The Apollo Theater, undisputedly one of the world’s most treasured edifices of musical performances, celebrated its 75th birthday at its famous Harlem home with famous friends like Bill Cosby, Patti LaBelle, Steve Harvey, Ruby Dee, and Jamie Foxx there to blow out the candles. Coca-Cola, the title sponsor, also received a well-deserved tribute through SVP Ingrid Saunders Jones for their partnership with the Harlem-based landmark along with the likes of American Airlines, Hennessy and Belvedere.
There were many emotional moments. Prince nearly caused the Apollo to explode when he made a surprise appearance to lead a spirited tribute to the legendary Patti LaBelle. Mariah Carey, conversely, fumbled through a teary-eyed tribute to LaBelle, who was the greatest influence on Carey’s musical development. “The Apollo is a national treasure,” said Labelle who, along with Quincey Jones was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. “I am overwhelmed and honored to be recognized with my entertainment friends.”
Phylicia Rashad, who played Bill Cosby’s wife on the “Cosby Show” which became the highest rated comedy of all time, was perfectly cast once again on this emotional night. This time Rashad lead a tribute to Cosby and his wife Camille, who were given the Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis Arts and Humanitarian Award for their decades-long philanthropy and activism.
The Apollo, an almost mythical musical incubator which ignited the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Gladys Knight & the Pips and the Jackson Five, sparkled as the center of the music world on 125th Street the way it once did during the middle part of the 20th century.
Harvey and Foxx got the party crackin with liver-quivering jokes and the O’Jays shut it down with an electric medley of their greatest hits. – terry shropshire
