The Rise and Fall of Asbury Park New Jersey (a tale of urban decay)

The city was founded in 1871 and quickly became a posh destination for Philadelphia and New York society. Its layout echoed European cities, with large inland lakes, broad avenues leading to the sea, and over 200 hotels. It had saltwater pools and carnival rides, and the Marx Brothers headlined at the Paramount. In the 1950s, the town continued to grow and prosper, but it was still a struggling town with its share of challenges. During the 1960s, Asbury Park's music scene began to thrive, with doo-wop, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues playing at the boardwalk and in local bars. Although the beachfront was deserted during the summers, the lack of tourists made it the perfect stomping ground for the misfit musicians who would go on to shape iconic blues rock. The town's boardwalk was also home to numerous clubs, including the famous Paramount Theatre, and the Parlor Gallery, which holds 11 exhibitions annually. By the 1960s, it was a hot spot for the counterculture, with musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny Lyon, and Steven Van Zandt bringing new energy to the beach. The middle class began to leave the town, and the sun-baked beach was not the only attraction for vacationers. The post-war years were turbulent for Asbury. Asbury had to deal with the effects of the riots, and a decline in tourism ruined the town's reputation as a thriving place to visit. But, despite these problems, the city retained its unique culture and character. In 1974, the legendary music club, The Stone Pony, opened its doors. It has been home to a number of legendary musicians and has been considered one of the greatest rock & roll venues of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices