Legendary Long Branch musician, bar owner and history teacher Gregory Macolino recently added author and publisher to his credits with “Little Pussy & Long Branch: Perfect Together” on his own Brighton Bar Publishing House. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIGHTON BAR PUBLISHING HOUSE
Once the exclusive playground of America and the nation’s first seashore resort town, Long Branch was home to America’s elite — where the rich and famous, hobnobbed among the city beaches, the opulent hotels, and the exquisite gambling dens — while seven sitting United States presidents vacationed at “The Nation’s Summer Capitol.” Its heyday was the 1890s, but by the 1940s another kind of Golden Era — a dubious one — engulfed the city. Long Branch become “The Gangster Riviera.”
Beginning in the 1960s, one individual who embodied the very essence of the town, and for 20 years made constant headlines, was Anthony “Little Pussy” Russo, a flamboyant throwback to the gangsters of yesteryear. But after years of complete control over the town and its city government, a young, upstart group of criminals reflecting the changing times, began challenging Russo for supremacy of the city’s underworld in the 1970s. And drugs were the new scourge threatening Little Pussy’s dominance. The good citizens of Long Branch witnessed the brutal gang war that erupted on city’s streets in real time, resulting in eight dead bodies littering the Jersey Shore.
This is the tale that Long Branch teacher, musician, bar owner and lifelong resident Gregory Macolino tells in “Little Pussy & Long Branch: Perfect Together,” his first book for his new publishing company Brighton Bar Publishing House. Brighton Bar is an homage to a venue that Gregory owned for 26 years and played for 40 in such legendary bands as Chronic Sick, The Secret Syde, and The X-Men.
“Little Pussy” is the first of four books Gregory plans to publish through Brighton Bar Publishing House. The other three are novels, but Gregory wanted to publish the local history book first having taught for many years at Long Branch High School.
I hope you enjoy the following chat with this Jersey Shore legend. I sure did, as well as his book!
Is ‘Little Pussy & Long Branch Perfect Together’ your first book as an author? If not, what else have you published?
It’s the first thing I began writing. It started more as a journal in 1985. However, I’ve written three more books, which are fiction, as opposed to this, which is non-fiction. But this work is the only one I’ve published. The other three will see the light of day down the road some time.
What is Brighton Bar Book Publishing House, and do you own it?
It’s a new LLC I created to be a platform for my new venture as a publishing house, which is basically, to put out my own books. Because I’m a moron with technology, I’m waiting on a friend to set up the website to specifications.
Why did you want to write ‘Little Pussy & Long Branch Perfect Together’ and what impact do you hope it has?
It was born out of the incredible and on-going coincidences swirling through my young life with the celebrity gangster. There were just so many incidents and connections. And then a subplot presented itself in the form of the town, Long Branch, and its kooky citizens; as well as my interaction with all these interesting people on the periphery of the underworld; coupled with the rich history as America’s first and foremost resort town. When you put it all together, it was impossible to ignore. The story had to be told.
The impact I hope to see is that the locals and outsiders learn of the rich history that was made in this small town. When you read some of the occurrences, you’ll be amazed to find out these historical events happened here in town.
Having grown up in Long Branch, what do you remember most about Little Pussy?
That he was constantly in the news, making headlines like every month. And I don’t mean only in the local newspapers, but the New York Times. They enjoyed writing about Little Pussy and, subsequently, Long Branch and its noir history.
How did you feel when he was shot down in the streets of your hometown?
I remember it clearly. Us kids were all hanging around when we got the word because there were these unbelievable linkages to him and the men he was warring with. Most of us were relieved because if it had gone the other way, some people we knew -- a parent of one of our gang -- would’ve been the victims instead.
Was Little Pussy responsible for Long Branch deteriorating from a playground for the rich to urban decay? If so, how and why?
Absolutely not. Contrary, he and his organization brought high-end entertainment to the area, especially in music and live entertainment. He fostered businesses, which catered to the pleasures of a resort town. He helped build up the amusement park on the boardwalk and was always looking to provide what people enjoyed.
