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The Apollo Has served has a staple for promoting the best examples of the great creativity that can come out of the African American community. It has brought tears of laughter claps of resounding praise and tears of awe to every person intheir seats and every viewer watching at home from their television. I have many memmories watching “Its Showtime at the Apollo” and everyone remembers Ms. KeKe Sheapard. The dude with the broom was to die for funny. Those were the funky good times if you ask me.

The Apollo Theater has been an inspirational landmark that have given so many oppurtunity to become closer to there dreams. I’ve watched Apollo for many years and alway wished that I could be in all those lucky contestants place that got an oppurtunity to express thier talents. Right now at this moment I still wish for the opportunity to be on that stage and share my God given talent and I am still holding on to my dream.

I can respectfully say that the Apollo theater has touched me at different times,in a way that in which has allowed me to cry, laugh and cheer for the lovely people that were on stage. Be that as it may, I have watched the Apollo show from my younger years and in addition too, past the soul presented “substance” to that of my children. I appreciate all that has been done through the experience of watching the show. And as a whole it has touched all of our lives. God Bless you all and thanks” for always keeping it real and down to earth as it should be. Power to all…

Apollo Theather has been real good for the African American community.I think that it has opened alot of doors for alot of people and gave then alot of oppurtunity.Way they can reach out and make something of themselves even when other people proberly didn’t think that they would make it.I think that Apollo deserves all the praises and awards that yall can get for what you have done for peoples lives.You have done so much for so many people and gave them a chance to make something of themselves.They where little kids that had big dreams even then Apollo took a chance and gave them time to get on stange.Now look alot of them are now big time stars and I love to give thanks to Apollo for all the goodness that God has put in your heart to spread to other people.I wish that there where more people out here like you cause the world would be a better place for all of us.God bless you for now and forever and I love you I always will thank you for eveything.My wish all my life was to be able to come to Apollo Theather to thank all of you in person cause all of you are the most amazing people in the world.Love,Loretta

It would be an honor an pleasure to be able to win tickets to the Apollo. I have never been inside, but have driven by countless times. It’s time for me to part of history.

Latinladyh

A IS FOR THE ALL THE AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT SAT IN FRONT OF THERE T.V JUST 2 SEE WHO WAS GOING TO PERFORM THAT NIGHT. P IS FOR PATIENCE WE ALL HAD DURING THEM LONG COMMERCIALS. O IS FOR THE OPPURTUNITY THE APOLLO THEATER GAVE TO EVERYONE. L IS FOR THE LAUGHTER WE ALL SHARED WHEN SOMEONE WAS BOOED. THE OTHER L IS FOR LANDMARK IT MADE FOR ITSELF. THE LAST O STANDS FOR ONE OF A KIND. THERE ARE SO MANY THEATERS, BUT ITS ONLY ONE APOLLO.

Since The Apollo has opened its doors to the public in 1934 it has served as a positive inspiration to millions of aspiring musicians, comedians, dancers & etc. Anybody who is somebody in the entertainment business has step foot on that stage & has rubbed the tree of hope. Everyone has vivid memories of Ray Chew & The Crew, Keke Sheppard, The Sandman and many more. You can’t mention 125th street without thinking of Apollo.

HELLO?MY NAME IS TERESA L. JACKSON I AM 36YRS.OLD WITH A 10YR.OLD DAUGHTERI AM 5″0 TALL WITH LONG BLACK HAIR WITH BRAIDS MY DAUGHTER NAME IS KIA R.JORDAN AND I HAVE A LITTLE SISTER NAME TONIA L.WALKER.

