Apollo Theater - African American Historic Places (sitios de interés)
Descripción del sitio
| 253 West 125th Street | New York, NY 10027 | | ||
About: It all started in 1914 when the theater was constructed on 125th Street, the heart of Harlem. Originally, it was named Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theatre and African Americans were not allowed in the audience. In 1934, Ralph Cooper, Sr. decided to do a live version of his already popular radio show, Amateur Nite Hour at the Apollo, at the theater. Ella Fitzgerald, who invented the vocal technique known as "SCAT", was one of the first Amateur Night winners. That same year, Cooper, Benny Carter and “16 Gorgeous Hot Steppers” dazzled the crowds with the theater’s first “Colored Revue.”
Then in 1935, Bessie Smith made her Apollo debut followed by an unknown vocalist by the name of Billie Holiday who graced the Apollo stage and mesmerized the audience with her undeniable style and talent. Soon thereafter, the Apollo Theater became known as the place “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made.” The legendary venue has launched the careers of icons such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, James Brown and Lauryn Hill and continues to maintain its position as the nation's most popular arena for emerging and established African American and Latino performers.
 Apollo Theater EntrancePhotos and text courtesy Apollo Theater Foundation |
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