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For over eight decades and counting, and even some time before that, The Apollo Theater has been a destination for some of the most memorable performances in live entertainment. The world-renowned venue located on 125th Street in New York City’s immensely influential neighborhood of Harlem has been graced by the likes of, well, we’d be here forever if we tried to name all the amazing acts that performed at The Apollo.
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Even after all of this time, the venue still attracts an in-demand fanfare — that was proven just this past weekend with rap superstar Drake taking over for a two-night-only greatest hits set.
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
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The Apollo has a history that’s way too dynamic to merely sum up as a music venue, especially when considering its place in Black history as a hub for the Harlem Renaissance that ushered in Black affluence at the dawn of the 20th century. Still, there’s no denying that our favorite musicians have always brought their best when heading Uptown to the big stage!
Keep scrolling to check out our selection of 25 classic Showtime At The Apollo performances during the peak of its 89-year history, and feel free to let us know if you think we skipped over your favorite:
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Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Sarah Vaughan – “These Things I Offer You For A Lifetime” (1956)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
2. James Brown – “I Got the Feelin'” (1968)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
3. Bob Marley & The Wailers – “So Much Trouble in the World” (1979)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
4. Star Tribute – “Motown Salutes the Apollo” (1985)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
5. The Temptations – “Treat Her Like A Lady” (1987)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
6. Howard Hewett – “Once Twice Three Times” (1988)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
7. The Cover Girls – “Because Of You” (1988)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
8. Patti LaBelle – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (1989)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
9. Stephanie Mills – “Home” (1989)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
10. A Tribe Called Quest – “Bonita AppleBum” (1990)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
11. En Vogue – “Hold On” (1990)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
12. Lisa Stansfield – “All Around The World” (1990)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
13. Boyz II Men – “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” (1991)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
14. Jodeci – “Forever My Lady” (1991)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
15. Chaka Khan – “The Woman I Am” (1992)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
16. Prince & Lenny Kravitz – “When You Were Mine” (1993)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
17. Mary J. Blige – “I’m Goin’ Down” (1995)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
18. The Notorious B.I.G. – “One More Chance” (1995)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
19. Kirk Franklin & The Family – “Melodies from Heaven” (1996)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
20. Kool & The Gang – “Celebration” [for Apollo 200th Episode] (1996)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
21. Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
22. Lil’ Kim & Puff Daddy – “No Time” (1997)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
23. SWV – “Rain” (1998)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
24. LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, DMX – “4,3,2,1” (1998)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
25. Destiny’s Child – “No, No, No Pt. 2” (1998)
Showtime At The Apollo Performances You Should Never Forget was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
