David Mancuso

Who is David Mancuso?

David Mancuso created the popular "by invitation only" parties in New York City later known as "The Loft". The first party "Love Saves The Day" was in 1970.

Mancuso pioneered the "private party" as distinct from the more commercial nightclub business model. In the early '70s, Mancuso won a long administrative trial when the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs found that he was not selling food or beverages to the public and therefore did not need a NYC "Cabaret License".

Mancuso's success at keeping his parties "underground" and legal inspired others, and many famous private discothèques of the 70s and 80s were modelled after The Loft, including the Paradise Garage, The Gallery, and The Saint. Mancuso also helped start the record pool system for facilitating the distribution of promotional records to the qualified disc jockey.