The now legendary Apollo Theater first opened in 1914 as Hurtig & Seamon"s New Burlesque Theater. It became the Apollo in 1934, when it was opened to black patrons, who by then had transformed Harlem into a thriving center of African American culture. Amateur Night at the theater began the first year the Apollo opened, and it’s been a defining part of the Apollo experience ever since. Amateur Night has also been instrumental in launching the show business careers of numerous stars, including Jimi Hendrix, and on this day in 1934, a teenage Ella Fitzgerald, who won the amateur contest, starting her down a path toward becoming one of the most iconic singing voices of the 20th century. Tonight, the Apollo is hosting its Grand Finale for the 2018 Amateur Night season. Perhaps somebody taking the stage tonight will go on to greater fame?
A showcase for future fame
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Lighting the way to new beginnings
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Let’s go mothing
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Arctic fox in Norway
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It s Coffee Day
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The first ascent
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Dancing in The Nutcracker
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Long-eared owl in the Czech Republic
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Humpbacks return to the Inside Passage
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Autumnal equinox
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Exploring the wilder side of New York
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Terraced rice fields, Yuanyang County, China
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Wake up, it s Darwin Day
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Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
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A long winter’s nap, perhaps?
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Nazaré Lighthouse
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Space-age style by the sea
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Porcupine
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A winter light show
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All is silent for Big Ben’s musical milestone
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A notorious advocate for women
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A Welsh wonder turns 70
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World Parrot Day
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Cannes, France, in the spotlight
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Great Fountain Geyser, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
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Behold the perfect cone
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Christmas Eve
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A winter wonderland in Northeast China
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Rocks on the move
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The Twin Cities celebrate Pride