In 1914, Hurtig and Seamon's New Burlesque Theater opened at 253 West 125th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in Harlem, New York. Though located in a heavily African-American neighborhood of New York City, blacks were not allowed in the audience. The theater went through several changes in ownership until, in 1934, it re-opened as 125 Street Apollo. The first show allowing black Americans in the audience was "Jazz a la carte" and for many years after, it was the only theater in New York City to hire black talent.
The Apollo Theater grew to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance in the years after World War I. Ralph Cooper began hosting Amateur Night at the Apollo, drawing packed houses from the surrounding community. Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Stevie Wonder are among its notable winners.
Notable performers at the Apollo Theater include Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, Prince, Run DMC, Public Enemy, Mary J. Blige, KORN, Slick Rick and L.L. Cool J. The theater continues to bring in packed houses with a wide range of performers.
The Apollo Theater has long been considered a bastion of African American culture and history. It was granted city, state, and federal landmark status in 1983 and has since received many repairs and needed funding. In 1999, Chris Rock filmed his televised comedy special "Bigger & Blacker" at the Apollo and donated revenue towards theater improvements.
After being purchased by the State of New York in 1991, the first wave of renovations cost an estimated $65 million dollars. Harlem's Tree of Hope, which many believed brings good luck to those who touch it, was cut down in front of the Lafayette Theater in 1934. A section is saved and used to construct the Apollo's stage where performers traditionally rub the plank to this day.