NEW YORK – When the Apollo Theater opened up in the Upper Manhattan district of Harlem in 1913, Blacks were not even allowed inside the performing arts center. This week, as it celebrates its 75th birthday, the Apollo Theater is arguably the most renowned African American cultural landmark in the world. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places for undiscovered talent to showcase their skills. Music disciples from around the world still migrate to 125th Street to capture the glory of a place that launched or sustained the legendary careers of Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Nat King Cole, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Dionne Warwick, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and countless others over the decades.
Savion Glover, one of the world’s most celebrated tap dancing maestros, spoke at the press conference at the Apollo Theater that pulsated with rich history. Chairman of the Board and business magnate Dick Parsons also appeared, as well as music legend Dionne Warwick, who helped commence the year-long celebration of the New York landmark by regaling the press corp. with entertaining tales of her early years in the 1960s. Glover reveled in the fact that the Apollo returned to center stage that characterized its glory years. “The importance of this day, is not only the preservation of the Apollo Theater, but the fact that we are able to celebrate the Apollo as part of our history, not only through entertainment, not only through theater, but just being established as one of the world’s renowned homes for entertainment,” he says after the press conference. “And I’m happy to be a part of these celebrations right now. I’m just happy to say that I’m a proud representative of the art form.
When asked what tap dancing means to him, Glover said, “Tap dancing is like … it’s equivalent to music, not only for the African American community, but also for the world. Tap dancing is like language, it’s like air, it’s like everything else that we need in order to survive. I’m blessed and honored to be knowledgeable of the art form and to be a part of the art form.”
The Apollo Theater is beginning its celebration on Wednesday with discounted tickets of $7.50 to see featured performer and rapper Ron Browz. – terry shropshire
