Each weekend throughout the 1960s, the Free-Act Stage hosted a free, rock ‘n’ roll show, with deejay “Cousin” Bruce Morrow prancing the stage in his leopard-skin suit. Every artist who ever stepped into a recording studio appeared on that stage, a “gag” that brought fame to the artist, a fortune to the park. The Free-Act Stage had a double meaning, acts performed for no payment, and audience paid no admission. The park offered the artists a week of promotion, hiring squads of paperhangers to strike in the middle of the night, plastering giant three-sheet posters all over Manhattan, announcing each week’s headliners. Here are some long-lost snapshots:
Summer in the Sixties:
Palisades Amusement Park Free Act Stage
"Cousin" Bruce Morrow was the primary host on the free act stage throughout the 60s, usually in his trademark leopard-skin suit. Above, Scott Muni and the 77-WABC "Good Guys" present a gold record to Freddie Cannon for his monster hit "Palisades Park." Right: The WABC deejays with Bobby Vinton.
Bobby Vinton Tony Orlando
Brian Hyland, and with Cousin Brucie Freddie Cannon
One of the great assets of the Free Act Stage was presenting new talent:
The Locomotions, May 1963 The Four Pages, July 1962
Linda Scott (Brucie sits it out) Brucie extends a hand to Tony Orlando
Vinnie and Johnny of The Capris perform
their "Limbo Rock" July 4, 1962
The Duprees, September 9, 1962
Vito Balsamo Vito and the Salutations
May 27, 1962
Clay and Carol, a snapshot
from the midway, 1962
The Del Satins
Check out 8mm silent film of the Free-Act Stage, the Belmonts, and TV show
