Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Price
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Event Date
June 25, 2021
Event Time
9:00 PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Digital Stage
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Friday, June 25, 2021
Induction Ceremony PremIere
Tune in for the broadcast of the induction ceremony including remarks from Mary J. Blige, Apollo Theater Board Chairman Charles Phillips, Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, and Apollo Historian Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell. Following the remarks, the Apollo will unveil a permanent plaque recognizing Mary J. Blige’s’ cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity.
The Apollo honored nine-time Grammy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award nominee, Mary J. Blige with an induction into our legendary Walk of Fame. Located in front of the Apollo on 125th Street, under our historic marquee, the Walk of Fame celebrates artists who have contributed to and articulated the African American cultural narrative and continue to inspire people all over the world.
Mary J. Blige joins a dynamic line of inductees who have had an enormous influence on generations of musicians, fans, and the culture at-large. Apollo walk of famers include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations and more.
Join us the entire month of June as we celebrate Black Music Month! The Apollo will uplift and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music with a series of digital broadcasts and events.
View the Full Black Music Month Schedule
How to watch
Mary J. Blige Biography
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, Oscar-nominated actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: You Remind Me and Real Love. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s My Life. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.
Each subsequent album reads like a chapter from an autobiography: Share My World (1997), Mary (1999), No More Drama (2001), Love & Life (2003), the multiple Grammy-winning and hit-spewing The Breakthrough (2005), Growing Pains (2007), Stronger with Each Tear (2009), My Life II… The Journey Continues (2011), A Mary Christmas (2013) and The London Sessions (2014). Along the way, she’s lined up a string of hit singles, including Not Gon’ Cry, Love Is All We Need, Seven Days, All That I Can Say, Family Affair and Just Fine.
Blige released her 14th studio album Strength of a Woman in 2017. The first single, “Thick of It,” held the number 1 spot on the Urban AC Chart for 16 consecutive weeks after its release in November. Blige also scored her latest #1 single off this album with “U + Me (Love Lesson).”
In the summer of 2019, Blige was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement award, and completed a U.S Summer tour with New York rapper Nas.
On the acting side, Blige starred as Florence Jackson in the 2017 Netflix breakout film Mudbound, to which she received critical acclaim including two Academy Award nominations for Best Support Actress and Best Original Song. She also starred in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” which premiered on the platform in February 2019.
In April 2020, Blige voiced “Queen Essence” in Dreamworks’ TROLLS WORLD TOUR movie, and starred in Paramount’s Body Cam, alongside Nat Wolff, that was released digitally this past May. Blige dropped a new single entitled “Can’t Be Life,” an original song for Body Cam that speaks candidly to the current times and is featured over the end credits of the film. Blige is currently starring in STARZ’s POWER BOOK II: GHOST, a new television series inspired by the original show, POWER, that premiered on the network in September 2020 and has been renewed for a second season.
Most recently, Blige wrote and performed a new song for the celebrated documentary Belly of the Beast entitled “See What You’ve Done.” The documentary, which was released in October 2020, uncovers illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons in the Department of Corrections in California and was filmed over a period of seven years.
On the producing side, Blige launched her production company, Blue Butterfly, and signed a first-look TV deal with Lionsgate. Blige most recently Executive Produced Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The biopic marked the highest-rated original movie for Lifetime since 2016.
Blige has also entered the fashion and beauty realm with her jewelry line “Sister Love” with long-time friend Simone I. Smith and her “Love Me” lipstick line with MAC Cosmetics. Most recently, she launched her own wine collection, Sun Goddess Wines, in collaboration with the internationally prestigious Fantinel Winery. The collection currently includes two wines that are now available nationwide, an Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato and an Italian Sauvignon Blanc.
Next up, Blige will star as Dinah Washington in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, alongside Jennifer Hudson coming out in August 2021. Blige is also working with Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth and Amazon on an untitled documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of her famed album My Life. Blige will not only be the subject of the documentary, where she will reflect on her nearly 30-year career within the music industry, but also as an Executive Producer through her own production company Blue Butterfly.
Walk of Fame Ceremony Broadcasts:
12 PM and 9 PM EDT
Sponsors
No items found.
Friday, June 25, 2021
Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Event Date
June 25, 2021
Event Time
9:00 PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Digital Stage
Share
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Sponsors
No items found.
Induction Ceremony PremIere
Tune in for the broadcast of the induction ceremony including remarks from Mary J. Blige, Apollo Theater Board Chairman Charles Phillips, Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, and Apollo Historian Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell. Following the remarks, the Apollo will unveil a permanent plaque recognizing Mary J. Blige’s’ cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity.
The Apollo honored nine-time Grammy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award nominee, Mary J. Blige with an induction into our legendary Walk of Fame. Located in front of the Apollo on 125th Street, under our historic marquee, the Walk of Fame celebrates artists who have contributed to and articulated the African American cultural narrative and continue to inspire people all over the world.
