Showtime at The Apollo

Lodged at 253 West 125th Street in Gotham exists one of the remaining physical remnants of the Harlem Renaissance, nesting on a bridge midway between yesteryear and today. Since 1914, the Apollo Theater has been the epicenter of the African American experience.

The Great Migration of the 20’s and 30’s was a logistical, cultural, and sociological shift, mitigated by the arrival of southern African Americans and their wealth of artistic gifts to major northern cities. The pilgrimage of the people and their talents became a springboard for change in social mores, emerging as a rejuvenation of the soul for many African Americans, while garnering unprecedented esteem from the untutored Caucasian community.

Separatist attitudes of the era being what they were, this explosion of Afro centric expression was stifled without a venue, and in lieu of allowing the stylistic mojo of jazz, blues, gospel and soul wither into a footnote, the enriched Harlem neighborhood reshaped entertainment forever.

Buddy Holly 1957

It’s hallowed stage launched the legendary life work of James Brown, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight to name a few. Unknown virtuosos who have, as tradition dictates, brushed hands with the “Tree of Hope” and reigned supreme during the renown “Amateur Night” (an unflinching test of guile before a raucous and unabashedly frank audience, precursor to American Idol) includes Jimi Hendrix, Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holliday. White performers, spurred by an affection for the vibrant and alternative grassroots sound, broke self imposed and antiquated barriers, starting with Buddy Holly’s gig in 1957.

Bo Diddley 1964

Briefly closing shop in the 70’s, the Apollo rose from the ashes, becoming a Historical Landmark. Dutifully living up to its own moniker of “The place where stars are born and legends are made”, The Apollo itself is both a star and a legend. Its acoustics have been home to more masterpieces than any museum. The key that opened the gateway to a musical/cultural revolution, the landscape of our modern era exists in part to this cradle of passion in uptown Manhattan.

The first and last of its kind, the centennial aged collection of concrete, pipes, and timeless marquee remains a birthplace of performance genius, while humbly bowing to the Gods that created it.

King Records