Book Chronicles Story of Apollo Theater

06/06/2004 9:15 AM, Reuters
Gail Mitchell

Harlem's Apollo Theater is in the spotlight as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

The NBC special celebrating the venue airs June 19, and a reissued book offers an in-depth look at the New York theater.

"Showtime at the Apollo: The Story of Harlem's World Famous Theater," by Ted Fox (who manages Buckwheat Zydeco) originally appeared in 1983. Mill Road Enterprises published an updated edition earlier this year to commemorate the theater's anniversary.

Fox's book is chock-full of historical data, first-person anecdotes, artist recollections and priceless photos and reproductions of theater handbills, as well as a new afterword documenting the venue's current status.

Among the historical tidbits: The Apollo opened its doors in 1934 and flourished under the direction of controversial owner Frank Schiffman. It presented some 31 shows every week through the '60s. Admission was an unimaginable dime at the start, progressing to a top price of $6 in 1976, when the venue closed for the first time.

White performers like Buddy Rich were just as popular as the black artists who plied their trade on the Apollo stage. The theater's diverse range of black performers has included everyone from Billie Holiday to the Roots.

"The Apollo story is the de facto history of black music and black culture in the 20th century," Fox says. "The place oozes history when you walk in.

"The Apollo was home for the black community of Harlem and home for the black performers of America," Fox continues. "And that's the key to its success and influence. The Apollo knew its community well and catered to it."

NBC's two-hour "Apollo at 70: A Hot Night in Harlem" features Natalie Cole , Willie Nelson , Patti LaBelle , Angie Stone , Ashanti, Yolanda Adams , Herbie Hancock and others. It airs at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific Time.

Reuters/Billboard