There is always an intricate link between music and the venue where it is performed. From village squares to city halls and amphitheaters, musicians performing in diverse genres have been shaped, and in turn shaped the history of legendary music venues. One such place is the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. The history of Jazz music and other popular genres such as Swing, Bebop, R&B, Soul, and Blues would be incomplete without mentioning this famous venue.
Initially owned by Sidney Cohen and designed by George Keister, the Apollo Theater opened for business in 1914. It gradually became a favorite stop for Jazz lovers as many popular American Jazz Singers practiced their trade there. Stars in the Jazz firmament rose to prominence within the respected precincts of the Apollo Theater. Here are just three of those stars.
Ella Fitzgerald
One of the most outstanding stars in the Jazz universe, Ella Fitzgerald was a vocal virtuoso who dominated the genre with her amazing scat-singing style. A voice quality that remained unequaled throughout her sixty-year career and remains unmatched till today brought Ella fame beyond her imagination. That career started with a simple desire to perform at Apollo Theater Amateur night in 1934 at the age of 17. Just like many other American Jazz Singers, she began at the Apollo Theatre gained global fame.
Billie Holiday
It appears the history of Jazz still reverberates with the melodious tones of the one nicknamed “Lady Day’. One of the most popular acts out of the Apollo Theater, Billie Holiday introduced a style that structured melodic phase and raised the bar for American Jazz Singers.
Sarah Vaughn
Nicknamed ‘Sailor,’ Sarah Vaughn’s talents did not escape the eye of Earl Hines who was bandleader and pianist at the Apollo Theater. Having announced her arrival on the scene when she opened for Ella Fitzgerald at the Apollo Theater, she moved on to bigger exploits after joining Billy Eckstein’s band.
American Jazz Singers and the Apollo Theater have indeed enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship. Today, the Apollo’s relevance has not diminished as performing arts, education, concerts, and community outreach programs still hold there.
Sylvia Brooks is a Jazz Vocalist with three critically acclaimed albums to her credit. At home with most musical styles, Brooks applies her splendid dulcet voice in exploring the broad spectrum of music. Brooks’ music is typically infused with a diversity of styles.
