CentricTV.com
QUICKLINKS:
CultureList | Centric Selects | The Happy Hour Tour
  • HOME
  • SHOWS
    • Centric Shows
      • Centric Shows
        Mr. Box Office
        American Gangster
        Almost Married
        Centric Comedy All-Stars
        The Cosby Show
        Colored My Mind
        Centric Live
        Centric Selects
        Being
        Soul Train Awards 2012
        Centric Happy Hour Tour
        Culturelist Show
    • TV Schedule
    • Show Photos
    • Show Videos
  • VIDEO
  • MUSIC
    • Top Countdown
    • New Releases
    • Featured Artists
    • Music Blog
    • Tour Info
    • Contest
  • PHOTOS
    • All Photos
    • All Show Photos
    • All Music Photos
  • BLOGS
    • Soul Sessions
    • CULTURE LIST
Home // Photos // From Apollo's Amateur Night to Superstardom // From Apollo's Amateur Night to Superstardom
Next

1 of 10

  • In 1934, at the age of 17, the late Ella Fitzgerald won the Amateur Night competition after singing "The Object of My Affection."
  • The Isley Brothers performed at the famed theater in the late 50s, opening up for a slew of bigger acts like Jackie Wilson. The group went on to release 30 studio albums, ten of which were Billboard R&B chart toppers.
  • The legendary "Godfather of Soul" James Brown won Apollo's Amateur Night in 1956
  • The Jackson 5 won the Amateur Night competition in 1967. Their performance impressed Motown Records artist Gladys Knight, who recommended them to label head Berry Gordy. After some initial reluctance, the group was officially signed in 1969.
  • An 18 year old Luther Vandross competed on Amateur Night five times, and lost five times. "The experience taught me that show business is really a process of rejection, until you get to someone who might want to champion your cause," said the late singer about his experience.
  • Although her performance on Showtime At The Apollo wasn't the best (she was booed), Lauryn Hill went on to stage a successful music career. As the one third of The Fugees and as a solo act, she has sold nearly 30 million albums worldwide.
  • In 1991, at the age of 17, D'Angelo performed Johnny Gill's "Rub You the Right Way" on Amateur Night and won $500
  • In the early 90s, Dru Hill entered the local version of the famed Apollo Theater's 'Amateur Night,' winning twice and going on to the national competition in New York where they placed third.
  • At the age of 11, Jazmine Sullivan appeared on the Apollo Kids segment, singing "Accept What God Allows." Now the 25 year old songstress is a Grammy Award nominated artist with two critically acclaimed albums under her belt.
  • A month after finishing a ten-year prison sentence, Lyfe Jennings found himself on the Apollo stage. He was booed when he walked on-stage with his acoustic guitar, but he won the crowd over with his gritty vocals---a style that helped garner him five amateur-night victories in a row.

From Apollo's Amateur Night to Superstardom

In 1934, at the age of 17, the late Ella Fitzgerald won the Amateur Night competition after singing "The Object of My Affection."

Published 04/12/2012

Rate It

Post a Comment

Time Show

ALL TIMES EST Full Schedule »

Find Centric in Your Area
Sign Up For the Centric Newsletter!

ADVERTISEMENT

More Galleries

The 25 Greatest Female Emcees

The 25 Greatest Female Emcees

Posted 06/08/2012
Earth, Wind & Fire: Through The Years

Earth, Wind & Fire: Through The Years

Posted 10/03/2011
Scene & Heard: Sparkle

Scene & Heard: Sparkle

Posted 03/22/2012

VIEW ALL GALLERIES

Centric Poll

Who is your favorite rising female artist?

Follow Centric

TWITTER FACEBOOK
BET LOGO
© 2009 BET Networks, and BET Interactive, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. All rights reserved.
CentricTV.com | Shows | Video | Music | Photos | Blogs
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Corporate Information | Contact Us | Advertising | Video Submission Agreement | Video Submission Regulations