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Rating: 
Summary: The Mecca of show business
Review: Have you ever wondered how the Apollo Theatre began? Who was the mastermind behind the Apollo? When did the famous "Amateur Night at the Apollo" begin? The Apollo Theatre is a legend in both the Black and White communities. It was thought by many to be the greatest show business place in the world. If an entertainer could make it at the Apollo, he could make it anywhere. SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO by Ted Fox is a fine tribute to this legend. Fox traced Apollo's history from the tumultuous beginnings in the 1920's through the heartbreaking decline of the mid-70's and its rebirth in the 1980's. This cultural institution led the way in defining all types of music that changed by decade moving from swing to funk. He also followed the management era when the Apollo was called other names and located at other venues until it came to rest at 125th Street in Harlem with its Jewish owners, the Schiffmans.
Ted Fox gave an excellent history lesson on the life of this musical institution known as the Apollo. This theatre exerted a lot of influence on the entertainment industry over several decades. The Apollo could make or break careers. Some of our most memorable entertainment greats can lay claim to the Apollo being the springboard for their success. Fox was brilliant in his research of past performers by including tidbits of their personal experiences to give the full spectrum of the theatre's growth and the love felt by many. For those of you interested in the makings of this phenomenon called the Apollo Theatre, please read this book. It will entertain and enlighten you. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection on music history. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: The Mecca of show business
Review: Have you ever wondered how the Apollo Theatre began? Who was the mastermind behind the Apollo? When did the famous "Amateur Night at the Apollo" begin? The Apollo Theatre is a legend in both the Black and White communities. It was thought by many to be the greatest show business place in the world. If an entertainer could make it at the Apollo, he could make it anywhere. SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO by Ted Fox is a fine tribute to this legend. Fox traced Apollo's history from the tumultuous beginnings in the 1920's through the heartbreaking decline of the mid-70's and its rebirth in the 1980's. This cultural institution led the way in defining all types of music that changed by decade moving from swing to funk. He also followed the management era when the Apollo was called other names and located at other venues until it came to rest at 125th Street in Harlem with its Jewish owners, the Schiffmans.
Ted Fox gave an excellent history lesson on the life of this musical institution known as the Apollo. This theatre exerted a lot of influence on the entertainment industry over several decades. The Apollo could make or break careers. Some of our most memorable entertainment greats can lay claim to the Apollo being the springboard for their success. Fox was brilliant in his research of past performers by including tidbits of their personal experiences to give the full spectrum of the theatre's growth and the love felt by many. For those of you interested in the makings of this phenomenon called the Apollo Theatre, please read this book. It will entertain and enlighten you. This is a wonderful book to add to your collection on music history. Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating:
Summary: Rare and insightful look into one of the most important the
Review: Ted Fox has brought us back in time when The Apollo Theatre was historically one of the most important theatres in U.S. history. It was a cultural temple unlike any American theatre and could be compared to few others, possibly only the French turn of the century houses which were performer and audience havens of (their) contemporary pulse. Mr. Fox has done his homework in interviews, research and photo archives. He also offers an in-depth and respectful look at the performers, management and audiences, and as importantly - The Apollo building itself as a cornerstone of the Harlem community through wars, riots, celebrations, fads and cultural milestones. As research for Harlem, Black Studies and American musical culture and its etaffect - it is necessay. As a great read it is just great fun
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