The Apollo Theater at 253 West 125th Street opened in 1934 and became the defining stage of African American popular music. Its Amateur Night competition — still held weekly — launched the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday and scores of others. The theater presents concerts, film screenings and community events; building tours are available. The Tree of Hope stump outside the stage door is a landmark performers touch before going on.
Apollo Theater
125th Street venue where Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and countless others launched their careers