Iconic Moments at the Apollo Theater Over the Years

For as long as many can remember, the Apollo Theater in Harlem holds a special place in the minds and hearts of Black America.

Whether it was being used as a meetup place for organizations like the NAACP or a bright and shining spotlight for up-and-coming talent—the Apollo has cemented itself in Black history and U.S. history for more reasons than one.

And it’s because of that and that this week marked it’s 90th birthday, we’d like to take a look back at some of the most iconic events that have taken place at the beloved venue over the decades and  in no particular order.

James Brown’s Funeral- Dec. 28, 2006

The funeral of the “Godfather of Soul” took place on Dec. 28, 2006 and was attended by a myriad of celebs including Michael Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Lena Horne, Billie Holiday and Count Basie Orchestra Debut- 1934

Alongside Lena Horne and the Count Basie Orchestra, Billie Holiday also made her debut back in 1934 at just 19-years-old.

The Apollo Turns 50- May 5, 1985

The Apollo celebrated its 50th year in existence and the finishing of new renovations on May 5, 1985. It celebrated by hosting “Motown Salutes the Apollo,” hosted by Bill Cosby, which boasted performers like Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Little Richard and more. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. It later won an Emmy winner for Outstanding Variety Program that same year.

Phife Dawg’s Memorial- April 6, 2015

To honor the death of A Tribe Called Quest rapper Phife Dawg, the Apollo hosted a memorial service to honor his contributions to hip-hip. Notable fans included Chuck D, Busta Rhymes, Consequence, Kanye West, Andre 3000, KRS-One, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, and his fellow group members Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial- April 5, 1972

To commemorate four years of his untimely assassination, Rev. Jesse Jackson held a memorial service for Dr. King which included prayers by a number of clergymen and musical selections.

Michael Jackson Public Memorial- June 30, 2009

Just five days after his passing on June 25, 2009—the Apollo Theater held a large public memorial service for the King of Pop.

Prince’s Exclusive VH1 Concert

In 1993, the artist formerly known as Prince performed an exclusive VH1 concert for audiences.

Bob Marley’s 5-Night Apollo Theater Takeover-Oct. 25, 1979

Back in 1979, Bob Marley took over the Apollo Theater for a legendary five-night concert series in an effort to “reach the vast Black audience who seemed late on discovering his reggae music,” according to his late manager Don Taylor.

Barack Obama Campaign Fundraiser- Nov. 29, 2007

Then Senator Obama held his first campaign rally in Harlem back in Nov. 2007. Notable guests included Cornel West and Chris Rock.

Sidney Poitier Performs in “The Detective Story”-1951

Sidney Poiter helped bring Broadway to the Apollo stage by performing in “The Detective Story,” marking the first dramatic play to ever be held at the legendary theater.