Paul Colby, famed owner of New York venue The Bitter End, passes away at age 96

Paul Colby, the man behind Greenwich Village venue The Bitter End, passed away last Thursday from natural causes. He was 96. Colby owned the venue since 1974 and is credited with jumpstarting the careers of numerous musicians and comedians. As The Observer points out, The Bitter End announced the death of its "colonel" in a statement in its website.

"In his 70 plus years in the business, Paul has touched the hearts of countless musicians and patrons and helped to launch many great careers in the music industry," the statement said. "Paul was sharp, witty and happy until the end. Paul will never be forgotten as his legacy will live on Bleecker Street."

A memorial event is in the works, according to the site, but performers and a date have not been set.

The Bitter End, which was originally a coffeehouse, was established in 1961 and claims to be the "oldest rock and roll club in New York City." Among the performers who have graced the venue's stage are Bob Dyan, Stan Getz, James Taylor and Lady Gaga. The venue also hosted comedians such as Bill Cosby, Billy Crystal and Woody Allen before they became famous.

The city gave The Bitter End landmark status in 1992 after it was saved by a benefit concert that included performances by Peter, Paul and Mary, Kris Kristofferson, George Carlin and others.

As The Observer notes, Colby managed the venue for six years before becoming owner. He was known for booking a variety of acts, giving no-names a chance and ultimately defining the venue's character.

Colby was born in Philadelphia in 1917 and moved to New York's Lower East Side with his family when he was five. He attended the now-defunct Textile High School before serving in the military. He entered the music industry as "song plugger," getting music on the radio and in the hands of publishing companies.

In his 2002 book about the club, he explained that live music was his true love. "The Bitter End is not a second or third take," Mr. Colby wrote. "It's as alive as it gets. For me, there is no other way to live life."

We will update you with more information on his memorial service as it becomes available. Please leave your remembrances in the comments section below.

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