RuPaul Goes to a High Society Party in Atlanta in 1986

The most sought-after invitiation during Atlanta's summer social season was to Temi Silver's birthday party, held at a different exotic location each year. This year it was in a lovely setting on the Chattahoochee River, made even lovelier by the presence of RuPaul, who was at the beginning of his journey to superstardom. This video is by Nelson Sullivan, who was in Atlanta on a summer holiday.

[@emiliesobel2712]

Temi Silver was my great aunt, Sandra Cohen is my grandmother! They loved RuPaul so much. Temi has passed away, but my Nana, Sandra, is still alive and well and has told me so many stories of their friendship with him. Thank you for sharing this!!!

[@faithruckdeschel1294]

That's so awesome! They all seemed like wonderful down to earth ppl!!! Are u the beautiful baby in blue? 🤗💙

[@durch2237]

I love true southern gentle ladies. This brings back so many memories of the 80s in the south.

[@lauchzwiebel]

I think RuPaul is missing Nelson the most

[@MarvinMonroe]

Make sure your family all sees this ☺️

[@florencialafuente7607]

It’s amazing that you have the opportunity to know about their friendship from someone so close as your family :) 💗

[@SoggyAnimalCracker]

I just love that RuPaul took the time to chat with the piano player and ask his name.

[@waar6561]

and his name is VAAAANJIIEEE

[@andresuston7692]

You never know where you'll find angels, blessings, friends, support, backup, resources, fans, etc. But its always nice to speak to everyone, if you can.

[@jonnie2bad]

paying respect to a fellow performer and networking.

[@annother3350]

@@jonnie2bad Unfortunately Rupaul didnt remember meeting him before!!

[@nelsonsullivanhd9908]

@@annother3350 what do you mean?

[@firstnamekaty8830]

I’m obsessed with Nelson’s vlogs❤️ He was a very special guy.

[@jillkoerber5192]

Girl same!!!! It didn't take me long to fall a little in love with that marvelous man

[@miss_michelle]

@@jillkoerber5192 me too 💜

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

I love his outfits when he goes out

[@mehboobkm3728]

I'm getting addicted!

[@shawndamccormick278]

This is just another example of how far ahead Nelson Sullivan was to the world. Every last angle.

[@zoejaiattoh1243]

shawnda mccormick was famous club kid and bout to do Super Model

[@gotacallfromvishal]

lol calm down. he wasn't ahead of the curve, he was a cool and creative guy in the queer scene in nyc who took videos of himself and his adventures with these interesting people. now that cameras fit into our pockets everyone else does it now. it isn't really much deeper nor profound than that.

[@godistimeless7886]

@@gotacallfromvishal he was ahead cause he was a pioneer , I understand what you are saying, but we only do it kause of the pioneers before us example Mr Nelson 🙏 #RestInHeaven #RIH

[@davidreyes1336]

Little did Ru know, he would be richer than most of those people in the future. If not all of them.

[@harrymonk6]

I doupt that

[@kenalexandremeridi]

@@harrymonk6 his net worth is 60 million dollars

[@davidross1290]

Don't fool yourself !

[@dajf95]

@@kenalexandremeridi while that’s high, there’s so many people around who have net worth’s around that whom most would never expect or notice. they literally just look like rich old white men dressed in ross clothing 😂 mostly from the stock market and stuff. i recently noticed working in real estate

[@kenalexandremeridi]

@@dajf95 true . Old rich yt men usually have no taste lbs

[@gareth3152]

For 6 minutes and 44 seconds I was transported to another place and time. Thank you

[@auntemmyd1604]

That’s why I Love these videos! I was only a baby and toddler when these videos were made and helps me to see the world how it was when I can’t recall❤

[@slydoll7877]

Those people were all so genuine. I wonder what Ru was thinking about when he went off for a moment by the river.

[@teawitch2487]

I was thinking the same thing

[@kalikjr]

@@teawitch2487 Literally same. I said it out loud. What were you thinking at that moment by the river RuPaul?

[@aaronb127]

Kim Kalik I think he was saying... “Move over world RU’S coming through!!”

[@leoleon1181]

Ru was thinking .... one day soon

[@michaelloya3209]

That look was a very concerned and worried look.

[@richardc7869]

I love how RuPaul’s fashion is also on point for 2021 😆

[@Authenticinteractions]

That baby is 31 now! Crazy!

[@bsteele593]

Tyler Lewis Alexander is 33 now!

[@Serbinator_Dominator]

I was born in 1985 so yea that baby is my age crazy how time flies

[@sw_fit50s]

Rupaul so gracious and sweet to everyone, always destined to become the legendary queen of the world, she global now 💕🙌🏼⭐️

[@kathyolson7992]

This was actually Temi's party in 1987 given Alexander's age (Wendy's son) and the fact that I'm pregnant. We miss you Temi!!!! No one threw a better party. No one!

