The Apollo Theater In Harlem
Everyone played the Apollo. I remember leaving school early on Wednesdays and standing on line to get in to see James Brown, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry or the Moonglows. In those days you could sit through and catch a second show which we did often.
A lot of our neighborhood friends performed at the Apollo. with groups like the The Chantels (“Maybe”, “Will you Love Me Tomorrow” and our favorite “The Plea”), the Limelighters, the Cadillacs and others. Sometimes the singing groups would gather outside one of the side doors to see if they could get on stage that day and do their thing.
Our Dad introduced us to the Apollo, where he once played. (Jazz big band that won “Amateur Night” ) It was our Broadway and sometimes Sinatra or Bennett would travel north to sit in with one of the bands.
Motown Records
One of the greatest shows I ever saw, was the Arthur Prysock Singing with Red Prysock’s band, followed by Machito. This was followed by an outrageous jam session with the two bands joined together playing Dizzy Gillespie’s Caravan, like I had never heard it before.
I can recall going out on a first date to see Bill Cosby and embarrassingly crying with laughter and following up the next week to see the complete Motown Review, all for less money then it takes to fill a gas tank.
The Apollo turns 75 and it’s been a miracle that it is still alive.
Great memories Bob! We went to see the Doo Wop groups also. PBS has these old timers on during their fund raising sessions.(As I watch- can't resist – I sing along and am amazed that I still know all the words:)
Sandy
I'm surprise how long ago that was and I how grown we seemed to have been at 15. At school there was a butch of us who would hang out in boys room singing acapella, we sounded good in the john not so good outside it.
Hi Bob! I am researching the Apollo Theater and looking at great performers who started there. You mentioned The Chantels. Do you know what year they performed at the Apollo and when they won Amateur Night there?
Thanks! Ebony
Hi Ebony, I need to guess that Chantels preformed at the Apollo in 1956 & 57. I don't remember if they won Amateur Night but you can check with them here- rwilson594@cfl.rr.com; or BARCAGENCY@aol.com
Thanks so much Bob!
Bob,
I have a question, where can I find the bands that won the amateur night at the Apollo theatre in the 1970's. My friend stated the band that he played with won a amateur night at the Apollo theatre in the 1970's.
@Geri: The Apollo has a listing, suggest you call or check out this site and see if you can find your friend http://www.apollotheater.org/PDF/Previous_Amateur…