Walking past the Apollo gives me a refreshing chill because it makes me feel as though I am a part of history. Before moving to NYC, I could watch “Live at the Apollo” and feel like I was in NYC; and catch a glimpse at the audience. I also believe I saw Maxwell, sing “Gotta Get You Home With Me Tonite”, as his first time at the theater. Once I moved to NYC, it was an honor to walk down 125th Street, see all the people, often I’d walk up to the ticket counter just to talk to the lady selling tickets. Looking up at the marquee, that was real special, like “wow, you made here and think about all the talen that walked through here”. I also was there when people were wrapped around 4 blocks to pay their respect to James Brown. Anything and anytime I can read about the history of the theater makes me feel connected to the shows that I didn’t see. Like when Jimi Hendrix performed and felt the love from Harlem, that he didn’t really get from his hometown until after he made it big. I love Harlem and The Apollo Theater; and I would love to attend the gala event.

West 125th Street, Harlem, “The Apollo Theater”. It’s one of the most “Iconic” places in the USA, just because of how many types of musicians, actors, and comedians (even the ones that got bood off) that touched the stage (the log) or the seats, more than any other place in the WORLD! Not saying how long they’ve been in business, but I am sure my children’s children will be able to experience the “Apollo” Happy B-Day.

I remember being 13 years old looking at Showtime at the Apollo. Sinbad was the host, KeKe Shepherd, and the showtime dancers. All so memorable, the one thing that stands out about the show is when they take a moment in the show to honor past and present celebrities that paved the way and inspired the people. They are “Apollo Legends”. This IS HISTORY! Nothing more to say!!

Showtime At The Apollo! Wow! Where shall I begin? Hmmm, I guess I can start out by saying how much I have always loved watching, singing and dancing along with the contestants and entertainers of Showtime At The Apollo since I was an itty bitty little girl! I’ve always dreamed of being on the show myself but unfortunately im a lil shy, not 2 mention most importantly I do not posses that type of talent! I said I love 2 participate from livingroom but I didn’t say that I was good at it! Lol! But on a serious note Showtime At The Apollo 4 many years has been and is such a blessing 2 us African Americans as well as other ethnic groups responsible for so many careers in the entertainment business. So please don’t ever let the doors of the Apollo Thearter close! We appreciate you, we love you, we need you! So keep blessing us Apollo!!!!

Tamala Hines

Showtime At The Apollo! Wow! Where shall I begin? Hmmm, I guess I can start out by saying how much I have always loved watching, singing and dancing along with the contestants and entertainers of Showtime At The Apollo since I was an itty bitty little girl! I’ve always dreamed of being on the show myself but unfortunately im a lil shy, not to mention most importantly I do not posses that type of talent! I said I love 2 participate from my livingroom but I didn’t say that I was good at it! Lol! But on a serious note for so many years Showtime At The Apollo has been and is such a blessing 2 us African Americans as well as other ethnic groups. Responsible for the careers of so many talented people that we know and love in the entertainment business. So please don’t ever let the doors of the Apollo Thearter close! We appreciate you, we love you, we need you! So keep blessing us Apollo!!!!

Tamala Hines

The dreams began has a vision.
So many African-American had a dream. And this Dream was the APOLLO THEATER. Like when Martin said I have a dream the word is TRY
try , and try again” is a very popular quote that many people have lived by over the years. Therefore, try is a verb that will be placed above my desk of because of the Imfluence it has on my life to achieve any endeavors. The meaning of try is to make an effort to do or accomplish something. The word try helps me and others to strive for their dreams and goals , in life and it also encourags me not to to give up on any objectives that I or anybody else will face. One of my major goals is to pursue a career in the music Industry. Anything and everything that is accomplished in my life begins with the one word try.Becoming very successful in the radio field and music industry is one of my biggest dreams. However, striving for for dreams and goals first begins with our education. In the radio and music industry the word try is always used when selecting several producers, Artists or record companies. The Apollo Theater is were that vision will began this will be a Historic Occasion for us all. Networking with people in the music industry is a great part of accomplishments. But over the years I have seen so many great stars . That’s why you should always try because you’ll never know. APOLLO THEATER HAPPY BIRTHDAY. So in theses word the vision will began. Dershawn Smith

At the onset, I like to thank you in your outreach efforts when you visited my BP site with such an honor and that for which I humbly appreciated.