[@hartbigsjauregui3840]

Rupaul always had a star glow about him. His smile is beautiful

[@eovarendre7877]

"I didn't recognise you with your clothes on.." 🤣🤣🤣 I can't! Ru be like: "well" 🤣🤣🤣

[@trishlamour7030]

Rupaul is so stunning he can wear anything and look gorgeous!😍😍😍😍😍

[@javajive25]

Now that I've seen, "Get Out!", this video has a whole new feel to it.

[@blahblah1438]

Omg. U r right

[@sonjahamilton3956]

I know you made this comment 2 years ago , Ive just watched this and was going to write this exact comment! Yikes

[@cassaleelee]

lol!

[@ddl4374]

🤣😁😄👐🤘

[@FocusedVoices]

Legit thought the same

[@smh2218]

its sad nelson never got to see rupaul at his peak

[@stevepope6095]

Yes. He had no idea he would capture the start of a career that would end up a major hollywood business .

[@daisybluegroff]

He knew on some level.

[@b1nary_f1nary]

I love that RuPaul had very little to say to the other people, all the meeting and greeting and formalness. But instead went and spoke to the piano player and sat with him a for a bit

[@EphemeralProductions]

He has said on a couple interviews that he ain’t much a social person and prefers to be by himself, but he CAN be social and knows how to play that whole game.

[@TUNKATOI]

Im in love with all these videos...

[@ScigerN]

Me too!!! They make me happy watching them, but also sad because I wish I was a part of this era :/

[@signormalc]

This restaurant is called Canoe now. Going tomorrow!

[@jtparks7840]

I love all the southern hospitality

[@TC-ym1vk]

JT parks I'm very surprised. So sweet

[@Irishgui83]

I wonder how many of them are Trump supporters now. He turned even the most reasonable people into crazies like some crazy zombie virus has infected their brains.

[@annother3350]

@@Irishgui83 You sound a bit crazy matey. Trump's not bad.

[@emiliesobel2712]

@@Irishgui83 This is my family. We do not and would NEVER support Trump. My nana and her sister spent most of their life fighting for Civil Rights.

[@jacktwist711]

@@Irishgui83 Every single one of them at that party - if they're still able to walk to the ballot-box.

[@limjahey9244]

Nelson was so good to his friends! he really thought the world of them

[@OrionStardust]

*in a exhausted tone* that's too funny.. that is so funny lol. Such a scorpio

[@LisaMarie-xp4ym]

Who’s a Scorpio?

[@OrionStardust]

@@LisaMarie-xp4ym she

[@arrowcrusher]

How was Nelson involved with celebrities and high society people.. in one video they are just people in New York and another video they are known and friends with all the high society players,.. They all knew rupaul and treated him with respect... it just adds more strangeness to the entire Nelson Sullivan thing.....

[@kenalexandremeridi]

i've always wondered this. maybe nelson came from old money?

[@arrowcrusher]

Ken Alexandre Meridi or possibly they were all time travelers..

[@Montana-Skies]

Yes. Nelson came from very old money. His famliy & previous generations was in cotton industry. He is from Kershaw SC

[@d0t_DoT_dOT]

I’m 46 yrs old and I had no idea RuPaul was from my home state. Very cool. No wonder he’s not an obnoxious queen. Southern manners 😉

[@helenjayne83]

GINA POALERO he is from San Diego. Moved to Atlanta later on.

[@olavu11]

@@helenjayne83 but he started his career in Atlanta

[@kgadigital6234]

He went to Northside High School - School Of Performing Arts

[@blu3antman]

The ending is so precious

[@nnahler]

I just googled the lady's name, Temi Silver and she just passed away on March 29, 2018! No more birthday parties unfortunately!

[@radkitten3348]

RuPaul is so charming , it’s amazing 😭

[@jamesr1703]

The Limelight in NYC was all the rage in the 80s.

[@mrmikeyd2]

They were talking about the Limelight in Atlanta....there was also one in Birmingham Peter Gallien owned both and two in Florida

[@stevepope6095]

I got to go in 1996 , was not the same crowd 😢

[@JacobBowen1997]

I love all of Nelson's videos so much

[@stevepope6095]

How cool , I missed Rupaul perform with Wee Wee Pole , I used to to see the signs all over Little 5 Points. Star Booty The Movie , Star Booty Staring Rupaul , Star Booty The Motion Picture .

[@emilyhollis4231]

What fantastic footage...and from 1989! I mean, Ru was just a baby but absolute perfection!

