Coney Island

For almost 100 years, Coney Island was the most popular seaside destination in the United States. Eachyear, millions escaped the heat of New York City to savor the thrills of the Cyclone roller coaster and Wonder Wheel at the Astroland amusement park.

"Coney Island", released in 1975, continues Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass's string of successful albums with tracks like "Coney Island" and "El Bimbo" reaching high into the Billboard's Adult Contemporary charts.

Coney Island Baby is the sixth solo album by Lou Reed, released in 1975. It is also the title of a song on that album. The name presumably refers to the Excellents' 1962 doo wop song of the same name, and/or a 1924 Les Appleton barbershop music song of the same name. The album features the song "She's My Best Friend", which was originally recorded by Reed's band The Velvet Underground in 1969. The Velvet Underground version of the song was included on the 1985 compilation album VU.

Is there still a Coney Island? Once renowned as a funspot, Coney Island has been largely forgotten. Does it still exist? What has survived of the place? And what was it like? In this book CONEY ISLAND, Professor Solomon takes us there to find out.