1669-29 Social, Society,& Local News 1946-1993 SAT JUN 05 1993 ED: FINAL
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: 4B LENGTH: 07 . 39" SHORT
ILLUST:
SOURCE: BILL GATO Herald Writer
DATELINE:
MEMO: DEATHS
FORMER NIGHTCLUB OWNER MURRAY FRANKLIN
Murray Franklin, an entertainer who owned one of the most popular
nightclubs in Miami Beach during the 1950s and 60s, died at his home Thursday
of natural causes . He was 91 .
Franklin, a New York native, settled in Miami in 1949, and opened
several restaurants. In 1953, he opened Murray Franklin' s, off Collins Avenue
4 and 23rd Street, across from the Roney Plaza.
The lounge, furnished with rocking chairs, was a mecca for young talent
on stage and famous artists in the audience. Stars such as Frank Sinatra,
Clark Gable and Irving Berlin, national columnists and local politicians were
regulars.
"Murray Franklin' s was the hottest lounge spot on the beach. It was like
going to New York' s Palace Theatre, the mecca of vaudeville for show people, "
said Sam Gyson, a local broadcaster and longtime friend. "There was turn-away
business every night because they couldn't seat more people. "
"The stars who performed at nearby hotels would run over to Murray' s to
drink and watch the other performers. Murray was always there to greet them, "
Gyson said.
The lounge was a launching pad for future stars, such as comedian Don
Rickles and saloon singer Roberta Sherwood. Franklin himself, a singer,
magician and ukulele player, also performed.
"He was a born host, " said his daughter, Audrey Franklin Shapiro. "His
secret was that he was a people person. He loved people, and people responded
in kind. "
In 1963, Franklin bought the lounge at the Voyager Hotel, at 12350
Biscayne Boulevard, which he ran for more than 20 years. The hotel was
converted to a retirement home in 1985 .
Franklin was widowed twice, and lived in North Miami with his longtime
companion, Doris Smith. In addition to his daughter, Franklin is survived by
three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 12 p.m. Sunday at Levitt-Weinstein Memorial
Chapel, at 18840 West Dixie Highway.
ADDED TERMS: obituar
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