Provenance
This collection was donated by George Sardi, one of the producers of Gay Morning America
Use Restrictions
No names may be published unless (1) the persons are publicly known as gay, or (2) their permission has been obtained, or (3) they are deceased. Restrictions are only in regards to publication; any researcher may view or copy any document in the collection.
Scope and Content
This collection contains 2 feet of periodicals and 32 3/4” videotapes of Gay Morning America, and 8” of miscellaneous items. The tapes have been converted to DVD format for preservation. The 32 tapes included in this collection are of select shows from seasons two and three with the dates ranging from October 1984 to November 1985. Every effort has been made to preserve the audio and video of the original tapes, though in some cases the condition of the tapes at the time of preservation prevented a quality transfer.
The dates which appear on the tapes and subsequent DVDs are the dates the show was recorded. In the first two seasons the show typically aired two days after recording. The shows which aired live in the third season are marked *Live* on the collection content list.
History
Gay Morning America was a weekly TV show that aired on public-access cable for three seasons from 1983-1985. The show was originally one hour in length and was reduced to 1/2 hour in the third and final season. A “live” show was aired every fourth week of the final season. Live shows included phone-ins by viewers discussing current events in the gay community. The show aired from 7:30a.m. to 8:30a.m. for the first two seasons, and 11:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. for the third season. It was awarded a prize by the Christopher Street Festival Committee for its outstanding contribution to the gay community. The show’s format was that of a variety show without rehearsals. The show also featured pre-recorded commercials of local gay establishments, as well as “live” endorsements by the hosts which helped support the show. Staff members volunteered all of their time and no individual was paid. The staff consisted of Johnny Savoy, George Sardi, Jerry Fitzpatrick, Lord Byron Falk, Leslie Irons, Lynn Lavner and Johnny Pool. The Director was Jimmy Mellow. Many of the cast have since died of AIDS, including Lord Byron Falk, Johnny Savoy, and Jimmy Mellow.
Folder List
Box 1:
1. [Fire Island News columns written by George Sardi]
2. [Flyers, invitations, announcements, photographs regarding George Sardi]
3. [The play “ The Ritz“]
4. [Announcements, Newsletter, Bartender’s Guide, names & phone numbers of bar activities]
Box 2:
5. [Craig Russell]
6. [Gay Morning America: photographs, flyers, awards from CSFC and CSLDC]
7. [Stonewall Awards Foundation]
8. [Scrapbooks handmade for George Sardi] 1/2”
9. [Gay Switchboard information]
10. [Unknown photographs]
11. [Book of poetry, Author unknown]
12. [George Sardi’s Service to the bars]
13. [Female Impersonation by Avery Willard]
14. [Forever After & A Perfect Relationship and The West Street Gang by Doric Wilson]
15. [Unknown newspaper articles and segment listings for twelve Gay Morning America shows]
16. Preservation DVDs
Video Tape List
1. Tape 1 Runtime: 4:30
Lynne Carter Obituary. Died 11 January 1985, age 60.
Lynne Carter obituary
Clips of various events and interviews constitute the obituary.
Performance from The Emerald City, 1978
Personal interview with Carter part I
Second performance from The Emerald City, 1978.
Personal interview part II
Third and final performance, unattributed.
No content past 3:24.
2. Tape 2 Runtime: 13:00
Commercials for various endorsers of Gay Morning America
Waverly Waverly Bar 147 Waverly Place Greenwich Village.
The Monster Bar 80 Grove Street Greenwich Village.
The Monster Bar - second version.
From 4:03 on- material which was apparently expected to be taped over.
Bar Awards at Copacabana.
Lord Byron introducing the attendees. Many attendees are introduced by first name only, others include: John Michelle, Sam Palmer, Frankie Lee Winter, Louis Mack, Meryl Facthman, Enid Gurlen, Red Mahoney, Brian McNamara, Randy Marshall, Tom Marshall-Gibson, Jean Sabatai, Joe Shallow, and John Hill.
No content past 11:54.
