Billie Walter

Atlantic Records - 1972

I arrived in New York City on September 26, 1970.  I had one suitcase of clothes to my name and $100 in my purse.  At the time, Atlantic Records was located at 1841 Broadway.  I found the The Empire Hotel located at 63rd and Broadway (across the street from Lincoln Center), just three block from Atlantic Records, where I rented a room on a weekly basis.  I started work at Atlantic on September 28, 1970.

I worked as a secretary for Pat Mulligan in the International Department.  She was the greatest boss a person could ask for.  More importantly, she became a close friend who I still keep in touch with on a regular basis.  There were no real dress codes, at least not that I was aware of, and I would go to work wearing a t-shirt covered in rhinestones, studded hot pants, snakeskin platform boots, glitter on my face and colored streaks in my hair.  I was totally rock n’ roll.

1972 Grammy Awards

On any given day, you would see a diverse group of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Bette Midler, King Crimson, J. Geils Band, Emerson Lake & Palmer, George Carlin and the Rolling Stones floating around the office.  They were either in the office on business or in the recording studio (which was on the premises).  Atlantic had tons of great artists and most every night there was a concert or a press party to attend.  I’m pretty sure that I attended every possible show and party that I possibly could.  I loved music and I loved going to parties.  Another perk at the time was to get free records.

David Peel & Billie at Mar Y Sol

One of the most fun things that I had the opportunity to do while working at Atlantic Records was to attend the 1972 Grammy Awards held at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 1972.  It was a spectacular evening with every major recording artist in attendance.

Another of my favorite fun things was attending the Mar Y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico.  It was a Woodstock-like music festival that took place outdoors on April 1 – 3, 1972.  It had major artists such as Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Alice Cooper, Dr. John, J. Geils Band, Emerson Lake & Palmer, B.B. King and others.  I saw most of the show from the side of the stage where I was seated.  It was really a fun time.  I went down a few days early to make sure that I didn’t miss any of the parties and so that I could enjoy the sun before returning to New York.

I left Atlantic Records on March 15, 1973.  As much as I loved working there, I felt that it was time to move on.  I was busy with my custom clothing business “Giggles” and was starting to get work as a model.  I was also starting to go on a lot of auditions for TV commercials and needed my days free.  My time at Atlantic Records will always be one of the most memorable times in my life!