Obviously, my experience visiting your site and noting the noble work of Apollo and the great many Celebrities in line for this 75th Anniversary event’ has given me great insight and so I’m indebted even though I have never had the opportunity to experience such panorama before:

I feel it will be nice of a wonderful opportunity for me to be there and meet everyone, and or enjoy the comfort of getting to meet folks I admire so much ‘only if I could be close enough ‘at least to shake their hands’ that all could see me as well ‘as I am confident God has something to do with your outreach efforts herewith’, allowing me this golden opportunity to participate and share: and I am praying that I am triumphant, to come out and meet my community.

I’m confident’ you have already lifted a brother to subsistence here. And’ I wish to let you know that I am ready and always looking forward to participate in any little way I can: be it volunteer and or any other outreach service obligations that you may need me for.

Thank you: I hope further for your call on my participation because ‘with this 75th Anniversary year of Apollo, and with all the honored greats, I feel it’s going to be a pretty historic time. I feel highly honored to be here with you, and part of it here, in the sharing.

May grace be upon you’ and all
Philip:
‘aka’
Sokra.

I remember growing up in the country being able to watch one show that beautified the black people and that was the showtime at the apollo. From the dancers, to the singers, comedians, and of course the hosts. This was the place where black people or any people could show their true talent and be seen and heard.Legends were born on that beautiful stage. Apollo is the carnigie hall of motown and other legends of the past present and future. It is an honor to be invited to perform there whether a person won or not just the experience of being on stage is magical by itself. Happy Birthday Apollo may your legend live on til the end of time. Ashlea Smith (iampoetry)

It is amazing that 75 glorious years has passed for this staple of black entertaining

shout out to a true urban legend–The Apollo Theater

see you in 75 more years

I would enter to win but every BP contest I enter, I always get ropped off… so no thanx.

i feel that i am blessed as there are many others like myself blessed to be a part of such an historical event the appolo means so much to so many its hard to know where to even begin and to sumarize the aumbiance and feeling knowing what the appollo has done and offered to our black communiity is just such a blessing in itself woooooooow
go appollo happy 75th and many more to come

DAVID PEASTON IS 1 OF THE FARTHEST BACK MEMORIES I HAVE. HE WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER THAT NOT ONLY WON THE APOLLO CROWD,BUT HAD AN ALBUM RELEASE. COUNTESS VAUGHN,LAUREN HILL,AND TRACEY SPENCER ARE A FEW MORE WHO GOT THEIR START ON THE LANDMARK OF CAREERS.I REMEMBER EVERY EPISODE,ME BEING A LIL GIRL THINKING,”WHY DONT THAT WOMAN IN THE FRONT ROW SIT DOWN,DO SHE LIVE ACROSS THE STREET?” I DONT REMEMBER A SHOW WITHOUT HER IN IT SEEM LIKE THE SAME SEAT TOUCHING ALL THE PERFORMERS;-)I REMEMBER R KELLY WITH PUBLIC ANOUNCEMENT SUNG SLOW DANCE,SHE WENT CRAZY,AND OVER KEITH SWEAT.APOLLO TURNS 75 YRS OLD AND OBAMA SWORN IN SAME YEAR;-)APOLLO IS WHERE LEGENDS ARE MADE AND DREAMS ARE BORN..NEVER BEEN TO APOLLO BUT HONORED AT THE OPPORTUNITY,WHAT A BLESSING TO BEAR WITNESS EITHER WAY.

The legendary Apollo theater has been a proving ground for
such legendary artist as Billie Holliday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder,Smokey Robinson,
The Temptations and the list goes on those were the stars of yesterday and some still untill this very day these are the artist who have came through the ranks and haved paved the way for many other
talented artist of today and we cant forget the Sandman or
to rub the log for good luck
this is what makes the Apollo
Theater Legendary and Great.

