The Big Apple: “Opportunity never knocks twice”

A plaque remaining from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.

Recent entries:
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• “Cheez-Its are goldfish for adults” (6/7)
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• Entry in progress—BP (6/7)
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps.

Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.

Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.

Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.

This site is edited by Barry Popik.

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Entry from August 10, 2012

“Opportunity never knocks twice”

Entry in progress—B.P.

Google Books
The Yale Book of Quotations
Edited by Fred R. Shapiro
New Haven, CT: YaleUniversity Press
2006
Pg. 617:
“Opportunity never knocks twice.”
Chicago Daily Tribune, 30 Aug. 1896

15 June 1926, San Diego (CA) Union, “Roundabouts” edited by A. Roundabouter, pg. 4, col. 7:
Worst joke I ever heard:
“Who’s there?”
“Opportunity.”
“But you knocked twice.”
“Ah, but this is an unusual opportunity.”

Posted by Barry Popik
New York City • Work/Businesses • (0) Comments • Friday, August 10, 2012 • Permalink