Is Long Branch now in an economic renaissance?
Well, all you have to do is look around. The scope of building in this town is simply incredible. Everyone wants to move to Long Branch. So much so, rents are skyrocketing. I believe with these new, high-end apartments and condos, more entertaining businesses will pop up to accommodate their needs.
Why did you want to buy the Brighton Bar?
What young man doesn’t want to own his own bar? Plus, being a musician, I was attracted to the live music scene there. The Brighton Bar used to book three bands a night on off nights, and five bands on Fridays and Saturdays, six days a week, with open mic on Mondays. That’s 22 bands a week and solo acts on Mondays. That’s like 100 acts a month, 1,200 a year, for well over 35 years. We WERE a live music venue.
What did you enjoy most about owning the Brighton Bar?
The bands and the music. And the many friends I made there as an owner for 26 years, and the great memories shared. It was my home away from home … with liquor. Music, cool people and booze: what more could a young man ask for?
What do you miss most about the Brighton Bar?
Hosting great music. We produced some very good quality national acts for such a small room, as well as all the fantastic local bands that kept The Brighton floating. And I miss the artistic people on a daily basis that I don’t encounter as much these days.
Gregory Macolino a reunion of Chronic Sick at the Brighton Bar. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGORY MACOLINO
Why did you sell the Brighton Bar?
The bar for me was a truly labor of love. When the pandemic came, it really kicked my ass to an almost insurmountable position. I had a few deals set up, which was going to keep me on as an owner with a very small percentage, but as we kept getting closer with various parties involved, they started changing their minds, even though I had already committed by gutting the place to get ready for the renovations. Last minute, I had to make a very difficult decision.
How and when will the Brighton Bar be redeveloped?
As of now, there are no plans to redevelop The Brighton Bar.
What is the status of the Brighton Bar’s Wall of Fame?
It is part of my man cave.
Which musicians have the most bands on the Wall of Fame?
Geez, that’s a toughie. Jacko? Mike Arnold? Myself? Keith Roth? Larry Gray?
The X-Men are pictured at Asbury Lanes during the Light of Day Festival. PHOTO BY JOHN POSADA
Are Chronic Sick, The X Men and The Secret Syde on the Wall of Fame?
Absolutely! The Secret Syde and The Chronic Sick were from the hey days of The Brighton Bar circa 1981. The X-Men came a bit later in 1984. That was before I owned it, and it was for me, at the risk of sounding sentimentally corny, a magical time. Everything was new.
What did you enjoy most about each of these bands and why?
The Syde & The Sick were simply good songwriters. Jon Davies and Bobby Kennedy were talented tunesmen. All my years on the scene, I’ve never heard songwriting at that level. I put a high premium on this talent. I think it’s one of the hardest things to accomplish in life — to have a natural ability to write catchy tunes.
Any reunion plans for any of them?
A member of the Chronic Sick, Arnie Barrs passed away from a long battle with cancer. So no. The Secret Syde too has lost a member, Rob Angelo, their kick-ass drummer died two years ago. However, The X-Men are still about, and they get together like once a year for a local gig.
Do you have any plans to perform or record new music?
Yes, I write songs all the time, and I’m itching to get in a studio to record them. Nothing written in stone yet, but eventually.
Does Brighton Bar Records still exist? If so, does it have any plans?
No, but you never know.
How and when will you follow up ‘Little Pussy’ with another book?
Like I said, I have three completed books, so I might wait a year to put one of them out, but not sure. Have to see how it all shakes out. ‘Little Pussy & Long Branch: Perfect Together’ has only been out less than two months. I have to see how things go.
Do you miss teaching?
I miss the kids, who I really enjoyed. I always found teaching them fun. They got a kick out of me, and I got a kick out of them. I love history, and I loved standing up talking about it.
Do you still live in Long Branch?
Yes, I believe by this point, it’s safe to say I’m gonna be a lifer.
Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected].
