El Morocco was one of the most glamorous and iconic night clubs in New York City during the mid 20th century.

Opened initially as a speakeasy by John Perona, an Italian immigrant and former boxer, it quickly became the ultimate hotspot for celebrities, royalty, politicians and socialites.

Located on East 54th Street in Manhattan,  it was famous not just for its elite clientele, but also for its signature zebra-striped banquettes (booths),which became a symbol of high-society nightlife.

Photographer Jerome Zerbe helped elevate El Morocco’s status by photographing the stars who visited- images that were often featured in newspapers and magazines.   This created a buzz that made every entry into the highly coveted club which pioneered The Velvet Rope at its entrance.  

El Morocco’s magic was a product of its storied guest list of one named clientele- Chaplin, Capote, Gable, Flynn, Onassis, Dali, Kennedy, DiMaggio, Marilyn, Flynn Dietrich, Sinatra. and Bogart.  

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had their wedding reception there.

What made El Morocco eventually, unmade it – its snobbish exclusivity, its ability to make its patrons feel like they were sitting in the midst of the most elegant spot on the planet and had been handpicked to do so.   And most importantly, everybody on the outside had not.

El Morocco was notoriously elitist and discriminatory, closing its doors literally to block Jewish, blacks and lower class patrons (they even froze out Sammy Davis Jr).

From 1930’s till the late 1950’s,  El Morocco stood as the gold standard of glamour, influence and exclusivity, only to fade as societal norms and entertainment tastes shifted in the 1960s.