3. Tape 3 Runtime: 1:32
Commercial for Waverly Waverly featuring Jerry Scott
4. Tape 4 Runtime: 9:52
Miss Fire Island event 1985
Gary Dee on Stage presenting awards
Most Popular- Erika Beck
Runner Up- Internal Chyrsis
Most Unique- Paegasus Dorian Carey
Best Professional- Electra
Ms. Cherry Throne- Rhonda
Ms. Fire Island- Vivian Drake
5. Tape 5 Runtime: 5:31
The Monster bar commercial
Duration Nasal Spray commercial
Yellow Pages commercial
Quaker State Oil commercial
Dermassage Dishwasher Liquid commercial
Avaar Soap commercial
Quaker State Oil commercial (repeat)
No content past 5:16
6. Tape 6 Season 2 Show #2 24 Oct. 1984 Runtime: 58:59
Opening Credits: George Sardi, Johnny Savoy, Johnny Pool, Lord Byron, Lynn Lavner, Leslie Irons, and Jerry Fitzpatrick.
Special guests: Jerry Scott and Leslie Randolph
George Sardi- opening.
Leslie Irons- Theater review- Whoopi Goldberg
The Islanders Club- trip to Rio de Janeiro commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Kaspar’s commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Lynn Lavner- Girl talk
The Follies commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Leslie Randolph
The Monster commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Peeches Three commercial
Waverly Waverly commercial
Jerry Scott performance
State of the Art Enterprises Inc. commercial
Closing credits
U.S. Treasury Bond commercial
Drinking and Driving Department of Transportation commercial
7. Tape 7 Season 2 Show #3 30 Oct. 1984 Runtime: 58:17
Opening credits
Special Guests: Robin Tyler and Jack Coplin
George Sardi- Opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
The Islanders Club- trip to Rio de Janeiro commercial
Big Dish commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
The Monster commercial
Village Apothecary commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Jack Coplin
One Potato/Two Potato commercial
The Peeches Three commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
The Monster commercial
Gay Yellow Pages commercial
Sardi interview with Robin Tyler
Closing Credits
8. Tape 8 Season 2 Show #4 7 Nov. 1984 Runtime: 57:27
Opening credits
Special Guests: Joanie Rapp, Johnny De Maio, and Gordon Malone
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Awards at Waverly Waverly
Gay Hotlines commercial
Peeches Three commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Follies commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Gordon Malone
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Waverly Waverly commercial
Joanie Rapp performance
Sardi interviews Joanie Rapp
Closing credits
9. Tape 9 Season 2 Show #5 14 Nov. 1984 Runtime: 58:09
Opening credits
Special Guests: Maria Manville
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Barbary Coast commercial
Gay Hotlines commercial
Peeches Three commercial
The Follies commercial
Copacabana Bar Awards
The Monster commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Bob Stewart
Village Apothecary commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Limelight commercial
Waverly Waverly commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Performance by Maria Manville
Sardi interviews Maria Manville
Closing credits
10. Tape 10 Season 2 Show #6 20 Nov. 1984 Runtime: 56:54
Opening credits
Special Guests: Harriet Leider and Jerry Scott
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Jerry Scott performance
Peeches commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Follies commercial
The Monster commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Charles Cochrane
Limelight commercial
CMG Vending commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Waverly Waverly commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Harriet Leider performance
Closing credits
11. Tape 11 Runtime: 19:57
Bar Awards at Copacabana
Dancers on the dance floor at Copacabana
Johnny Savoy- Introduction and performance.
Prize announcements
Paul Meyer- brief speech
Lord Byron Interviews outside the gala:
Scott Fabarino and Jet Black
Debbie Sandack
Wayne
The crew of the Monster bar
Proprietors of the Peeches bar
Ms. Electra and Tony
No content past 18:5
12. Tape 12 Runtime: 2:37
Poor Video Quality.
Some audio towards the end.
