11 Facts About Hilly Kristal

Hillel Kristal was an American club owner, manager and musician who was the owner of the iconic New York City club CBGB, which opened in 1973 and closed in 2006 over a rent dispute.

Hilly Kristal was born in New York City in 1931, the son of Russian Jewish immigrants.

Hilly Kristal's father, Shamai Kristal, was a Russian pogrom survivor.

Hilly Kristal's family moved to Hightstown, New Jersey when he was an infant.

Hilly Kristal studied music from a young age and eventually attended the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.

Hilly Kristal moved back to New York City, where he worked as a singer, appearing on stage in the men's choral group at Radio City Music Hall.

Hilly Kristal later became the manager of the Village Vanguard, a jazz club in Greenwich Village, where he booked Miles Davis and other musicians.

Hilly Kristal married in 1951 and had two children: Lisa Kristal Burgman and Mark Dana Kristal.

In 1970, Kristal opened a bar in the Bowery section of New York called "Hilly's on the Bowery", which closed within a couple of years.

Hilly Kristal briefly managed Dead Boys and The Shirts, two bands that frequently performed at his club.

Hilly Kristal died on August 28,2007, from complications of lung cancer, aged 75.