Showtime at the Apollo - Softcover

Fox, Ted

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306805030 ISBN 13: 9780306805035

Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc, 1993

Synopsis

For close to 60 years the Apollo Theatre in the heart of Harlem has been one of America's foremost cultural institutions, a top showcase for black entertainers and a launching pad for some of the greatest talents of our time: Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughan, and Richard Pryor are just a few. Ted Fox has written a history of the special combination of people and atmosphere at the Apollo; he lets the theatre's stars tell a large part of the story through personal anecdotes, augmented by a splendid array of rare pictures. The author also discusses the evolution of black cultural forms in music and comedy, and in so doing, preserves routines, Apollo trademarks, and backstage lore that might otherwise be lost.

About this title

About the Author

Ted Fox is also the author of “In The Groove” a collection of interviews with the men who shaped the music industry. He co-produces and manages four-time Grammy nominee Buckwheat Zydeco and lives in Upstate New York.

From the Inside Flap

Showtime at the Apollo is the only major history of Harlem's world-famous showplace. Home to nearly every great black star including: Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn, “Bojangles” Robinson, Ray Charles, Redd Foxx, Dizzy Gillespie, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Richard Pryor, and Michael Jackson – the theatre still hosts contemporary luminaries like Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Wynton Marsalis and Whoopi Goldberg. Numerous performers relate their own poignant, exciting and sometimes hilarious stories. Some 150 photographs – many never before published – are interspersed throughout.For African-Americans, the Apollo Theatre was the greatest black theatre, and a special place to come of age. For whites – including Elvis Presley and the Beatles – the Apollo was as close as they could come to the reality of the black experience. Still thriving, the Apollo has exerted an unprecedented influence upon popular culture. Since 1934, the Apollo has been at the forefront of African American music, dance and comedy. It's legendary Amateur Night spawned countless stars. Renowned for having the world's toughest and most appreciative audience, it is the place where, as Dionne Warwick says in the book, “Everyone gave their best performance.” “The essential book, mandatory for the most casual student as well as the most ardent fan.” – David Hinckley, Daily News “Ted Fox made the Apollo come alive for me again.” – Jerry Wexler, co-founder of Atlantic Records “I could almost feel and taste the Apollo again.” – Doc Pomus, classic songwriter “Showtime at the Apollo is not only a history of that wonderful theatre, but also a fascinating insider's view of the Harlem music scene.” – John Hammond, legendary producer and talent scout

Edition details

• Publisher: Da Capo Press Inc
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306805030
• ISBN 13: 9780306805035
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336