The Apollo Theater was the landmark of the Harlem community. It was the proving ground for up and coming entertainers; if you made it at the Apollo, you would probably make it anywhere. Wednesday was the Apollo Amateur Night, and it drew hopefuls from all over the country. Applause meant approval, but if the Sandman blew his trombone, you were off the stage with loud boos from the crowd ringing in your ears. National acts would appear during the weekend and sometimes for an entire week. Lines would form down the block and around the corner toward 7th and 8th Avenues for acts like James Brown, Al Green, Aretha Franklin,  The Temptations, & The Spinners.

Photos On Stage for pictures of the various performers Backstage employees that worked behind the scenes Video Gladys Knight & The Pips The Spinners Al Green The Temptations Marvin Gaye (at Radio City Music Hall)