Arkay
Lunatic Member
Today is the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York.
For years, this was the only theater where colored performers could give public performances in New York, and it has always been a major musical force in the city, and thus in American popular music. Everyone from Billie Holiday (in the early years) to Stevie Wonder and (most recently) Alicia Keyes sang there; Ella Fitzgerald gave her FIRST public performances there. One of the great centers of American music history... in fact, the list of performers who have appeared there reads almost like a Who's Who of jazz, blues, soul, R&B and pop artists.
...and it is STILL open and operating!
Happy 75th, Apollo! If only your walls could talk (and sing)...
For years, this was the only theater where colored performers could give public performances in New York, and it has always been a major musical force in the city, and thus in American popular music. Everyone from Billie Holiday (in the early years) to Stevie Wonder and (most recently) Alicia Keyes sang there; Ella Fitzgerald gave her FIRST public performances there. One of the great centers of American music history... in fact, the list of performers who have appeared there reads almost like a Who's Who of jazz, blues, soul, R&B and pop artists.
...and it is STILL open and operating!
Happy 75th, Apollo! If only your walls could talk (and sing)...