Mary J. Blige joins a dynamic line of inductees who have had an enormous influence on generations of musicians, fans, and the culture at-large. Apollo walk of famers include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations and more.
Join us the entire month of June as we celebrate Black Music Month! The Apollo will uplift and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music with a series of digital broadcasts and events.
View the Full Black Music Month Schedule
How to watch
Mary J. Blige Biography
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, Oscar-nominated actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: You Remind Me and Real Love. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s My Life. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.
Each subsequent album reads like a chapter from an autobiography: Share My World (1997), Mary (1999), No More Drama (2001), Love & Life (2003), the multiple Grammy-winning and hit-spewing The Breakthrough (2005), Growing Pains (2007), Stronger with Each Tear (2009), My Life II… The Journey Continues (2011), A Mary Christmas (2013) and The London Sessions (2014). Along the way, she’s lined up a string of hit singles, including Not Gon’ Cry, Love Is All We Need, Seven Days, All That I Can Say, Family Affair and Just Fine.
Blige released her 14th studio album Strength of a Woman in 2017. The first single, “Thick of It,” held the number 1 spot on the Urban AC Chart for 16 consecutive weeks after its release in November. Blige also scored her latest #1 single off this album with “U + Me (Love Lesson).”
In the summer of 2019, Blige was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement award, and completed a U.S Summer tour with New York rapper Nas.
On the acting side, Blige starred as Florence Jackson in the 2017 Netflix breakout film Mudbound, to which she received critical acclaim including two Academy Award nominations for Best Support Actress and Best Original Song. She also starred in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” which premiered on the platform in February 2019.
In April 2020, Blige voiced “Queen Essence” in Dreamworks’ TROLLS WORLD TOUR movie, and starred in Paramount’s Body Cam, alongside Nat Wolff, that was released digitally this past May. Blige dropped a new single entitled “Can’t Be Life,” an original song for Body Cam that speaks candidly to the current times and is featured over the end credits of the film. Blige is currently starring in STARZ’s POWER BOOK II: GHOST, a new television series inspired by the original show, POWER, that premiered on the network in September 2020 and has been renewed for a second season.
Most recently, Blige wrote and performed a new song for the celebrated documentary Belly of the Beast entitled “See What You’ve Done.” The documentary, which was released in October 2020, uncovers illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons in the Department of Corrections in California and was filmed over a period of seven years.
On the producing side, Blige launched her production company, Blue Butterfly, and signed a first-look TV deal with Lionsgate. Blige most recently Executive Produced Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The biopic marked the highest-rated original movie for Lifetime since 2016.
Blige has also entered the fashion and beauty realm with her jewelry line “Sister Love” with long-time friend Simone I. Smith and her “Love Me” lipstick line with MAC Cosmetics. Most recently, she launched her own wine collection, Sun Goddess Wines, in collaboration with the internationally prestigious Fantinel Winery. The collection currently includes two wines that are now available nationwide, an Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato and an Italian Sauvignon Blanc.
Next up, Blige will star as Dinah Washington in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, alongside Jennifer Hudson coming out in August 2021. Blige is also working with Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth and Amazon on an untitled documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of her famed album My Life. Blige will not only be the subject of the documentary, where she will reflect on her nearly 30-year career within the music industry, but also as an Executive Producer through her own production company Blue Butterfly.
Walk of Fame Ceremony Broadcasts:
12 PM and 9 PM EDT
suggested Events
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The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
VICTORIA THEATER 1
Accessible Seating
Victoria Theater 1 is a 199-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for stage productions, concerts, panel discussions, commercial shoots and private functions.
JONELLE PROCOPE THEATER
Accessible Seating
The Jonelle Procope Theater, named in honor of the former Apollo President/CEO, is a 99-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for intimate concerts, panel conversations, commercial shoots, private functions, exhibits, or installations.
The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Upcoming Events
May 29
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The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Muted Genius: Miles Davis at 100
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Miles Davis with a film and discussion honoring the man who transformed the sound of modern music. From groundbreaking albums like Kind of Blue to the electric experiments of Bitches Brew, Miles’ influence continues to echo through jazz, hip-hop, soul, and beyond. Relive Miles’ full 1970 performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in Electric Miles: A Different Kind of Blue -- backed by legends Chick Corea, Carlos Santana, Dave Holland, Airto Moreira and more.
Join The Apollo for a screening and conversation exploring the genius and legacy of an artist who never stopped evolving, moderated by saxophonist, composer, and educator Antonio Hart, with jazz drummer, producer, and nephew of Miles Davis, Vince Wilburn, Jr., and Dr. Monica L. Miller, guest curator of "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” at The Met.
Jun 25
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
A Visible Life
Celebrate Pride at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria with an integral conversation on representation of Black gay men in media with A Visible Life.
