Charles P. Low; Ran S.F. Nightclub

Charles P. Low, who opened what was believed one of the country’s first Chinese nightclubs--if not the first--more than 50 years ago, has died at age 88.

His Forbidden City in San Francisco had featured scantily clad Asian showgirls at a time that shocked the conservative Chinese community.

But business boomed when Low discovered college student Noel Toy, who performed a bubble dance considered racy in the more innocent prewar times.

He touted her as a Chinese version of fan dancer Sally Rand and turned the club into a lasting tourist attraction.

Over the years Low--who died Aug. 2--showcased dozens of Chinese performers who became successful.

Singer Francis Fong, who had been a body surfer in Hawaii, became a headliner. Jack Soo went on to stage and film success in “The Flower Drum Song” and played the sad-faced detective on television’s “Barney Miller.” Sammee Tong later played the butler on the “Bachelor Father” TV show.

Saying, “I need a little rest,” Low sold the Forbidden City in 1962.