The Apollo and its legacy opened the door for vasious talents to spawn and showcase to the world, and even beyond for others to produce more like entities such as In Living Color. I’ve personally been to the legend twice and it still commands the street on which it sits. Yes, it may be small but many great ones have graced its presence and many more have yet to come.

The Apollo Theater and it’s legacy,have opened doors for many people and let others know that dreams do come true! I also remember my dad showing us a tape of James brown,Jackson 5 and many others whom dream had come true by stepping on the Apollo stage! Tears came from his eyes and he explained that Apollo was a place that gave African Americans hope! That day changed my life because it gave me hope and I know he’s looking down on me with a smile!

No Blacks Allowed. This was the reality of so many talented black Americans 75 years ago.The restrictions of self expressions based solely on the color of your skin.The Apollo Theater gave these people a voice a chance to just Be.The Apollo will forever be the one place that we as African Americans can call our own.Its the place where stars are born dreams are fulfilled and color is blind.Happy 75th Apollo.

Black American History also lies in the history of the WORLD FAMOUS,APOLLO THEATER!It produced many FIRSTS in the growth of Blacks(others)in ENTERTAINMENT. Hundreds of people standing online for BLOCKS, peacefully, to see the BEST OF …, including, ELLA, REDD FOXX, JAMES BROWN, ETC. Amateurs, to Professionals, to WORLD FAMOUS! … a FIRST, right from HARLEM. They even had a movie and a SHOW! FANTASTIC! HAPPY 75th! APOLLO. Ahead in OUR TIME!

The Apollo Theater
A Symbol of Brilliance

From a place that once allowed no colored(hue-mans) to a place were stars are born or at least recognized.

The Apollo Theater has always been a special place to me. A venue for both African and Latinos worldwide to display there talents to allow the world to know who we are (our culture). I have no particular memory that I hold fond. Just the essence of the theater and what the Apollo does for our communities . Uplift future generations creating better opportunities for oppressed people . The Apollo Theater has and always will be a GATEWAY TO OUR FUTURE!

Hotep & Blessings to all

The Apollo has been the way to the future for all African Americans. It opened the door to many, who continued to have doors slammed in their faces. To have a place that brings out greatness in such talented African-Americans is wonderful. It makes you feel proud to be black, and throughout all of lifes strong trials and tribulations Apollo is still the one place, to this day presenting wonderful talent.I have to say greatness, in the African-American society used to go un-noticed for a long time, but as long as you could get your face seen on Apollo, you never again went with nobody not knowing who you were, or getting a job lined up in the near future. Thank you Apollo for finding the greatest talent, and giving many African-Americans aa chance to become talented and make a name for themselves.

It is absolutly amazing how APOLLO THATRE became most famous institition of black art. Against all restrictons APOLLO THEATRE made black diaspora public to the world in elite style and class. APOLLO is a superstar its self in our modern world. 75 YEARS APOLLO THEATRE became universe in meaning and understanding worldwide. I feel real good being part of black diaspora for a common future where only skillz show and force ur beauty mind and soul.

Throughout history, African Americans were discriminated in almost every field that existed. Music and entertainment was one of the major outlets. With that, the Apollo Theater was created. It gave us the opportunity to display the talents of our people. It also became the cornerstonew of the Harlem community during the rough times that existed in America.

APOLLO,bring lot of encouragement in African/Aemrican rich historical. its help us expecial we the african living in africa.
Apollo feel us to be proud were ever u are in the plannet, they bring us be awear of the system and also know our rich culture and also bring liberation among all the African/ american expecial the black and white.
I lern lot from it and am proud to contest and also to talk about the important of APOLLO.
I believed that this day will going to be the one of the greatest day for african/american, expecial we who are living in africa…..i will be greatful to attend such an important day to come up….
i luv to be the member of the site and wish to thank all the members and the organisers.
sulayman jaiteh
the gambia
know lot about gambia culture and histories

