The ballad of A.C.’s ‘Blanche The Singing Bartender,’ now playing in Superior Court

    A former bartender at Resorts Casino Hotel who once serenaded patrons while serving drinks is now suing the casino for canning her act to make way for Margaritaville, the Press of Atlantic City reports

    Blanche Morro, once a featured performer billed as “Blanche The Singing Bartender,” lost her spot at the 25 Hours bar on June 1 and filed suit last week. 

    Earlier this year, Resorts was given a $35 million facelift that transformed a large part of Atlantic City’s oldest casino into a Margaritaville-themed attraction in partnership with singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett.

    The casino’s old 25 Hours bar, where Morro was featured as “Blanche the Singing Bartender,” will be rebranded as part of the entertainment overhaul, [a casino spokeswoman] said. 

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    Morro is still employed by the casino, but is out on medical leave for treatment of sinus and lung ailments, which she says began when Resorts’ owners began rebranding the bar and ripped up old carpet. She said the job elimination was retaliation for complaining about her work conditions, while Resorts said the two events are unconnected. 

    On her Facebook page, Morro wrote of being unable to work on doctor’s orders because of wheezing and coughing. She broke the news about her job to fans on July 27:

    I just wanted to let every one officially know. … My position as singing bartender in the casino has been eliminated. Please stay in contact with me for further updates. … Thank You all for your support and kind words

    The courts will decide the lawsuit, but, if nothing else, Blanche’s story is the latest case of classic Atlantic City kitsch making way for another interchangeable chain concept. Above, check out a clip of Blanche in more tuneful days, belting out the old Freda Payne hit, “Band of Gold.” 

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal