Jonata Garavaglia: The Italian DJ Who Conquered New York’s Disco Elite
When you think of disco’s golden age, images of Studio 54 and legendary American DJs likely come to mind.
But one Italian name also helped shape that era from the inside: Jonata Garavaglia.
A pioneer in the art of DJing, Garavaglia was the first Italian DJ to establish a prestigious residency in New York at Regine’s — the luxurious nightclub frequented by the international elite.
His story is one of groove, glamour, and groundbreaking musical vision.
Origins in Italy: A Young DJ Finds His Sound
Born with a passion for music, Jonata Garavaglia began his DJ journey in 1968 during a vacation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
There, he met Sergio Cossa, a key figure in Italy’s nascent DJ scene.
Inspired, Garavaglia started collecting vinyl and secured his first residency at Milan’s Charlie Max in 1969.
Without headphones, and dancing along to his own sets, he entertained crowds between orchestra performances.
His early career flourished quickly.
Between 1970 and 1975, he held residencies at iconic venues like the Belle Blue in Munich, Deplodokus near Montreux, and especially the Ritual in Baia Sardinia — a club built into a cave, exuding the vibe of a ruined castle, and attracting a sophisticated international clientele.
From Milan to Manhattan: The Regine’s Residency
On May 10, 1976, Jonata Garavaglia began his legendary tenure at Regine’s New York.
A letter dated April 14, 1976, signed by Regine’s manager Peppo Vanini, confirmed Garavaglia’s six-night-a-week commitment starting that month.
By October 1977, he was officially named the club’s permanent DJ.
Regine’s, the American outpost of French nightlife queen Regine Zylberberg, was located at the Delmonico Hotel on Park Avenue.
Designed by interior architect Alberto Pinto, the club featured art deco opulence, mirrored walls, brocade sofas, and a neon heart sculpture by artist Ron Ferri.
It quickly became a haven for the international jet-set.
Garavaglia was more than a DJ; he curated an experience. He visited New York record labels weekly to obtain the latest disco releases, often getting exclusive DJ edits of tracks like “I Will Survive,” “Let’s All Chant,” and “Choosing You.”
From 1976 to 1980, he was at the epicenter of the disco movement, frequenting not just Regine’s but also iconic venues like The Loft, Studio 54, and Xenon.
He also hosted "Big Music," a satellite radio show for Italian audiences where he shared the week’s top New York disco hits. Garavaglia became an ambassador of the American disco scene to Europe.
Star Encounters and Disco Royalty
Regine’s was not just a nightclub. It was a meeting ground for global celebrities.
Garavaglia often rubbed shoulders with stars like Gloria Gaynor (with whom he was photographed at the club in 1978), Elizabeth Taylor, Jack Nicholson, Björn Borg, Julio Iglesias, and even Michael Jackson.
Andy Warhol was a regular guest and even gave Regine advice on how to compete with Studio 54.
Margaret Trudeau, Canada’s first lady, was frequently seen dancing into the night.
Entry to the club wasn’t for everyone.
A nightly fee of $10 or an annual reservation between $500 and $600 gave access.
The exclusive membership card, priced at $600, opened doors to all Regine’s clubs worldwide, which counted up to 20,000 members in the 1980s.
Beyond the Booth: Music Production and International Reach
Garavaglia didn’t limit his creativity to the DJ booth. He produced custom edits for club play, collaborating with major labels and remixing key disco anthems.
His mixing style prioritized beatmatching and pitch control over flashy mic work, setting a precedent for the modern DJ.
Thanks to his international acclaim, he was invited to DJ at the opening nights of other Regine’s locations in London, Düsseldorf, and Montreal.
Starting in 1985, Garavaglia became a long-term resident DJ at The Club in St. Moritz, a favorite among the wintering elite. He would play there for over two decades, blending soul, funk, and disco with precision and elegance.
Legacy and Life After the Disco Lights
Garavaglia officially retired from professional DJing in 2000, but continued to perform occasionally, especially during winters at The Club in Switzerland.
He transitioned into a new career as an antique dealer in Milan.
He remains a staunch defender of vinyl over digital formats, although he acknowledges the convenience of CDs and digital tools for younger DJs.
He’s also unapologetically critical of today’s music, often labeling it “boring and mediocre,” while expressing interest in tracks that creatively sample classic grooves.
For Garavaglia, disco is rooted in soul. That conviction shaped his decades-long career and resonated with audiences across continents.
A Disco Pioneer Worth Remembering
Jonata Garavaglia is not just a footnote in disco history. He helped shape it.
From humble beginnings in Milan to spinning records for the elite of Manhattan, his influence stretched across borders and decades.
In a time when disco reclaims global attention and vinyl makes a cultural comeback, the legacy of DJs like Garavaglia shines brighter than ever.
His story reminds us that music, when curated with soul and intention, can transcend language, borders, and even time itself.
If you’ve ever lost yourself on a dancefloor under shimmering lights, chances are you’ve felt a beat Garavaglia once helped inspire.
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