[@MarvinMonroe]

This is the South that the world needs to learn more about

[@tennyc]

Wow . Like the party at Hayden Hamilton's home in Robert Altman's " Nashville "

[@JasonSmith-om4lr]

Dick Richards loved Chevrolet Cavaliers. He was driving a different one in Nelsons videos in 88-89 it was a cranberry color

[@monkeyb1820]

neat video, not sure I'd really call it 'high society', mostly the sort of 'well connected, well-to do Buckhead Jew scene'--but I say that with the utmost respect, as they're all in their 80s, 90s, or deceased, but really welcoming and loving. 'High society' would make me think mostly of the exclusive WASPy country clubs/driving clubs that would never allow these people in (back then).

[@emiliesobel2712]

This is my family in the video - Jewish from Buckhead. My nana, Sandra Cohen and her sister, Temi, have told me so many stories about life in Atlanta in the 80s. While my family was privileged, my aunt and gram other fought tirelessly for civil rights and my Nana, who is still alive, continue to share stories and fight for equality. Their friendship with RuPaul is one of the coolest things I've learned about from my grandmother and I'm so proud to be related to the people in this video!

[@applejellypucci]

@@emiliesobel2712 would be awesome to meet you!

[@jacktwist711]

@@emiliesobel2712 You hang on every video, clout-chasing. No one gives a f*ck.

[@ampmri2434]

You're over thinking it.

[@monkeyb1820]

@@ampmri2434 ok, it's been haunting my sleep non-stop for 3 years. But I think your youtube counseling has helped and I'll be good from here on out.

[@tresjolieme81]

I’m from Atlanta since 88 but I was 7 lol . Crazy how big Atlanta has become it’s no longer boring, I’m surprised Atlanta was lucky to have him then

[@mrmikeyd2]

Ru is from Atlanta well Sandy Springs actually

[@kandykane3324]

He was a *STAR* even back then.

[@jstratus4]

This is really amazing stuff.

[@alexzsigmond]

I was expecting to see LaHoma! Thanks for posting. :D

[@ScigerN]

I adore Ru.. He is so sweet.

[@tylerangelo8991]

hahaha , this reminds me of that " get out " movie !!!

[@leolahulet2066]

Cool video I had a red Chevy cavalier like that also it's awesome to see RuPaul before he was famous

[@PenIsland34567]

I hear The Clarke Sisters - Go Betweens playing the background at the beginning. Awesome!

[@teawitch2487]

I love these videos so much.

[@erichenry386]

When will there be a movie about Nelson's life?

[@Nina-fh1bg]

I'm so impressed at Ru's sensitivity and depth even in his youth. I know people right now who are insensitive, selfish, coarse, crass, and draining to be around at 80. They just are recalcitrant. Yet, Ru carried himself with presence and ease and respect/elegance before he even took the world stage. He couldn't have been just playing to cameras because he wouldn't have known where this footage would land 40 years later. I don't know why some souls seem to be more loving and positive (in spite of upbringing, bad breaks, etc.) while others seem to want to be unpleasant, unkind, energy vampires all their days. 🥺😞

[@Musistics]

Love the mohawk and orange tights.

[@rockroll9473]

Great recording.Brings back memories.

[@mrmikeyd2]

@5:40 that is Benji Fretwell......he played piano bar at George's on Peachtree.......always at happy hour .....damn small world

[@markb2045]

Good times at Weekends Atlanta.after midnight.

[@magnus466]

Love the Weekends shout out. We were so lucky to have it...

[@neshama2195]

brilliant, you feel it

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

Rupaul is such a nerd, but then he tranforms into RuPaul

[@iwnunn7999]

Wonder how rupaul feels about these vids. Back in the days when he was slumming it

[@michaelloya3209]

Such a Silly question IW Nunn. Reality check and proof it can happen if you strive enough and able to endure all those nasty bumps in the road. It’s not always about the status of your wealth but the wealth of your company! Some of my most memorable moments were when I lived in the country as a poor country boy. Not anymore tho. Simply because I Striven as well. You’re the only one who can make it happen. Definitely being pleasant and polite is beneficial!

[@ddl4374]

Ru is very funny and open about ru's beginnings.. such an inspiration !

[@spideranansi929]

Love Ru Paul's outfit in this vid.

[@TS-qq7vr]

RuPaul staring into the future with his MAGA hat on.

[@josephschmoe2044]

you've gotta see the baaaaaby

[@sadiehawkins5908]

Thsie cars don't scream high society lol..this looks like a small town picnic.

[@emeraldent]

You gotta love Rupaul!

[@pcut85]

Wow. I’m about the same age as that baby in the beginning.

[@raymondsolisjr.1262]

No phones, no Facebook, just conversation

[@smiley1960]

Looks like a nice laid back crowd

[@gsmapple938]

The cute baby is the best actor in the story...god bless him..Rupaul u the best....go to NYC ...lol

[@randycox3232]

The South.....what fun for the girls!

