Harry Altman: The Forgotten Showman Who Built Buffalo's Entertainment Scene
- Eric Senich
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Before Buffalo became a destination for legendary rock acts like Deep Purple, Sly & the Family Stone, Cactus, and Bob Seger, one man helped lay the foundation for the city's thriving entertainment scene. In this episode of Booked On Rock, author Susan Fenster shares the remarkable story of Harry Altman, the visionary promoter behind the Glen Casino, Town Casino, and the events that eventually paved the way for Buffalo's vibrant rock music culture. Drawing from extensive research and rare historical photographs, Fenster brings to life a man whose enormous influence has largely been forgotten.
Join us as we explore Harry Altman's extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to building one of Western New York's most successful entertainment empires. Along the way, we discuss the rise of Buffalo's legendary music venues, the colorful performers who graced their stages, organized crime's influence on the nightclub business, the story behind The Inferno, and the local bands that helped shape the city's rock legacy. Whether you're fascinated by classic rock history or the untold stories behind America's entertainment scene, this conversation uncovers a remarkable chapter of music history that deserves to be remembered.
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