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For over eight decades and counting, and even some time before that, The Apollo Theater has been a destination for some of the most memorable performances in live entertainment. The world renowned venue located on 125th Street in New York City’s immensely influential neighborhood of Harlem has been graced by the likes of, well, we’d be here forever if we tried to name all the amazing acts that’ve performed at The Apollo.
Even after all of this time, the venue still attracts an in-demand fanfare — that was proven just this past weekend with rap superstar Drake taking over for a two-night-only greatest hits set.
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
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The Apollo has a history that’s way too dynamic to merely sum up as a music venue, especially when considering its place in Black history as a hub for the Harlem Renaissance that ushered in Black affluence at the dawn of the 20th century. Still, there’s no denying that our favorite musicians have always brought their best when heading Uptown to the big stage!
Keep scrolling to check out our selection of 25 classic Showtime At The Apollo performances during the peak of its 89-year history, and feel free to let us know if you think we skipped over your favorite:
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Sarah Vaughan – “These Things I Offer You For A Lifetime” (1956)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
2. James Brown – “I Got the Feelin'” (1968)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
3. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “So Much Trouble in the World” (1979)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
4. Star Tribute – “Motown Salutes the Apollo” (1985)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
5. The Temptations – “Treat Her Like A Lady” (1987)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
6. Howard Hewett – “Once Twice Three Times” (1988)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
7. The Cover Girls – “Because Of You” (1988)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
8. Patti LaBelle – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (1989)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
9. Stephanie Mills – “Home” (1989)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
10. A Tribe Called Quest – “Bonita AppleBum” (1990)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
11. En Vogue – “Hold On” (1990)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
12. Lisa Stansfield – “All Around The World” (1990)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
13. Boyz II Men – “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” (1991)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
14. Jodeci – “Forever My Lady” (1991)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
15. Chaka Khan – “The Woman I Am” (1992)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
16. Prince & Lenny Kravitz – “When You Were Mine” (1993)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
17. Mary J. Blige – “I’m Goin’ Down” (1995)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
18. The Notorious B.I.G. – “One More Chance” (1995)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
19. Kirk Franklin & The Family – “Melodies from Heaven” (1996)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
20. Kool & The Gang – “Celebration” [for Apollo 200th Episode] (1996)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
21. Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
22. Lil’ Kim & Puff Daddy – “No Time” (1997)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
23. SWV – “Rain” (1998)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
24. LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, DMX – “4,3,2,1” (1998)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
25. Destiny’s Child – “No, No, No Pt. 2” (1998)
25 Classic Showtime At The Apollo Performances was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
