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The Apollo Theater’s historic marquee PHOTO BY LAYLAH AMATULLAH BARRAYN

One of New York City’s most definitive touchstones is found uptown. Take a quick train ride to Harlem, and the historic Apollo Theater will greet you with its vibrant marquee. The venue is celebrating its 90th anniversary throughout the year. From its Amateur Night competition to its educational programs and legendary performances (ranging from Stevie Wonder to Aaliyah), the Apollo is a pillar for nurturing Black talent. Recently it unveiled two new stages at the historic Victoria Theater just a few doors down and is also preparing for a complete renovation.

Here, CEO and President Michelle Ebanks reminisces on the Apollo’s history.

Photographer Alex Harsley’s self-portrait while working at the NYC District Attorney’s office (1959) PHOTO COURTESY OF THE APOLLO THEATER ARCHIVES.

Babyface and Usher are this year’s 90th anniversary Spring Benefit honorees. How do you think both men have helped push music innovation forward?

These two honorees are not only industry legends, including the 21 Grammy Awards between the two of them, but have also influenced generations of Black artists, extending their impact far past their own discographies. Community support and expanded access to resources are essential for innovation, and both Babyface and Usher have worked to provide opportunities to young people interested in breaking into this industry while remaining a favorite of audiences of all ages. Their spirit of collaboration and dedication to uplifting Black artistry has jump-started and amplified countless careers.

outside the venue in 1972 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE APOLLO THEATER ARCHIVES.

James Brown performed in the ‘60s. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE APOLLO THEATER ARCHIVES.

Despite New York City’s culture constantly shifting, Apollo has never lost its essence or soul. Why do you think that is?

The Apollo mission is evergreen: to serve as a nexus of Black culture within our local Harlem community as well as on a global scale; support and cultivate new works; and give a platform to both established and emerging voices across the African diaspora. The Apollo has been and always will be a home for artists. Despite changing landscapes and developments across New York City, and even as the Apollo expands and evolves with projects like the new Stages at the Victoria Theater, we continue to treat this mission as our north star—as we have done for the past nine decades—enabling us to remain steadfast and dedicated to our core values. We are committed to serving as a welcoming and supportive space for artists and audiences alike, and a place of celebration, education and dialogue around pressing issues impacting the Black community today. This commitment, along with iconic legacy programming like Amateur Night, allows us to maintain the soul of our institution.

Dionne Warwick performed at the Apollo in ‘60s PHOTO COURTESY OF THE APOLLO THEATER ARCHIVES.

Martin Lawrence and Will Smith rubbing the iconic Tree of Hope during TIDAL’s #CRWN interview in January 2020 PHOTO: BY MEL D.COLE

What are some of your favorite moments in the Apollo’s history and why?

I have two favorite moments in Apollo history, one showcasing an iconic artist before her career even began. It was Ella Fitzgerald, on Nov. 21, 1934. It was Apollo’s first Amateur Night, and Fitzgerald was only 17 years old. Her friends dared her, saying, ‘Well, if you don’t go, you’re chicken.’ She actually had originally entered the show to dance, but after watching the Edwards Sisters’ tap-dancing act before her from the wings, she said, ‘There’s no way I’m going out there to try to dance.’ As she stood awaiting her cue, the emcee told her, ‘Just do something.’ And she sang, and from there she became the legendary Ella Fitzgerald we recognize her as today. The second moment would be the concert with blues legends B.B. King, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton during the Apollo Hall of Fame Concert in June 1993. That was one of the most significant celebrations of the blues of all time. And that’s the kind of magic that lives on in the Apollo’s DNA; you can still feel that energy when you walk across our historic stage.

Dancers (Brianna Rhodes, Shaquelle Charles and Christopher Page-Sanders) and musicians (Gerald Brazel and Cleave Guyon Jr.) from Dianne McIntyre’s In the Same Tongue (2023). BY PAULA LOBO

The main stage at the Apollo Theater COURTESY OF THE APOLLO THEATER ARCHIVES