Reviews
From Library Journal Here, 26 historians, performers, and critics each describe a part of Apollo Theater history, share their own experience, or spotlight a performer. The Apollo's significance in popular culture and social history is undeniab≤ performers who survived the critical audience either became stars or got even more famous than they'd been. The list of performers gracing the stage dates back to 1934 and includes the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, "Moms" Mabley, and Cab Calloway. This book-a companion to the 75th-anniversary traveling exhibition of the same name, which begins at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (Apr. 23Aug. 29, 2010)-is rich in detail and features photos, playbills, and the occasional index card containing longtime Apollo owner Frank Schiffman's critiques of performers.VERDICTFor readers with an interest in popular music, New York history, or African American history.-Brian Sherman, McNeese State Univ. Lib., Lake Charles, LA "In the heart of Harlem since 1934, the Apollo Theater has proudly stood as the center of the black renaissance movement, a beacon for the cultural history of our people and as important to the world's cultural lexicon as New York's Carnegie Hall, Milan's La Scala Opera House, or Paris's Olympia Theater. Jazz, blues, big-bands such as Ellington's and Basie's, and R & B are America's only indigenous music and the heart and soul of all popular music. Nowhere were they displayed more exuberantly than on the hallowed stage of the Apollo. For seventy-five years the Apollo has stood as the flagship of that legacy, playing an indelible role in building, celebrating, preserving, and promoting our nation's cultural heritage. Those who need proof of that fact can find it right here in this book."-Quincy Jones, Composer, producer "This book is nothing short of a treasure trove-a vivid reminder of the years I spent on the Apollo Theater stage, getting my act together and learning alongside show-business legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington. It's a joy to know that the world can finally hear the story of a theater that holds such an honored spot in American culture."-Leslie Uggams, Emmy Award-winning vocalist "The Apollo Theater has been a part of my life since my mother took me to see James Brown there at a matinee show when I was four years old. I've seen everything from soul to hip-hop, from rallies to movie premieres at that venerable building. This book captures the flavor of one of the most important entertainment venues in America."-Nelson George, Author, journalist, and filmmaker "Though the definitive history of American entertainment is, by necessity, a work in progress, much of it is laid out on the pages of this remarkable book. Entertainers of all types-musicians, dancers, and comedians-found a safe home and loyal audiences at the Apollo Theater and made Harlem's 125th Street world-famous. This stellar collection of essays addresses why that happened and what it menas. It makes for a thrilling story."-Judith Jamison, Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, "In the heart of Harlem since 1934, the Apollo Theater has proudly stood as the center of the black renaissance movement, a beacon for the cultural history of our people and as important to the world's cultural lexicon as New York's Carnegie Hall, Milan's La Scala Opera House, or Paris's Olympia Theater. Jazz, blues, big-bands such as Ellington's and Basie's, and R & B are America's only indigenous music and the heart and soul of all popular music. Nowhere were they displayed more exuberantly than on the hallowed stage of the Apollo. For seventy-five years the Apollo has stood as the flagship of that legacy, playing an indelible role in building, celebrating, preserving, and promoting our nation's cultural heritage. Those who need proof of that fact can find it right here in this book." --Quincy Jones, Composer, producer "This book is nothing short of a treasure trove; a vivid reminder of the years I spent on the Apollo Theater stage, getting my act together and learning alongside show-business legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dinah Washington. It's a joy to know that the world can finally hear the story of a theater that holds such an honored spot in American culture." --Leslie Uggams, Emmy Award-winning vocalist "The Apollo Theater has been a part of my life since my mother took me to see James Brown there at a matinee show when I was four years old. I've seen everything from soul to hip-hop, from rallies to movie premieres at that venerable building. This book captures the flavor of one of the most important entertainment venues in America." --Nelson George, Author, journalist, and filmmaker "Though the definitive history of American entertainment is, by necessity, a work in progress, much of it is laid out on the pages of this remarkable book. Entertainers of all types--musicians, dancers, and comedians--found a safe home and loyal audiences at the Apollo Theater and made Harlem's 125th Street world-famous. This stellar collection of essays addresses why that happened and what it menas. It makes for a thrilling story." --Judith Jamison, Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
