Car Rental New York and the Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater has long been an important factor in shaping emerging musical genres. Since it introduced Amateur Night in 1934, styles such as jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop have got their start here. Today, the Apollo Theater is a city and state landmark that you will want to visit while you are here with your car rental in New York.

A rising star

The Apollo has played host to many up and coming star. Some of the biggest names in music have got their start here, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Bill Cosby, Luther Vandross, D'Angela, and Lauryn Hill. When you visit with your car rental in New York you will be walking in their footsteps, literally. Not only that, but you may bear witness to another up and comer, as there are many concerts and other special events that take place here on a regular basis. Amateur Night is still held every Wednesday.

Where legends are made

The Apollo Theater is located in Harlem, the third most popular tourist destination in New York City with your car rental. Since it opened in the mid-1860's it has been known as a dance hall and ballroom. After the Civil War, the dance hall became a theater. This was short-lived, but the name lives on. When you visit with your car rental in New York, you will learn that the current location is the second location of the theater, and when it opened, it was one of the premier burlesque venues in the city. At this time, the Apollo was only open to white audiences. It was not until 1934 that the Apollo Theater opened its doors to African-American patrons. This so called "colored review", a Jazz a la Carte, that really propelled the Apollo to what it is known for today: music. One of the first performers in the amateur night was a dancer who later turned into a singing sensation: Ella Fitzgerald.

A sensational trip into music history

Located at 253 West 125th Street, this is one of Harlem's best-known sites to visit with your car rental in New York. This location was in an area that was experiencing a diversification of ethnicities. The decision to let black entertainers was less to do with the location, but rather an economical decision. However, with the Harlem Renaissance before World War II, the location served to bring a lot of talent to the area.

In recent years, the Apollo has made itself a place to visit with your car rental in New York. In 2005 Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama released an album Live at the Apollo to honor the Harlem music scene. There is also a nationally syndicated variety show, Showtime at the Apollo, which is broadcast from here. The theater is currently undergoing renovations, at an estimated cost of $25 million. In 2006, the body of James Brown was displayed here as a memorial to his life and career. This tribute to music and the role the Apollo played in shaping the music industry in New York has again been recognized. You will not want to miss this place of great American music with your car rental in New York while you are here. This is a great stop for any music lover!