Nicky Siano

Nicky Siano (born March 18, 1955 in Brooklyn, New York) is a former resident DJ at Studio 54.[1]

In 1971, at age 16, he got his first DJing gig, with the help of Robin Lord. In February 1973, he opened The Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan with his older brother Joe Siano.[1] At the time, he was considered to be the best DJ in the city, and this helped the club attain its legendary status. New York Magazine called it "one of the five most visually breathtaking nightspots of our time".[2] The Gallery even took over from David Mancuso's Loft for a short period in the 1970s as the hottest underground dance party.

When Steve Rubell opened Studio 54, he asked Siano to be one of its resident DJs, so while remaining at The Gallery on weekends, during the week he could be seen at Studio 54 or one of the other now legendary discos that appeared at that time.[2] Siano worked the DJ booth at Bianca Jagger's infamous Studio 54 birthday party. He was known for playing underground alternative music as opposed to the disco hits that were dominating the nightclub scene.

Siano was fired from Studio 54 after four months due to excessive drug use.[3] He claims that he was fired because Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell wanted the club to be the star and not the DJ.

Having been one of the most successful DJs of his time, Siano went into production. In 1977, he produced his first big single "Kiss Me Again" on Sire Records, which sold more than 300,000 records.[2]

The start of the 1980s proved a rocky time for Siano, with his dropping out of the scene.

Siano continues to tour extensively as well as produce. His release Power of Love, featuring Arline Burton, was launched at the 2007 WMC. As well as his tour and production schedule, Siano has released a film documenting the Gallery nightclub with footage shot in the club during the 1970s.[4]

On October 18, 2011, Siano reappeared at Studio 54 for the club's one-night reopening, organized by Sirius XM Radio. He played all 1970s disco from the club's original days.