Stray Cats And The Old Diner Jukebox In Brooklyn That Still Has Their First 45

April 3, 2025

In the heart of Brooklyn, where the streets buzzed with life and the air was tinged with the scent of grilled cheese sandwiches, stood an old diner named The Cozy Corner. It was a small place with neon lights blinking tiredly, but it held a special charm that drew in regulars and newcomers alike. Inside, there was a jukebox that had seen better days, its glass slightly cracked and chrome dulled by time. But for many, the jukebox was a treasure, for it still played the original 45s, including the first record by a local band called Stray Cats.

The Stray Cats were just a group of kids from Brooklyn with dreams bigger than their small corner of the world. Led by a vibrant frontman named Brian Setzer, they had a wild mix of rockabilly and punk that made them stand out. On a chilly night in 1981, they performed at a neighborhood block party, and a few weeks later, they found themselves recording their first single, which wound up on that very jukebox. As the record spun, it brought to life the raw energy and passion they poured into their music. It was a moment that defined their journey and ignited a fire in their hearts.

But stardom is often a rocky road. The initial excitement of their debut single faded into uncertainty as they struggled to find their footing in a competitive industry. Late nights in that diner, sharing dreams over fries and milkshakes, became a source of comfort. The jukebox, playing their song, was a constant reminder of who they were and who they wanted to be. Brian often told his bandmates, “If we can make people feel what we feel when we perform, then we’ve already won.”

As the years went by, Stray Cats faced ups and downs. They didn’t give up despite rejections and the heartache of being overlooked. They spent countless hours rehearsing, pouring their souls into each song, fueled by a determination to make music that resonated with others. Soon, their perseverance paid off. The same song that first played in The Cozy Corner caught the attention of a producer, leading to a major record deal. Stray Cats burst onto the national scene with their fresh sound, and Brooklyn erupted with pride.

Years later, their success became a testament to the idea that dreams could come true, no matter how impossible they seemed. The Cozy Corner diner grew restless as new generations of musicians came and went, but the jukebox remained, still spinning that first 45 with the same grit and energy that had captured a moment in time. The Stray Cats didn’t just rise to fame; they created a legacy of resilience and passion that inspired many.

One evening, as the sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, Brian returned to the diner. He approached the jukebox, the familiar sound washing over him like a warm embrace. He placed a coin in and let the music play, nostalgia filling the air. Around him, people swayed to the beat, lives intertwined with his own story. He knew that, regardless of where life took him, the music would always connect him to his roots—those wild dreams of a young man standing in an old diner, singing for the world to hear.