He founded one of the most legendary clubs in rock and roll history, a venue that opened its doors to various misfits and miscreants who went on to establish the New York City punk sound. And while that wasn't necessarily the sound he was originally going for - CBGB stood for "Country Bluegrass and Blues," remember - he was open-minded and innovative enough to know this new genre was vital and important. Out of that burgeoning scene arose a group of landmark bands: the Ramones, Talking Heads, Blondie, Television, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, Patti Smith, and others. His name was Hilly Kristal, and he passed away yesterday (August 28) after a struggle with lung cancer. He was 75 years old.
Like all good things, CBGB couldn't last forever. After declining in influence over the course of two decades, the club was closed, over much objection, in October of last year. But its aura will live on any time someone puts on Horses, or More Songs About Buildings and Food, or Marquee Moon, or Blank Generation.
Kristal will be remembered at a private service before a larger public tribute, details of which aren't available at this time.
CBGB Founder Hilly Kristal Dies At 75 (Billboard)