Join social-media creator and comedian Lavelle Dontae and artist-educator Dr. John-Martin Green with artist-scholar williambryantmiles for an intimate discussion featuring short film excerpts, performances, and fellowship. A Visible Life invites audiences to think about how both watching and crafting performance shapes and defines who they are, and who they aspire to be.
Jun 27
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
A Little Light
Celebrate Pride at The Apollo with Apollo Works in Process: A Little Light, a new queer coming-of-age musical by Derrick Byars. A Little Light tells the story of a young man navigating the rush of new love and the weight of generational survival. Centered on a Black family in a small Southern town, these new musical blends romantic comedy, theatrical camp, and emotional depth as soon-to-be college freshman, Jordan begins to step into the kind of life he’s only ever imagined.
Jun 27
The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza
Sincere Light: A Tribute to D’Angelo
Join us for a neo-soul dance party as we honor the late musical legend D’Angelo, whose revolutionary sound and artistry left an indelible mark on global culture. D’Angelo’s early roots can be traced to New York via The Apollo, where he won Amateur Night three times in a row then launched a career that would inspire a musical movement and soundtrack a generation. We invite you to meet us under the moonlight, slip on a pair of high-fidelity headphones and immerse yourself in D’Angelo’s music curated to perfection by the trailblazing sound collage artist and music maker DJ Reborn.
Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 1002
Jun 27
12th Ave between 131st and 132nd streets
Harlem Pride
Harlem Pride’s Celebration Day has evolved into a cornerstone of New York City’s Pride festivities, attracting more than 20,000 attendees annually. The event brings together a rich mosaic of identities and experiences while celebrating Harlem’s historic and ongoing role in LGBTQ+ activism, art, and culture. At the heart of the event is a live stage show featuring emerging and established LGBTQ musicians and performers. The show will also include special guests and community leaders.
Celebration Day 2026 will once again transform Harlem’s west side waterfront into a dynamic hub of community, returning to an expanded location first used in 2025. The new space, on 12th Avenue between West 130th and West 132nd Streets, provides attendees and participants alike with an enhanced event experience.
Jul 12
Herbert Von King Park
Bilal x GENA x DJ Tara
Presented with SummerStage, this evening brings together boundary-pushing voices in R&B and soul.
A foundational member of the loose late-’90s hip-hop/R&B collective the Soulquarians, Bilal has an effortless, understated swag. It oozes from every track of his 2001 debut 1st Born Second, a retro yet fresh take on soul music at the turn of the century. He’s gotten more experimental as he’s grown, collaborating with artists such as Kimbra, Otis Brown III, Kat Dahlia, Slum Village, and Kendrick Lamar on his third album To Pimp a Butterfly. Bilal’s latest release is Live at Glasshaus, a live recording from an intimate, career-spanning performance with Questlove, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis as his backing band.
He’s joined by GENA, a new project from the dynamic R&B artist Liv.e and renowned drummer Karriem Riggins; their name stands for God Energy, Naturally Amazing, indicative of their improvisationally ordained approach to making music.
On the ones and twos is DJ Tara, a DJ, urban planner, and co-founder of Donuts are Forever, the annual J Dilla tribute and fundraiser.
Location: 670 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Jul 16
Central Park
Mavis Staples with Brother Wallace
Presented with SummerStage. Mavis Staples has been performing for eight decades. At 86 years old, she’s known as one of the most enduring figures in American music, earning inductions into multiple halls of fame (blues, rock, and gospel), was a Kennedy Center Honoree, and winner of numerous GRAMMY awards, including one for lifetime achievement. With her return to SummerStage, she’s sure to perform the hits alongside new tracks from her 15th solo album Sad and Beautiful World. She’s collaborated with nearly every major figure of her many eras, from Bob Dylan to Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Willie Nelson. Opening the evening is Brother Wallace, a force of modern soul and gospel sound. Most recently, he’s collaborated with The Heavy guitarist Dan Taylor to build a body of work built on his electrifying brand of soul music.
Location: Rumsey Playfield, New York, NY, 10021
Aug 14
Under The 12th Avenue Viaduct
Harlem Summer Nights
Join The Apollo as it kick’s off its Harlem Week at Harlem Summer Nights! Get a sneak peak of what the weekend has in store and grab a bite at Harlem’s biggest food festival!
Aug 15
August 15 & 16, 2026
Theater Row on 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave.
Harlem Week
Celebrate with The Apollo at HARLEM WEEK! The Apollo will have a table at Theater Row on 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd and St. Nicholas ave on Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th from 12 to 6PM.
We hope to see you all at The Apollo tent on Theater Row and at the Harlem Week Mainstage!
box office
Support The Apollo
VISITOR INFORMATION
Box office opens two hours prior to scheduled performances/events.
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Box Office
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Box Office
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
Box office opens two hours prior to scheduled performances/events.
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
Learn More
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
