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The Facade of The Apollo Theater (Photo courtesy of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. Photo by Shahar Azran)
The Apollo Theater helped launch the careers of many music icons, including Ella Fitzgerald, The Jackson Five and James Brown. We look back at 77 years of history on the legendary Harlem stage. Plus: a live performance from songwriter and novelist John Wesley Harding.
Legends of The Apollo
The Apollo Theater. It’s where Ella Fitzgerald triumphed at Amateur Night, James Brown made his classic live recordings, and Richard Pryor brought the house down. As a new exhibition about the Apollo opens in New York, we look back at 77 years of history. Guests include theater historian Billy Mitchell and Tuliza Fleming of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
In Studio: John Wesley Harding
We’ll only need one microphone when novelist Wesley Stace and songwriter John Wesley Harding join us – because they are the same person. Stace’s latest novel, "Charles Jessup Considered As A Murderer," follows a composer’s fall from grace and has spawned a collection of songs, by Harding and by classical composer Daniel Felsenfeld. Check out his live performance below.
Playlist: The Apollo Theater + John Wesley Harding
Click through to see today's Soundcheck playlist!
Gig Alert: (The) Tony Castles
(The) Tony Castles joined the Brooklyn music scene back in 2008. Download the dream pop band's debut single “Black Girls in Dresses” here.
Gig Alert: Steve Wilson
Alto saxophonist and "quintessential sideman" Steve Wilson celebrates his 50th birthday with a star-studded residency at the Jazz Standard. Download the track "Wail" here.
Gig Alert: Sun Airway
Songwriter Jon Barthmus teamed up with sound manipulator Patrick Marsceill to sculpt a sunny (albeit night-inspired), soundtrack on Sun Airway's debut album Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier. Download the tropical pop track “Oh, Naoko” and the hazy electronic tune “Put the Days Away” here.