The Apollo Theater, a National Landmark located in Harlem. Opened in the 30s, after 20 years as a whites-only venue. Before its original 70s demise, it was a Big Stop on the chitlin circuit; most Big Names played there. James Brown cemented his legend there with live LPs. Its brand name has been used in TV, first in the 50s, with the canned-audience Showtime at the Apollo; the 80s/90s version, done at the Apollo proper, features an Amateur Hour, pop dross, and surly, Pavlovian crowds.

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