Apollo Theater Through the Years

Check out the evolution of the historic Apollo.

Apollo Theater Through the Years - Since the Apollo Theater began allowing people of color to perform within its walls in 1934, the theater has been an iconic beacon of music and entertainment, showcasing the best and brightest that the industry has to offer and creating stars along the way. Check out the Apollo Theater through the years.  (Photo: Strand Weegee/Getty)

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Apollo Theater Through the Years - Since the Apollo Theater began allowing people of color to perform within its walls in 1934, the theater has been an iconic beacon of music and entertainment, showcasing the best and brightest that the industry has to offer and creating stars along the way. Check out the Apollo Theater through the years.  (Photo: Strand Weegee/Getty)

"I Played at the Apollo..."  - Playing at the Apollo Theater became a rite of passage and a privilege for Black artists trying to make it. If you could make it at the Apollo Theater, and entertain the audience, you could make it anywhere. Here, James Brown practiced and perfected his musical chops in 1964 on stage.(Photo: Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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"I Played at the Apollo..."  - Playing at the Apollo Theater became a rite of passage and a privilege for Black artists trying to make it. If you could make it at the Apollo Theater, and entertain the audience, you could make it anywhere. Here, James Brown practiced and perfected his musical chops in 1964 on stage.(Photo: Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Where Stars Are Born - Musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Billie Holiday all got their starts at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. What new stars will be born during Apollo Live?  (Photos from left: George Konig/Keystone/Getty Images, Sven Hoogerhuis/PictureGroup, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

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Where Stars Are Born - Musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Billie Holiday all got their starts at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. What new stars will be born during Apollo Live?  (Photos from left: George Konig/Keystone/Getty Images, Sven Hoogerhuis/PictureGroup, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

It's Showtime - When Sevyn was just 10 years old, she took the stage at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. She sang "My Funny Valentine" and tied for first place during the competition.  (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Getty Images)

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Apollo Theater's Regentrification  - After turning into a movie theater in the '70s, falling into disrepair and being acquired by the City of New York in 1991, the Apollo Theater was in dire need of new construction. In celebration of its first phase restoration on December 15, 2005, President Bill Clinton came out to honor the iconic staple.(Photo: J.D. Pooley/Getty Images)

Michael Jackson Memorial  - Legend Michael Jackson performed at The Apollo many times, and in his memory, the theater welcomed 600 fans to pay their respect and hear his music spun on the 1's and 2's. (Photo: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson /Landov)

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Michael Jackson Memorial  - Legend Michael Jackson performed at The Apollo many times, and in his memory, the theater welcomed 600 fans to pay their respect and hear his music spun on the 1's and 2's. (Photo: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson /Landov)

The Apollo Theater Today - The Apollo Theater continues to serve as a culture hub and a symbol of Black musical excellence. BET's Apollo Live taped there, catch an exclusive preview November 25 at 10:30P/9:30C. (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)

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The Apollo Theater Today - The Apollo Theater continues to serve as a culture hub and a symbol of Black musical excellence. BET's Apollo Live taped there, catch an exclusive preview November 25 at 10:30P/9:30C. (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)