When we visited the Smithsonian last summer, they had an exhibit about the Apollo Theater in Harlem. I was amazed at all the incredible talent that had performed in the theater over the years.
The Apollo opened in 1934 and started its famous Wednesday “Amateur Night” to feature new gifted talent. Back in the day, if you weren’t talented enough, Howard “Sandman” Sims would use a cane, hook, or broom to get you off the stage after the audience began booing.
It might have been a tough gig, but I am sure these people never had to worry about getting the hook:
Ella Fitzgerald
Known as the “First Lady of Song,” Fitzgerald’s 59 year recording career, 13 Grammys, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom can attest to the fact that the title is duly deserved.
Gladys Knight
Knight played with the Pips from 1953 to 1989. During that time, the group had a string of hits including “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and won 7 Grammys.
The Jackson 5 performed at the Apollo in August 1967, when Michael was just 8 years old. They won the competition that night and later signed a recording contract and were invited back to the Apollo for a paid performance. The rest is music history.
Vandross was still in high school when he first played at the Apollo. Despite dying at the early age of 54, Vandross still managed to be nominated for 31 Grammys and win 8.
Stevie Wonder
Like many others, Wonder was young (12 years old) when he made his first appearance at the Apollo. His hits and accomplishments are far too many to list here, but in 2008, Billboard listed him as #5 on the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists.