by Michael Crump

In the heart of Harlem, the original Mecca of the African American Renaissance you will find the landmark treasure known as the Apollo Theater. The Apollo is located on West 125th Street between Frederick Douglas and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards. It serves as the North Star for residents, visitors and tourists alike. When you see the Apollo you know that you are in Harlem.

The Apollo Theater has been a historical and sentimental landmark for the African American talent circuit. There are many disputes as to the physical chronological erection of the Apollo Theater. The post World War I and pre World War II entertainment boom in the United States was alive and well in Harlem. In the 1930ís Harlem was rich in dance, music, theater, and other new forms of entertainment. Racy clubs and ìafter hoursî spots gave Harlem its place in the prohibition and depression era United States history books. The Apollo was located down the street from the famous Cotton Club who hosted a more upscale clientele. The Apollo was for the ìpeopleî and not the pretentious.

An early showcase for African American talent began in 1934 when the Apollo introduced ìAmateur Nightî. Amateur Night gave local and national new talent a chance to be discovered on the stage by performing their acts. The general public was entertained while talent scouts and entertainment executives scoured the acts for the next top star. Many stars were born and many stars performed on the stage at the Apollo Theater. To name a few early performers Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Lena Home, Tony Bennett, Red Foxx, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, The Temptations and Little Richard. Later acts ranged from Lou Rawls, Johnnie Taylor, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Brook Benton, to the emotional homecoming of Sammy Davis Junior before his death. Recent acts such as Lauryn Hill, Adam Sandler, David Peason, and Keith Sweat round out the small percent of artists mentioned as Apollo stars.

Years of success also were stained by financial mismanagement, changes in ownership and countless threats of closing. The efforts to keep the Apollo Theater open over the years are well documented. The 50 Year Apollo Anniversary in 1985 marked a reopening with Motown Salutes the Apollo - a nationally televised program that reached a 5% national audience. Celebrity benefit concerts were held where famous entertainers gave back by performing for free. Donations from prominent individuals and corporations and fund raisers still never shook the black cloud of financial turmoil. The alleged purchase of the theater by underground Harlem legend Mr. Guy Fischer was also a valid noble effort. The restructure and production of the Amateur Night by Mr. Ralph Cooper secured an early television distribution deal in the 1980ís with NBC. The struggle to keep the Apollo alive was now an international concern. Everyone wanted to help

1991 was the year that the State of New York took over the Apollo declaring it a landmark and a not-for-profit organization. This ensured that it would remain open, but Apollo purists dreaded the idea of the Apollo being a state institution. This later resulted in the emergence of the Apollo Theater Foundation Inc.

Today the Apollo thrives with a corporate minded board of directors capable of raising funds, managing money and making sound decisions. Headed by Mr. Richard Parsons, and other notables Mr. Keith Clinkscales, Mr. Quincy Jones, Mr. Howard Dodson and Val Azzoli of Atlantic Music Enterprises the Apollo remains the pinnacle of the African American entertainment experience. Although more culturally diverse, the mission of the Apollo Theater has remained steadfast. Stars are still born on the Amateur Night stage and the theater is still for the ìpeopleî.

The new Apollo still hosts some of the best concerts and private events. Call the theater for information on comedy shows, live performances, sporting events (yes, professional boxing) and inquire about renting the venue for private functions at (212) 531-5321.

If you ever visit the Apollo, be sure to check out Mr. Bobby Robinsonís Record Shack on 125th and 126th and Frederick Douglas. Listen out for the classic soul that wallops out of the small history rich record store. You may also purchase DVDís of the most noted soul performances in history. Mr. Robinson has a great story to tell! If he talks that day, listen.