Publisher Description

In 1977, at the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky, 165 people died in a tragic fire. Covered by news outlets across the country, many still associate tragedy with this popular entertainment destination. The club's legacy, however, stretches back to the 1950s, when it was known as the Beverly Hills Country Club. Folks from across the nation came here to see the best shows in town and to gamble in the casino. Considered the finest nightclub in the Cincinnati area, it showcased lavish, entertainment at a time when television and rock and roll were still in their infancy. Beverly Hills presented all of the day's top entertainers: Liberace, Milton Berle, Carol Channing, Mel Torme, Jimmy Durante, Tony Bennett, and a galaxy of other world-famous headliners. This book reveals a host of those wonderful and diverse performers as they prepare backstage for their shows, chat with musicians, and strike poses for the camera. Featuring photographs taken by Earl W. Clark, who played saxophone in the Beverly Hills house band from 1951 to 1962, Images of America: Beverly Hills Country Club includes hundreds of the talented artists who graced the stage, as well as the crowds who saw them perform. Allen J. Singer is the author of three Arcadia Publishing books and lives in Covington, Kentucky. As a writer and historian, Singer teamed up with Earl W. Clark to compile this rare and captivating collection. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Allen J. Singer is the author of three Arcadia Publishing books and lives in Covington, Kentucky. As a writer and historian, Singer teamed up with Earl W. Clark to compile this rare and captivating collection.

Review Text

Title: Local authors share story, pictures of Beverly Hills Club before the fire Author: Amanda Joering Alley Publisher: Community Press Date: 2/18/2010 Two local authors are trying to make sure the Beverly Hills Supper Club is remembered for more than just the tragic fire that occurred there. In a new pictorial book, "The Beverly Hills Country Club," Allen Singer and Earl Clark feature hundreds of pictures of the performers and crowds at the club from 1951 until 1962. "Whenever people think about Beverly Hills they only think about the fire, but there was such a great legacy there before the fire," Singer said. "It really was a premiere showcase in that time." While researching his first book about the Cincinnati subway, Singer met Clark, who worked as a saxophonist in the house band at the club in the 1950s and had hundreds of photos he took from his time there. Singer said he felt people needed to see Clark's pictures, which tell many stories. Clark said since there hadn't really been much coverage of that time period in books, he was all for the idea of co-authoring the book. "I just wanted to show the pleasure the club brought to people in this area and share the pictures, which are great historical documents from the period," Clark said. "I welcomed the opportunity to document my experience." Through numerous meetings with Clark and research on the club and performers, Singer said they were able to put the book together in about six months and have received positive feedback since its release in January. "This really is a story that touches everybody," Singer said. A video about the book can be found at by searching for the Beverly Hills Country Club. The book is available at local bookstores, online retailers and through Arcadia Publishing at 888-313-2665. Book signings are being held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Walgreens, in Newport and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Barnes and Noble, in Florence.

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