Amateur Night and Audience Participation with Steve Harvey
00:00 Intro
00:10 Downtown Julie Brown
02:03 Good to Go - Never Satisfied
06:49 Break
07:05 Nanette Lee
10:52 After 7 - Kickin' It
15:21 Steve Harvey Amateur Night
22:13 Commercial Break
22:44 Steve Harvey Continues
28:43 Amateur Night Judging
30:04 Steve Harvey and the Audience
35:43 Good to Go - Go With The Flow
39:06 Funky Stuff
40:07 Dedicated to the Harlem Tree of Hope
41:00 After 7 - Baby I'm For Real/ Natural High
45:28 Goodnight

Showtime at the Apollo is a legendary live music and entertainment show that has been an integral part of Harlem's cultural fabric for several decades. It began in 1934 as a weekly amateur night at the iconic Apollo Theater, located on 125th Street in Harlem, New York City.

Initially, the Apollo Theater primarily catered to African American audiences, providing a platform for talented performers who were often overlooked by mainstream venues due to racial segregation. Amateur Night at the Apollo quickly gained popularity, showcasing an array of talented singers, dancers, comedians, and other performers from the local community and beyond.

Throughout the years, the show evolved and expanded, attracting a wide range of talents and becoming a showcase for both established and up-and-coming artists. Showtime at the Apollo became a crucial platform for artists to gain recognition and launch their careers. Many renowned performers, including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, The Jackson 5, and countless others, graced the Apollo stage and received their big breaks there.

One of the signature elements of Showtime at the Apollo is the famously tough Apollo audience. Known for its unfiltered honesty, the crowd at the Apollo Theater would express their opinion of a performer through cheers or, in some cases, merciless booing. This aspect added an extra layer of excitement and pressure for the performers, creating a dynamic and unpredictable atmosphere.

The success of Showtime at the Apollo led to its expansion beyond the theater itself. The show was broadcasted on television, reaching a broader audience and further solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. It aired as a syndicated television series from 1987 to 2008, providing a platform for a wide range of musical acts, comedians, and dancers.

Over the years, Showtime at the Apollo has remained a vital part of Harlem's cultural identity. It continues to celebrate and showcase the talent, resilience, and creativity of African American artists. The show has become synonymous with excellence, serving as a launching pad for numerous successful careers and leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

In recent years, Showtime at the Apollo has experienced a revival. In 2018, it returned to television as a primetime special hosted by Steve Harvey, featuring a mix of classic performances and new acts. The Apollo Theater itself continues to host live events, including Showtime at the Apollo performances, attracting audiences from around the world.

As a cultural institution, Showtime at the Apollo has played a crucial role in the history of Harlem, showcasing the vibrancy and artistic brilliance of the community. It remains a symbol of resilience, talent, and the power of artistic expression, making it an enduring and beloved part of Harlem's rich cultural heritage.