Esther Wong — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Dubbed the "Godmother of Punk" for her significant influence on the Los Angeles music scene.
Founded Madame Wong's, a Los Angeles Chinatown restaurant and music venue, in 1978.
Opened Madame Wong's West in Santa Monica, California, in 1978, which operated until 1991.
Showcased numerous notable bands including The Police, The Motels, The Go-Go's, X, Guns N' Roses, and the Ramones.

Biography

Born in Shanghai in 1917, Esther Wong emigrated to the United States in 1949. After working as a clerk for two decades, she opened Madame Wong's (黃家園), a restaurant with a floorshow in Los Angeles Chinatown. Initially, she resisted booking rock bands, but eventually agreed to a trial run in October 1978.

Madame Wong's quickly became a crucial venue for punk rock and new wave bands, especially unsigned acts.