Many triumphant African Americans credit their success to the Apollo Theater. Located in an neighborhood that has been the home of some of the most influential Blacks in the world it has served as a beacon of hope and light in America’s darkest hours. It has proven to be a epic and historic site by being timeless. The Apollo Theater is honorable as a unvarying reminder that true talent and history can never be hindered

Starlady329
It was a Wednesday night in the 80′s when my knees started to shake a little right before I had to enter the stage as one of the models to sit at the table while many performed. I remember being nervous and shy until the sandman came out and made us all laugh. I use to model at the Apollo and had so much fun because we would model and get to see the whole show and this was the best days and the most fun I ever had.

So many Entertainers got there big break at the apollo it is truly an American Land Mark for all American’s and Should be regarded as a National Tressoure for all to enjoy it’s rich history as a place of pride born during a time in our history when black performer could only perform in only a few places even in the northern United States where jim crow laws of the south followed in a less overt form but none the less that said you can preform here but enter threw the back but the apollo was different it said if you have some thing you are welcome here give us your best and we will give you the World and hour best.

So many Entertainers got there big break at the apollo it is truly an American Land Mark for all American’s and Should be regarded as a National Tressure for all to enjoy it’s rich history as a place of pride born during a time in our history when black performer could only perform in only a few places even in the northern United States where jim crow laws of the south followed in a less overt form but none the less that said you can preform here but enter threw the back but the apollo was different it said if you have some thing you are welcome here give us your best and we will give you the World and hour best.

My fondest memory of the Apollo Theatre is when I went to New York in 2006 for the first time. I went on a tour and the establishment and even got a chance of fulfilling a life long dream of performing on the imfamous Apollo stage. Though i wasn’t a taped show I still felt as thought I had become a star just as others before me had. When you walk into the Theare there is a presence in the air that is undescribable.

When I was young, I use to pass the Apollo almost every day. My grandmother would stop and show me pictures of the greatest Back Entertainers she loved while she was growing up. She loved Duke Ellington’s “A” train, and when i was old enough, I use to ride the “A” train to work and use to pretend Duke Elling ton was on the train somewhere. She showed me pictures of and told me short stories about Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Louie Armstrong, and many more.
As I grew up in The St. Nicholas Projects on 127th st. and 8th ave. at the time. I use to go to the store the long way which was around toward 128th st. toward 7th. ave. down 7th. to 125th, make a right on 125th st. going west so I could pass the Apollo. That’s when the use to have the battle of the groups. For example: “The O’Jays meet The Moments” Brenda and the Tabulations, James Brown. I remember one time when James Brown was at the Apollo The line extended from the ticket booth (which was inside) all the way around 7th. ave. up to 129th st. It looked like the entire New York City Police Department was on “Apollo Duty”. Every chance I got when I got payed and had a stash avaialable, I’d be at the Apollo watching people such as Gladys Knight and the Pips, Kool and the Gang, Patti LaBelle and the BlueBells, The Chi-Lites, The Persuaders, The Delfonics, The Isley Brothers, The Stylistics, Freda Payne singing: “Bring The Boys Home. A group called The Players who sang: ” He’ll Be Back” about the Boys in VIet Nam, Edwin Starr singing: “War”, Black Ivory, where Lou Alcindor who later became “Kareem-Abdul_Jabbar.” Do you know that Kareem use to work in a club on 157th st. betweeen Amsterdam ave. and Broadway. it was called: “The Devil’s Inn.”He use to stamp our hands with the ultra violet light after we payed to get in, and with the stamp could leave and get back in without paying again And that light would sure your dandruff.lol. The Mad Lads sang: shop around. Not the version The Famous Smokey Robinson and The Miracles sang.So, enclosing, I would like to go to the 75th Annual Gala, and it would also give me the time to visit with my grandchildren of whom I have not seen in 7 years.