Two 30 second promos for Gay Morning America
13. Tape 13 Season 2 Show #1 17 Oct. 1984 Runtime: 58:36
Johnny Savoy- opening credits
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Jonny Savoy interview- Charles Cochrane
The Islanders Club- trip to Rio de Janeiro commercial
Big Dish commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Monster commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
The Follies commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
One Potato/Two Potato commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- Richard Diaz
The Centre Pub commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Interview- Jack Wrangler
Waverly Waverly commercial
Shots from Gay Pride 1984 preparation of the Gay Morning America float
Closing credits
14. Tape 14 Season 2 Show #7 28 Nov. 1984 Runtime: 58:52
Opening credits
Special Guests: Eddy Olsen and Harley
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Peeches commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Follies commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
The Monster commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview with Tom Hack
Big Dish commercial
Village Apothecary commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Waverly Waverly commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Kelly’s Village West commercial
George Sardi Interview- Eddy Olsen and Harley
Closing credits
15. Tape 15 Season 2 Show #10 The Christmas Show 19 Dec. 1984 Runtime: 59:10
Johnny Savoy- performance
Opening credits
Special Guests: Casey Wayne and Frankie Lee Winter
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Peeches commercial
The Follies commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Johnny Savoy the Monster Bar specials for the season
Casey Wayne performance
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Johnny Savoy One Potato/Two Potato commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Waverly Waverly commercial
Frankie Lee Winter performance
Gay Morning America crew perfomance
Closing credits
Drinking and Driving Department of Transportation commercial
Escorial Restaurant commercial
National guard commercial
Laymen’s National Bible Committee commercial
16. Tape 16 Season 2 Show #11 26 Dec. 1984 Runtime: 58:06
Opening credits
Special Guest: Frank Massey
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Big Dish commercial
Gay Hotlines commercial
Peeches Three commercial
The Follies commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Monster commercial
Village Apothecary commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
One Potato/Two Potato commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Waverly Waverly commercial
Frank Massey performance
Interview- Frank Massey
New Year countdown
Closing credits
17. Tape 17 Season 2 Show #12 2 Jan. 1985 Runtime: 58:11
Opening credits
Special Guest: J. T. Denver
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Johnny Savoy Interview- J.T. Denver
Peeches Three commercial
The Follies commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Monster commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Waverly Waverly commercial
Big Dish commercial
Gay Morning America at the Copacabana Bar Awards
Closing credits
18. Tape 18 Season 2 Show #13 9 Jan. 1985 Runtime: 58:16
Opening credits
Special Guests: Steve Garben and John Burke
George Sardi- opening
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- Steve Garben
Peeches Three commercial
The Follies commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Monster commercial
Waverly Waverly commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
South Dakota commercial
Village Apothecary commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Big Dish commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Interview- John Burke (Gay Men’s Health Crisis)
Closing credits
19. Tape 19 Season 2 Show #14 16 Jan. 1985 Runtime: 58:31
Opening credits
Special Guests: Fasinatin Gershwin, Lorenzo de Palma, and John Knight
George Sardi- opening
Opening musical performance
Peeches Three commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- John Knight
The Follies commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
The Monster commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Lynne Carter Obituary
Gay Yellow Pages commercial
Lord Byron interview- Lorenzo de Palma
Waverly Waverly commercial
Closing credits
U.S. Treasury Bond commercial
Direct Deposit commercial
20. Tape 20 Season 2 Show #15 23 Jan. 1985 Runtime: 58:16
Opening credits
Special Guests: Tamar Hosansky and Lance Bradley
George Sardi- opening
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- Jim Lee
Peeches Three commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
George Sardi interview- Billy Scott
The Monster commercial
Brian Murphy performance
George Sardi interview- Brian Murphy
Waverly Waverly commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Gay Hotlines commercial
Village Apothecary commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Big Dish commercial
Lord Byron interview- Tamar Hosansky and Lance Bradley (Safety and Fitness Exchange)
Closing credits
21. Tape 21 Season 2 Show #16 29 Jan. 1985 Runtime: 58:08
Opening credits
Special Guests: Songs in Blume (A tribute to Bobby Blume) and members of the Safety and Fitness Exchange
George Sardi- opening
Peeches Three commercial
Lord Byron interview- Safety and Fitness Exchange (Tamar Hosansky and Lance Bradley)
The Follies commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Waverly Waverly commercial
Songs in Blume performance
Songs in Blume interview
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Gay Hotlines commercial
