Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Price
Share
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
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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
Oct 2
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
The Womack Sisters
Get ready, Harlem—the chauffer is pulling up with The Womack Sisters. Kicking off The Apollo’s Music Café season, the LA-based soul and R&B trio — BG, Zeimani and Kucha — are carrying on their family's legendary musical legacy. With stellar vocals, undeniable chemistry and timeless rhythm running through their veins, soul royalty has arrived.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Oct 9
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
TheARTI$t
Fresh off a tour with Kehlani and Durand Bernarr, TheARTI$t comes to Harlem for an exclusive late-night takeover of Apollo Music Café – featuring songs from the albums Who I Am, The ARTchives, and DND. It’s an intimate night of raw and confessional soul from one of R&B’s most dynamic rising stars.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Oct 26
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Jordan E. Cooper's "SITCOM"
The Apollo’s Works in Process season kicks off with a free staged reading of Obie Award winning, Emmy and Tony nominated actor, playwright, producer, and director Jordan Cooper’s new play Sitcom. Get ready to laugh as the creative mind behind the groundbreaking BET+ sitcom The Ms. Pat Show takes audiences for a ride when the dysfunctional cast of a hit 90's TV show reunite for the first time in 25 years for a dinner they will never forget.
This is a free community presentation.
Jordan E. Cooper
Tony Award-nominated Actor, Playwright, Producer, and Director Jordan E. Cooper became the youngest Black American playwright in the history of Broadway when his critically acclaimed play Ain’t No Mo’ opened in 2022. The play, also starring Cooper, received six Tony Award nominations and was declared “Broadway's most important new play” by Harper’s Bazaar. Off-Broadway, Ain’t No Mo’ earned Jordan an Obie Award win and a Drama League Award nomination. Cooper also became the youngest showrunner in television history with the groundbreaking BET+ sitcom The Ms. Pat Show which he also Co-Created and Executive Produces. The series has received multiple Emmy nominations and earned Cooper an African American Film Critics Association award. Jordan was included in Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” list in 2024 and Vanity Fair’s “The Season’s Brightest (Broadway) Stars” list in 2023. He was featured in FX’s seminal series “Pose” and can currently be seen in the hit feature sequel Freakier Friday.
Oct 29
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Melanin Madness: Vampire in Brooklyn
Kick off your Halloween weekend with your new spooky-season tradition! Harlem's own Melanin Madness returns to The Apollo Stages at The Victoria for another spook-tacular immersive screening of the timeless classic Vampire in Brooklyn. This time, with even more opportunities to join the fun!
Nov 6
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Naima Ramos: In Place of Monuments
Apollo Works in Process: In Place of Monuments centers the friendship of two Black American and Caribbean friends, examining how state-sanctioned violence threatens to tear their family and community apart. Through recalling memories across time, and incorporating movement and dance, the play aims to create a portal for audiences to envision more just and liberated futures for Black and Brown people. The play will be devised in community through a series of workshops (writing, somatic/dance, readings, story circles, wardrobe design etc.).
The staged reading of the one-act will be followed by a talkback with the creatives.
Nov 13
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Jane Handcock
Singer/songwriter Jane Handcock brings her soulful sound to Harlem with a rare, intimate night at the Apollo Music Café. Known as the “First Lady of Death Row Records,” Handcock continues to rise as one of the most compelling voices in modern R&B.
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Nov 14
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Adeva
Adeva, the undisputed Queen of House, makes a late-night stop in Harlem! Renowned worldwide for her raw, powerhouse vocals and legendary stage command, Adeva delivers a high-octane set packed with timeless anthems that defined a movement. It’s a night of classic hits such as "Warning," "I Thank You," "Respect," and more. Yes, Adeva WILL House you!
About Apollo Music Café:
The Apollo Music Café series presents artists on the rise to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, country, funk and rock), this series showcases a variety of artists who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
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.