Respectfully,

mellowmood_55

Gospel music was introduced to me through the Apollo Theater. As a Harlem resident, the Apollo Theater was the prime location for Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, and Soul music entertainment. It was never a problem to go to the Apollo to see the likes of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson – who was the last act to perform before the
Apollo closed down. The lines would be from the box office up to eight avenue (Frederick Douglass Blvd.) down eight avenue to 126th street – and depending on who was appearing, and what show you attended – down into the block of 126th Street
It was not until a girlfriend talk me into going to a Gospel Show, that I really began to appreciate Gospel Music. If you’ve never seen the likes of The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Alabama Blind Boys, Soul Stirrers, or Shirley Ceasar on the stage of the
Apollo Theater, sing Gospel Music, along with some spirituals, we better hope they will have some acts in this 75th Anniversary Celebration. One of the real treats for myself was when Sam Cook appeared with the Soul Stirrers. Oh my goodness! If the Apollo Theater will have any of the Gospel groups in this 75th Anniversary Celebration, from back in the day, along with some of the groups of this day, we are in store for a treat that will be priceless.
Upon entering the Apollo Theater, the Wall of Entertainers is an absolute marvel. It is one of the wonders of the entertainment world. For the Baby Boomer’s born in Harlem Hospital, and raised in the streets of Harlem, it is a real treat to visit the Wall of Entertainers. It brings back so many good memories, of those who has touched our lives.
It would be a real honor and privilege to win a pair of tickets to this event. My wife would be just as happy to be in attendance, especially if I could surprise her with the news we have won a pair of tickets.
May God richly bless the management and staff of the
Apollo Theater for all their efforts in making this 75th Anniversary Celebration a memorable occasion for all in attendance.

The only thing can recall is the feeling i got when i watched the show.I loved watching the apollo every saturday morning at 2am.i seen all the greatest performers and the .kids and all the shows.i made one wish to sing on the appolo stage.but my dream didnt come true.the apollo gives hope.i have gotten so much hope.and one day i well be on the other side all fantsay uped in a gown a heels,hair done singing to the world.

I guess most people didn’t read the instructions. 75 WORDSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

As a little girl my Grandmother would dress me up and get some snacks and we would watch Showtime at the Apollo Theater. Its sad to say that is the closest I’ve ever come to being there but it was a wonderful inspiration that enabled everyone watching to dream and believe in themselves and achieve Stardom. I know alot of lives that were off track regained their direction by this simple building, a grand stage and the opportunity to succeed. I am now a Retired US Army soldier, and even though I chose a different career patch from the Arts, I have always admired the true significants that this theater provided. And that was with Determination, Endurance, Integrity and Talent anyone of us could succeed. Making good choices and having True Devotion were all lessons taught by those lucky enough to grace the stage. And from 12 September 1987 until now Showtime at the Apollo has given way to unlimited opportunities for all races. I must also add KiKi was a fine example of Black is Beautiful and Elegant.

the apollo theater is history.it represents blackm life. we were able to show the world,that blacks were not good servants,or feild hands.we were lfe.. we proved to the world that we are a people of grace style ,and faith..weve came a long way in scocity..from..rages to riches..yet we still have along way to go..im 390 years of age..and currently lveing in the south..were race is still A FACTER…AND THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN..STILL MAKES A DIFFRENCE TO SOME..WELL,,,IM A FIGHTER…and thats what THE APPOLLO MEANS TO ME..A CONSTANT BATTLE..TO SHOW THAT BLACK..IS BEAUTIFUL..ITS WAS AN HONOR AS WELL AS A PRIVELEGE..TO BE APART OF HISTORY..AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO A SO NEEDED AND WORTHY CAUSE..THE APOLLO WAS A START OF THE BLACK MOVEMENT..WE WERE..DESTIONED FOR GREATNES,,SOME DIED TRYING..TO PAVE NEW ROADS SO THAT WE MY FEEL AND KNOW SUCESS..THANKS..ALOT FOR THIS..CHANCE..OF EXSRESSION..