The Thirties

• On January 26, 1934, the 125th Street Apollo Theater opens with the show “Jazz a la Carte” headlined by Benny Carter and his Orchestra, Ralph Cooper and Aida Ward.
• The Apollo becomes the premiere showplace for live, theatrical entertainment in Harlem.
• Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, Jackie “Moms” Mabley and Dusty Fletcher are among the comedians who appear regularly on stage.
• Tap Dancers like the Nicholas Brothers, Berry Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Buck and Bubbles are the top dance acts.
• Amateur Night winners include Ella Fitzgerald and Pearl Bailey
• By 1937 the Apollo is the largest employer of black theatrical workers in the country, according to Frank Schiffman, and the only theater in NYC to hire blacks in backstage positions.
• In 1935, Bessie Smith’s four weeks at the Apollo are her sole live performances that year.
• Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and the Count Basie Orchestra are among those to make their debut.
• The Apollo Chorus Girls are considered to be the best line in NYC. In 2005, their story is recounted in the documentary “Been Rich All My Life.”