It's as simple as this.
One person opens up their past by letting those in the present find
out how it all evolved, so the future will realize what it has, and
learn not to take it for granted. Mel Cheren was, and still is a
pivotal icon in the world of Dance Music, DJ culture, and the fight
against AIDS. His book shares his early "closeted' years where
he was finding out who he really was, and
how he liked to express himself. The book entails many ways that
Mel, working in the music industry, used his experiences in the dance
clubs by coming up with catalyst ideas (the b-side, using 12"
records instead of 45s, etc) that would change how we promote, buy,
listen, and report about dance music. The book further describes the
building of foundational friendships on a young Fire Island where Mel
would meet a boy named Michael Brody, who would change his emotional
life forever. Years of friendship lead into the politics behind
building a nightclub and DJ's career, specifically The Paradise
Garage and Larry Levan. The details about how his label, West End
Records, drugs, dancing, and relationships end up making the
decisions for him is almost fictitious when read, but the real life
feelings come out through each and every word.
"My Life' also
delves into the AIDS epidemic that exploded in the 80's, not just in
the public eye, but within Mel's family of friends. Mel's infamous
statement 'Nothing happens by accident!' comes into play. Mel creates
24 Hours For Life, a non-profit organization to try and help in the
fight against AIDS, the disease that was taking all of his friends
away from him. Chapters about art shows with Keith Haring,
fundraisers with many clubs across the city of NYC, concerts and
shows with Dione Warwick; all to help against a monster that no one
knew how to fight. Continually challenging himself, Mel regains
sole-ownership of his old closed label, West End, reopens the office
doors, and is again in the business of spreading music to the world.
This is definitely a story that should not be missed. The history
alone about the clubs is worth the reading, but when you find out how
interwoven each and every one of their lives are, it can really touch
your heart.
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