Friday, June 25, 2021
Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Price
Event Date
June 25, 2021
Event Time
9:00 PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Digital Stage

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

Digital Stage

Facebook

Youtube

 

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
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

Digital Stage

Facebook

Youtube

 

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

No items found.
New York, US
Bebe Winans
Choreographer & Dancer
London, UK
Meme Manning
Voice Actress
Los Angeles, US
Leia Manson
Supporting Actress
Chicago, US
Ben Jefferson
Stand-in & Dancer
Special Guests
No items found.
Important information — there is a VIP upgrade option that will include:
Exclusive access to the pre-show VIP lounge
Express entry into the theater
VIP wristband
T‍ickets
Genre
No items found.
TODAY
No available events at the moment.

Join THE A-LIST

Sign up for the Apollo A-LIST to stay in the loop as additional programs and events are announced!

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.

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.
TODAY
Aug 11
Until Jun 30
| Daily 10am – 6pm
Aug 11
-
Jun 30
Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria Laura and Frank Baker Gallery
Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories

Step behind the curtain of the world-famous Apollo Theater. Located at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria’s Laura & Frank Baker Gallery, Got To Be There: The Apollo, Its People, and Its Stories is a first of its kind exhibition curated by The Apollo Archives. This collection of rare photographs, video recordings, and artifacts offers a rare glimpse into The Apollo’s 91 year history.  

Free and open to the public with select viewings and conversations throughout the season, this stunning exhibition offers a glimpse into the many roles that The Apollo has played and continues to play in service to the arts, the Harlem community, and global pop culture at large.  

Open Daily 10am – 6pm & 2 hours before curtain during performances

Mar 19
| 7:30 PM
Mar 19
-
Mar 19
Century of Black Theater Making: Living Legacy Gwendolen Hardwick
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Century of Black Theater Making: Living Legacy Gwendolen Hardwick

The Apollo Theater will host an evening in celebration of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture’s centennial, honoring the legendary Harlem-based theaterartist and writer Gwendolen Hardwick. In the late 1970s Hardwick co-founded the Flamboyant Ladies Theater Company with writer and activist Alexis De Veaux. A dynamic performer, visionary theater maker, and devoted community organizer, Hardwick, for over four decades, has helped shape and sustain vital creative spaces for Black and queer women writers and performers in New York.

Mar 26
| 7:30PM
Mar 26
-
Mar 26
Melanin Madness Film Screening
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Melanin Madness Film Screening

Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Apollo and Harlem-based film collective Melanin Madness. After a sold-out 2025 Halloween-themed screening, we’re running it back, this time for the ladies.

That's right, we're back in the habit with another iconic classic, Sister Act 2! Sing, dance, laugh and celebrate Apollo greats Whoopi Goldberg and Ms. Lauryn Hill just a couple of years after she made her Amateur Night at The Apollo debut!

As always and in true Apollo fashion, the audience is a part of the experience so grab your crew and get ready to talk back, cheer and join the party in this evening of community, culture, and fun.

Mar 28
| 1 PM
Mar 28
-
Mar 28
Got To Be There, Community Conversations: Women of the Apollo
Laura & Frank Baker Gallery | Theater 1
Got To Be There, Community Conversations: Women of the Apollo

Join us for our first– in a series of community conversations centered on the launch of Got to Be There: The Apollo, Its Stories, and Its People – a gallery exhibition drawn from the collection of The Apollo Archives.

 

Women of the Apollo spotlights the women who’ve made The Apollo a cultural treasure – both on stage and behind the scenes. Join Apollo archivist, Brad San Martin, and special guests, including actress, Brianna Johnson, and Opera songstress, Nia Drummond for an afternoon of community, dialogue, and celebrating Black women.

 

Major: Don’t miss the unveiling of special Apollo archival discoveries unseen – until now- you just got to be there!

Apr 9
| 10PM
Apr 9
-
Apr 9
Apollo Comedy Club - April
Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - April

Featuring SOFIA NEGRON, DEZZ WHITE, SHAWN HARVEY

HOSTED BY LARRY LANCASTER

Apr 10
| 8PM
Apr 10
-
Apr 10
ELHAE
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
ELHAE

From Lotus Avenue to the A-train, ELHAE makes a quick stop in Harlem for an acoustic performance that blends alternative R&B with Hip Hop. His catalog includes thematic and seductive gems such as “Fun Fact”, “I Choose You (w. Ambre)”, “Doesn’t Matter (w.  Kehlani)” and the deliciously pulsating dance hit “Touch (w. GoldLink)“.

