By Cara Alwill with Jem Aswad
New York City is filled with legendary music venues, from Radio City Music Hall to Town Hall to the big kahuna itself, Madison Square Garden. But there's absolutely no place like Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater, which has hosted just about every soul legend in its 75 years in business — Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and countless others, and of course it was the site of three live James Brown albums: in 1962 (which many consider the greatest live album of all time), 1967 and 1995.
On June 8, the legendary theater will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a star-studded bash, and to mark the event Mariah Carey and Jamie Foxx will induct singer Patti LaBelle and producer/musician Quincy Jones into its Hall of Fame,
according to The Associated Press.
The event will be hosted by radio personality Steve Harvey and is set to include performances by Anita Baker and vintage R&B group the O'Jays, who scored hits in the 1970s with songs like "Love Train" and "I Love Music." Along with the evening's musical guests and Hall of Fame induction, the theater will also present its Art and Humanitarian award to Bill Cosby and his wife, Camille.
Also adding to the festivities will be other special performances including a newly revamped production of "Dreamgirls," based loosely on the history and career of the Supremes (who performed at the venue many times).
The Apollo is also collaborating with the Smithsonian Institution on an exhibit that showcases the theater's rich history and impact on music around the world. With its famous marquee that says "Where stars are born and legends are made," the Apollo Theater has been a cornerstone of the music industry from its inception.
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