[@mrmikeyd2]

Ru is FROM the south

[@randycox3232]

@@mrmikeyd2 Yes✌

[@jackieblue4128]

Ru is from the south of California/ San Diego

[@ssimpson3288]

I wonder how many people were actually there for the party and how many were there for networking?

[@shieldsup2076]

Temi Silver is a hoot

[@theodorevlachos6824]

Absolutely here for Ru tryna slide into the Painists DMs

[@heyheyhey40]

That baby is now 34 years old

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

I like how they can attend "high society" parties back then with just wearing casual polo shirts, shorts, sandals, and a hat.

[@ZoeyChilds]

I had no idea that RuPaul in the 80s is totes my spirit animal. Also never realized that my city was so diverse as a kid, until I started traveling other places as I got older, and realized the difference. Ga girl for lyfe🍑🍑🍑

[@jilhal24]

I'm not sure that diverse is the word. You have a bunch of old white women with such heavy Southern accents that they sound fake patronizing a black man. I don't know the context of this or who Rupaul is, but this video doesn't scream diversity. Tolerance maybe

[@pidgeon666]

haha "RuPaul...is totes my spirit animal"! @Mosca maybe so, but I'm surprised at their tolerance. If I were RuPaul, with my nerves, no way would I be willing to go to a party of old white people like that.

[@annother3350]

@@pidgeon666 They seemed very accepting of him.

[@lydsantanafamily4052]

Little for RU know what his destiny would be during this time. Amazing

[@annother3350]

Sweet!

[@johnerwin1176]

He looks lost at the end of the video

[@EphemeralProductions]

He’s not much a social person, he has said

[@ketchups2777]

Socialising 101

[@Mister-Reno]

southern gals

[@70schild420]

You say no one was cruel to you growing up.i know why.you are real.your not trying to be someone your not.your not fake at all💋

[@ssimpson3288]

For being her aunt Sandra didn't look that much older than Wendy.

[@crlewis]

I was to

[@Adrianwesker]

Question is Rupaul guy in that video, is that the Rupaul in drag racing queen? Thanks!

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

Yes. Same person.

[@theonlygosha]

Wow

[@yank196101]

Who wears shorts to a party when everyone else is wearing a tie?

[@YeahNah100]

RuPaul is cuter than that baby even! 😁🤩 damn near as young too😉

[@kenpachi465]

Wearing no masks?

[@lylykoy9771]

His name is Vanjie???

[@mjg239]

2:10 That baby is in their early-, mid-30s now.

[@believeinyourself7511]

Digging on Ru Paul's pants.

[@johndoe-fd7rd]

Is this rays on the river?

[@jennicase]

High society, serves food on a park bench.

[@yank196101]

and on paper plates. Dont think that is High Society.. People were using paper napkins.

[@ACwebseries]

On a park bench with bird poop all over it! 😂

[@EphemeralProductions]

@@yank196101 it was the south , i get the impression that southerners are a lot more easygoing with that stuff than one would think.

[@cassaleelee]

​@@EphemeralProductionsWe are. We like outdoor parties, picnics, and cookouts. They chose to do it that way. It's not like Cannes level or anything, though, just some basic well-off folk who can rent out an expensive restaurant and it's grounds (it's on the Chattahoochee River) for a part, and welcome even their quirky relatives and friends. It's Atlanta, it's not that conservative, no matter the accent.

[@haendel8a]

and this is considered to be high society in the US?

[@christinecollins6302]

Where are you from, what did you anticipate? Wasp and Jewish intellectuals are decidedly casual, and why not. I know it doesn’t match mafia flash

[@POLOAZTECA]

What does high society even means?? Politicians with a lot of money and power, Saudi Princes... That!

[@lisawalker91]

@Yolanda Davis,yes honey ,that's how we do it in the south, no snobbery allowed.

[@KRUX006]

5:17 that’s it. Bitch let’s fight ! RuPaul 🥵🥵🥰

[@amauryscrazyrealityshow827]

Mama Ru got her MAGA on lol . 2020

[@jameshalljr.5705]

There always seems to be one to say a racist comment in every crowd

[@annalee-rw9es]

Who ??

[@Wardemonxi]

1:59 getting seinfeld flashbacks.

[@cocochanelll9710]

Ru was such a cutie :)

[@marjnussby1516]

RuPaul in long pants!

[@TheAcadianGuy]

that baby is in his 30s now

[@Cspspack]

That baby is now like 35.

[@donpace6405]

what was Rupaul doing durin this time ?

[@robertharding8394]

HEY LOOK ALL THE RICH LIBERALS

[@BB-or8gi]

Future millionaire hunty.

[@missarizala]

Miss Vanjie on the piano 😂 jk