Apr 22
Apr 22 & 23
| 10:30 AM
Apr 22
-
Apr 23
School Day Live - The Girl Who Heard the Universe
Theater 1
School Day Live - The Girl Who Heard the Universe

The Girl Who Heard the Universe follows Zuri, a brilliant young sound scientist whose heart beats to rhythms no one else can hear. By day, she experiments with waves and vibrations in her Brooklyn bedroom-turned-laboratory, composing melodies that echo her boundless curiosity. By night, she gazes up at the stars, dreaming of how quantum particles might dance and sing across the cosmos. Blending music, science, and imagination, this story celebrates the power of wonder, the beauty of Black girl brilliance, and the belief that every sound—no matter how small—can change the universe.

Apr 26
| 7:00 PM
Apr 26
-
Apr 26
Best of The Apollo
Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C.
Best of The Apollo

Two Iconic Institutions. One Stage. One Night.

For the first  time, The Apollo and the Howard Theatre come together for a one-night  presentation of live music in Washington, D.C.

Hosted by Chris Spencer, the Best of The Apollo will feature a curated lineup of the biggest artists, along with rising stars of Harlem's Amateur Night at The Apollo Presented by Coca-Cola, giving D.C. audiences a front-row seat to the performers who have braved the "world’s toughest audience" and emerged victorious.

Best of the  Apollo brings the  legacy and energy of Harlem’s legendary stage to D.C. for a live music event  celebrating Black music and the artists shaping it. Expect an unforgettable  night of live music by award winning performers.

 

Apr 30
| 7:00 PM
Apr 30
-
Apr 30
PitchBLACK Awards Ceremony
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
PitchBLACK Awards Ceremony

PitchBLACK Awards is Black Public Media’s signature celebration honoring visionary media makers who tell stories about the global Black experience. Heralded as an event where industry leaders discover new talent, PitchBLACK is also an evening of inspiring content, special guest appearances and the presentation of funding awards to winning creators.

This year, Black Public Media continues its tradition of excellence with a special tribute to the 2026 BPM Trailblazers: Stanley Nelson and Marcia Smith, whose standard-setting body of work about the Black experience has garnered Emmy, Peabody and other distinguished awards.

PitchBLACK festivities will commence with a networking reception followed by the awards ceremony. The evening culminates with a lively afterparty featuring DJ Precise.

Join us at The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater on Thursday, APRIL 30, to celebrate PitchBLACK in Harlem and witness the magic!

Purchase your Tickets today!

May 7
| 10PM
May 7
-
May 7
Apollo Comedy Club - May
Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club - May

Featuring DWIGHT PRYDE, CALVON BROWN, MIKE ROSS

HOSTED BY STILETTO

May 8
| 8PM
May 8
-
May 8
UPclose: Teedra Moses
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
UPclose: Teedra Moses

Step inside an intimate speakeasy vibe for an unforgettable, intimate evening with contemporary R&B powerhouse Teedra Moses, an artist who effortlessly weaves strength and vulnerability into every note at Apollo Music Café: UPclose. In this rare, UPclose performance, the iconic chanteuse brings the soul-stirring songs of her legendary album Complex Simplicity to life in a setting designed for true connection.

APOLLO'S HISTORIC THEATER

253 W 125th Street,
New York, NY 10027
Mainstage
A complete renovation in 2005 restored The Apollo’s Mainstage Auditorium to its storybook, turn-of-the-century elegance. With its 1,500 seats, state-of-the-art capacities, all-new sound system and extensive roster of support services, it is an ideal venue for performances, public forums, fashion shows, television or photo shoots, private fundraising events, weddings, and graduations. Some of the biggest stars and biggest brands on the world stage have rented The Apollo.
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo’s Historic Theater
253 W 125th St,
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed

Celebrate the past, present, and future of Black art and creativity. Your generosity supports The Apollo in fulfilling its mission and sustaining its legacy of excellence.

right arrow
A staff member wearing a black shirt scans tickets for two people dressed in masks and jackets at an entrance.

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.

WEEKDAYS
10AM - 5PM
WEEKEND
Closed
SUNDAY
Closed
*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’s Historic Theater
253 W 125th St,
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
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
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 5PM
WEEKEND
Closed
SUNDAY
Closed

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.

right arrow
A staff member wearing a black shirt scans tickets for two people dressed in masks and jackets at an entrance.

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.

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors
2023 / 2024
Coca-ColaFord Foundation