Soon, the Kennedy Center Honors will become a new addition to the Apollo Theater’s impressive history.
On Thursday, it was announced that the Harlem-based theater has been included in its latest batch of honorees.
An “iconic American institution” is being bestowed with special honors at the venue.
In a statement, Deborah F. Rutter, the President of Kennedy Center, expressed her excitement to honor the iconic Apollo Theater on its 90th anniversary. She acknowledged the theater’s significant contribution in shaping American culture by discovering and nurturing raw talent, and molding a unique cultural identity. Throughout the Honors weekend, the artists with a special connection to The Apollo will serve as ambassadors of the theater’s legacy, further cementing their role in the cultural fabric of America.
The Apollo’s Amateur Night is a widely celebrated talent show that has gained global recognition. It has been a continuous event in New York City for a lengthy period, making it one of the longest-running events in the city.
The theater has been a launching pad for many iconic artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight. These talented individuals kickstarted their careers by performing at the theater.
According to Michelle Ebanks, the President and CEO of The Apollo, the venue has always been a nurturing space for artists to showcase their creativity as well as a welcoming place for audiences to witness extraordinary music and art from iconic performers.
This year’s Kennedy Center Honors class is set to include Francis Ford Coppola, The Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, and Arturo Sandoval.
