[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12616]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE SMITHSONIAN FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to celebrate the 
opening of the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival. I commend the 
Smithsonian Institution for its decision to feature New York City and 
its rich heritage and diversity. I am delighted that Harlem's own 
legendary Apollo Theatre, will be showcased by hosting its famous 
``Amateur Night at the Apollo'' on the Mall Saturday, July 7. For the 
very first time Americans outside of New York will be allowed to be a 
part of Amateur Night at the Apollo. They will be able to experience 
the excitement of Amateur Night at the Apollo in the same way that past 
winners, such as, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, James 
Brown, and Stevie Wonder did many years ago.
  When New Yorkers took the A-train uptown, the first stop was the 
Apollo. When the downtown musicians wanted to learn how to play jazz 
they went to the Apollo. When the kids from Brooklyn wanted to learn 
how to bebop and ``lindy hop'' they went to the Apollo.
  The Apollo stage is where the Godfather of Soul--James Brown, got his 
soul; where Michael Jackson showed off the moonwalk; and today it 
provides a showcase for leading hip-hop artists.
  The Apollo Theatre was built in 1913, however it was not until 1932 
when Sydney Cohen purchased it that it became known as a Black 
Vaudeville house. This change was reflective of the influx of African-
Americans into the area between 135th and 145th streets and the changes 
in Harlem entertainment. Over the next few decades the Apollo became 
the place to perform if you were a rising Black musician. You were not 
accepted as a serious musician in Harlem until you performed and 
excelled at the Apollo.
  For more than eighty years the Apollo Theatre has been the first home 
of African-American music, the cultural mecca of Harlem, and the 
monument to the contributions of Black Americans in the entertainment 
industry. The Theatre achieved the high point of its popularity in the 
1950's when the growing number of popular Black entertainers were still 
restricted to performing at Black venues. Acts that have graced the 
stage include: Bessie Smith in 1935, Count Basie and Billie Holiday in 
1937, Sammy Davis, Jr., as a dancer in the Will Matsin Trio in 1947, 
Bill Cosby in 1968, Prince in 1993, and Tony Bennett in 1997.
  The Apollo, located on 125th Street, is the centerpiece of Harlem and 
one of the main attractions for Harlem visitors. It has become the 
number one tourist attraction in New York. I am proud to announce that 
a major $6.5 million revitalization and expansion of the Apollo Theatre 
is being undertaken, which will make a major contribution to the Harlem 
community through the transformation of this venue into a major 
performing arts center.
  The renowned Apollo Theatre is a national treasure that has made 
major contributions to the entertainment industry of this nation. The 
Theatre was designated a New York City landmark and listed on the 
National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
  Some might say the Apollo is the home of Black music, but I would say 
the Apollo is the home of American music.
  I invite everyone to join with me in celebrating The Smithsonian 2001 
Folk Life Festival, New York City, and the legendary Apollo Theatre.

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