Roth opened the original Cafe Wha? in 1959 at the corner of MacDougal Street and Minetta Lane; the legendary venue saw artists like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen and others perform in its 1960s/1970s heyday.

"It is with great sadness that we report that Manny Roth, founder of Cafe Wha?, has passed away," posted the club on its Facebook page. "He was a legend in discovering talent, and he will be dearly missed by us all. Thanks for everything, Manny, and we hope to continue your legacy long into the future."