The Apollo (HBO)

About The Apollo (HBO)

The Apollo is an inspiring HBO documentary released in 2019. Directed by Academy Award-winning Roger Ross Williams, the film explores the unique history and cultural significance of New York City's Apollo Theater. The Apollo not only showcases pivotal moments in contemporary American history but also enhances our understanding of the influence this iconic venue had on music, pop culture, and the racial and societal transformations in the United States throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Making / Production

Roger Ross Williams with Lisa Cortes produces this film. Together with HBO, they sourced priceless archival footage of legendary artists who have blessed the Apollo stage. The film is narrated by the personal accounts of the people who lived and worked there.

Actors / People Featured

• Phylicia Rashad - Narrator of the film who sets the tone eloquently and passionately.
• Patti LaBelle - Famous musician who recounts her experience in the theater.
• Paul McCartney - In a brief appearance, shares his memorable experiences.
• Aretha Franklin - Shares footage from her records and interviews.
• Stevie Wonder - Makes appearance sharing his iconic moments at the Apollo.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film features a debut of the new production of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s "Between the World and Me".
• Classes in performing arts are conducted at the Apollo to nurture new talent.
• The Apollo was the first place Barack Obama publicly sang Al Green.

Music, Soundtrack

• B.B. King - "Sweet Little Angel" and "Why I Sing the Blues".
• Marvin Gaye - "What's Going On".
• James Brown - "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud".

Quotes

• "The Apollo Theater. The biggest little stage in the world." - narrator Phylicia Rashad.
• "When you graced the stage of Apollo, you had arrived." - Patti LaBelle.
• "A place of hopes and dreams, a sanctuary, a place of celebration." - Paul McCartney about the Apollo.

Awards

In 2020, The Apollo won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.