Esther Wong
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Esther Wong | |
|---|---|
| Born | Esther Wong August 13, 1917 Shanghai, China |
| Died | August 14, 2005 Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | music promoter |
| Spouse(s) | Harry Wong |
Esther Wong was born August 13, 1917 in Shanghai, China, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1949.
She was a punk rock and New Wave music promoter. She got started as the owner of "Madame Wong's" clubs, and when Polynesian bands weren't filling her restaurants, she decided to try booking rock bands in 1978. Notable bands that she showcased included a "Who's who" of rock music. They included The Knack, The Police, The Motels, The Go-Gos, Oingo Boingo, The WILD, The Kats/The Nu Kats, Daniel Amos, The Kempsters and The Ramones. Eventually this led to her nickname as the "Godmother of Punk."
She closed the original "Madame Wong's" in 1985 and "Madame Wong's West" in Santa Monica, California in 1991.
She died from emphysema and lung cancer on August 14, 2005 in Los Angeles, California, and was survived by her second husband, Harry Wong, and 2 children, Frank Wong & Melinda Braun, and 6 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren.[1]
