U.S. Bonds and Darlene Love. Yankees GM Brian Cashman and retired slugger Darryl Strawberry also chimed in.
Tony Orlando emceed the tribute, which had electric guitars as centerpieces on the dinner tables.
Many of the acts recalled first meeting Morrow as youngsters in the ’60s when he was the announcer at Palisades Amusement Park, where acts from the Supremes to Billy Joel got their starts, and where the leopard-print-suited showman hosted a legendary battle of the bands.
Catsimatidis, in a gold sequin jacket, and his wife, Margo, presented Brucie with an award in the shape of a microphone, as well as a classic phonograph.
Quipped the DJ, now in his mid-80s, of the old Victrola, “Believe it or not, when this was around, I was not on the radio.” He added, “What a tribute. I am indebted to you,” and said he wants to keep the turntable in his studio at the station.
Also at the gala were station head Chad Lopez and WABC talent including Sid Rosenberg — who gave a moving homage to his late co-host Bernie McGuirk.
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