Kaspar’s commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Closing credits
22. Tape 22 Season 2 Show #17 6 Feb. 1985 Runtime: 58:07
Opening credits
Special Guests: Rene Warren
George Sardi- opening (parents of gays)
Badlands commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Follies commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Waverly Waverly commercial
Rene Warren performance
Peeches Three commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Big Dish commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Village Apothecary commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Closing credits
23. Tape 23 Season 2 Show #18 14 Feb. 1985 Runtime: 58:27
Opening credits
Special Guests: Aaron Gage, Gary Dee, and Gordon Malone
George Sardi- opening
Badlands commercial
Leslie Irons interview- Aaron Gage
Kelly’s Village West commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- Gordon Malone
Waverly Waverly commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Peeches Three commercial
Johnny Savoy performance
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Follies commercial
Gary Dee performance
George Sardi interview- Gary Dee
Closing credits
24. Tape 24 Season 2 Show #19 26 Feb. 1985 Runtime: 59:41
Opening credits
George Sardi- opening
Badlands commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Big Dish commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Pat Rohe and Diane McGaw Custom Word Processing Inc. commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Village Apothecary commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Waverly Waverly commercial
Sardi narrating- clips from Ms. Fire Island competition
Johnny Savoy performance
Charlie’s West commercial
Johnny Savoy performance
Closing credits
25. Tape 25 Season 2 Show #20 5 Mar. 1985 Runtime: 58:29
(Content begins at :36)
Opening credits
Special Guests: Claire Christopher, Sandy Doane, and Jerry Scott
George Sardi- opening
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Kelly’s Village West commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Interview- Claire Christopher
Waverly Waverly commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Phase II commercial
Performance- Sandy Doane with Jerry Scott
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Restaurant Row Big Wok commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Closing credits
26. Tape 26 Season 2 Show #21 15 Mar. 1985 Runtime: 58:27
Opening credits
Special Guests: Jackie Small, Jerry Scott, Candida Scott Piel, Michael Jackson, and Mark Goldstein
George Sardi- opening
Jackie Small with Jerry Scott performance
Claire Restaurant commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Kelly’s Village West commercial
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Johnny Savoy interview- Candida Scott Piel (Heritage of Pride)
Village Apothecary commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
Big Dish commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Waverly Waverly commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
The Follies commercial
Interview- Michael Jackson
Performance- George Sardi, Johnny Savoy, and Jackie Small
Closing credits
Peace Corps commercial
Direct Deposit commercial
27. Tape 27 Season 3 Show #1 *Live* 26 Oct. 1985 Runtime: 28:10
Opening credits
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News (Public Health Council voted on AIDS emergency)
Gay Hotlines commercial
The Monster commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Big Dish commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
Waverly Waverly commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes
George Sardi and Johnny Savoy- Phone-ins (discussion of Public Health Council vote)
Closing credits
28. Tape 28 Season 3 Show #2 26 Oct. 1985 Runtime: 28:37
Opening credits
Special guest: Ray Lavner
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Badlands commercial
Copacabana Bar Awards
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk
The Monster commercial
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Interview- Ray Lavner
Closing credits
29. Tape 29 Season 3 Show #3 9 Nov. 1985 Runtime: 28:32
Opening credits
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Lord Byron- morning exercise
The Monster commercial
Jerry Fitzpatrick- Sports
Big Dish commercial
Miss Fire Island Feature
Waverly Waverly commercial
Closing credits
30. Tape 30 Season 3 Show #4 16 Nov. 1985 Runtime: 28:09
Opening credits
Special Guests: Dalaria and Strobel
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Johnny Pool- Cocktail recipes with Lord Byron
Badlands commercial
The Monster commercial
Dalaria and Strobel performance
Closing credits
31. Tape 31 Season 3 Show #5 *Live* 23 Nov. 1985 Runtime: 28:30
Opening credits
Special Guests: David Rothenberg
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News
Gay Hotlines commercial
Interview- David Rothenberg
The Monster commercial
Interview continued- David Rothenberg
Waverly Waverly commercial (no video/audio)
Interview continued- David Rothenberg
Waverly Waverly commercial
One Potato/Two Potato commercial
George Sardi and Johnny Savoy- Phone-ins with David Rothenberg (some technical difficulties)
Closing credits
32. Tape 32 Season 3 Show #6 30 Nov. 1985 Runtime: 28:44
Opening credits
Special Guests: Geoff Edholm and Jerry Scott
George Sardi- opening
Johnny Savoy- Community News (Obituary- Tim Turrow)
Gay Hotlines commercial
Waverly Waverly commercial
Lynn Lavner- Girl Talk and performance
Leslie Irons- Theater review
Interview- Geoff Edholm
The Monster commercial
Jerry Scott at Waverly Waverly records commercial
Jerry Scott performance
Closing credits
