MIAMI BEACH – Murray Franklin’s was once one of the more interesting nightclub in Miami in the 1950s, and was the hangout place of many notables.
Franklin was comedian, but his nightclub became a place were all sorts of talent was discovered. It was where Don Rickles was discovered by Frank Sinatra and where the housewife/standards singer Roberta Sherwood was discovered by the likes of Walter Winchell and Red Buttons.
Rickles, in his biography, called Franklin the “Ed Sullivan” of Miami Beach. In the era of Wolfies and Club Pigalle, Franklin’s was a small place on 23rd Street.
A brief discussion from an old guidebook:
MURRAY FRANKLIN’S, 23rd at the Ocean, Miami Beach (JE 8-7201). Wacky wonderland of Miami Beach. Franklin himself is a very funny guy and runs a little madhouse here, with unpredictable and impromptu entertainment. This is where Roberta Sherwood was re-discovered last year. Don’t take your maiden aunt. Open from 9 pm to 6 am but the joint doesn’t start jumping until 2 am.
Does anyone have any memories of this place? Love for them to leave the comments below.
