Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater on West one hundred twenty-fifth Street is identified by the glowing, iconic marquee that stretches over the sidewalk, announcing headliners in bold, interchangeable letters. Built in nineteen thirteen as a neoclassical burlesque house, it transformed into a powerhouse for Black American entertainment in nineteen thirty-four. This venue opened its doors to Black performers at a time when many other stages remained closed to them, eventually becoming a launchpad for legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and James Brown.