Apollo Theater

History

As of the years 1860, a ballroom, called Apollo Hall , was opened by a former general of the American Civil War, Edward Ferrero. Once its completed lease, into 1872, the building was converted into theater, which closed its doors with the turning of the century. But the name “Apollo Theater” survived.

Built in 1913 on another site, the Apollo passes between the hands of several Jewish families until 1945. It is called, at the origin, the Hurting and Seamon' S New Burlesque Theater in the honor of Jules Hurtig and Harry Seamon. It is reserved for a white public.

The room is then renamed Hurtig and Seamon' S Apollo Theater then 125th Street Apollo Theater in 1928 when its direction is taken again by Billy Minsky. A new economic context with the the United States, the end of the Prohibition and the effervescence of the district at that time (one speaks about “Harlem Renaissance”) support the development and the evolution of the clubs of Jazz which will open with more many people and to the coloured persons.

The place is taken again in 1932 by Sidney Cohen then by Brecher and Schiffman in 1935. It is famous Apollo Theater . Consequently, the American Negro music is accommodated successfully and accessible to all. Apollo counts approximately 1750 places.

Rebirth of Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater was repurchased in 1981 by Percy Sutton. The emission ShowTime At the Apollo made it famous in 1987 by taking again the principle of the night of the amateurs. The room is currently under the direction of the foundation of Apollo Theater, an association created in 1992. It is classified on the national list of the historic sites. It receives the visit of 1,3 million people each year.

The night of the amateurs

Apollo Theater becomes famous, in particular with its famous “Nuit of the amateurs” of which the goal is to make go up on scene of the young people and less unknown young talents of the public. Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown (which returns on the scene of Apollo in 1962 in front of: 1500 people unchained for the recording of its disc Live At the Apollo ), Anita Baker and later Michael Jackson (with The Jackson Five) took their first steps on scene thanks to this contest organized every Wednesday evenings in Apollo Theater.

The Apollo Theater, “where the dreams are carried out and where legends were born”, becomes a springboard for the celebrity. The “night of the amateurs” remains of topicality still today and always proceeds Wednesday evening.

Anecdotes

the skin of James Brown was exposed to the public December 28th and 29th 2006 in Apollo Theater for a last homage. Thousands of Americans greeted it last once on scene.

See too

Random links: