Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Event Date
June 25, 2021
Event Time
9:00 PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Digital Stage
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Friday, June 25, 2021
Induction Ceremony PremIere
Tune in for the broadcast of the induction ceremony including remarks from Mary J. Blige, Apollo Theater Board Chairman Charles Phillips, Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, and Apollo Historian Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell. Following the remarks, the Apollo will unveil a permanent plaque recognizing Mary J. Blige’s’ cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity.
The Apollo honored nine-time Grammy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award nominee, Mary J. Blige with an induction into our legendary Walk of Fame. Located in front of the Apollo on 125th Street, under our historic marquee, the Walk of Fame celebrates artists who have contributed to and articulated the African American cultural narrative and continue to inspire people all over the world.
Mary J. Blige joins a dynamic line of inductees who have had an enormous influence on generations of musicians, fans, and the culture at-large. Apollo walk of famers include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations and more.
Join us the entire month of June as we celebrate Black Music Month! The Apollo will uplift and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music with a series of digital broadcasts and events.
View the Full Black Music Month Schedule
How to watch
Mary J. Blige Biography
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, Oscar-nominated actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: You Remind Me and Real Love. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s My Life. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.
Each subsequent album reads like a chapter from an autobiography: Share My World (1997), Mary (1999), No More Drama (2001), Love & Life (2003), the multiple Grammy-winning and hit-spewing The Breakthrough (2005), Growing Pains (2007), Stronger with Each Tear (2009), My Life II… The Journey Continues (2011), A Mary Christmas (2013) and The London Sessions (2014). Along the way, she’s lined up a string of hit singles, including Not Gon’ Cry, Love Is All We Need, Seven Days, All That I Can Say, Family Affair and Just Fine.
Blige released her 14th studio album Strength of a Woman in 2017. The first single, “Thick of It,” held the number 1 spot on the Urban AC Chart for 16 consecutive weeks after its release in November. Blige also scored her latest #1 single off this album with “U + Me (Love Lesson).”
In the summer of 2019, Blige was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement award, and completed a U.S Summer tour with New York rapper Nas.
On the acting side, Blige starred as Florence Jackson in the 2017 Netflix breakout film Mudbound, to which she received critical acclaim including two Academy Award nominations for Best Support Actress and Best Original Song. She also starred in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” which premiered on the platform in February 2019.
In April 2020, Blige voiced “Queen Essence” in Dreamworks’ TROLLS WORLD TOUR movie, and starred in Paramount’s Body Cam, alongside Nat Wolff, that was released digitally this past May. Blige dropped a new single entitled “Can’t Be Life,” an original song for Body Cam that speaks candidly to the current times and is featured over the end credits of the film. Blige is currently starring in STARZ’s POWER BOOK II: GHOST, a new television series inspired by the original show, POWER, that premiered on the network in September 2020 and has been renewed for a second season.
Most recently, Blige wrote and performed a new song for the celebrated documentary Belly of the Beast entitled “See What You’ve Done.” The documentary, which was released in October 2020, uncovers illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons in the Department of Corrections in California and was filmed over a period of seven years.
On the producing side, Blige launched her production company, Blue Butterfly, and signed a first-look TV deal with Lionsgate. Blige most recently Executive Produced Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The biopic marked the highest-rated original movie for Lifetime since 2016.
Blige has also entered the fashion and beauty realm with her jewelry line “Sister Love” with long-time friend Simone I. Smith and her “Love Me” lipstick line with MAC Cosmetics. Most recently, she launched her own wine collection, Sun Goddess Wines, in collaboration with the internationally prestigious Fantinel Winery. The collection currently includes two wines that are now available nationwide, an Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato and an Italian Sauvignon Blanc.
Next up, Blige will star as Dinah Washington in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, alongside Jennifer Hudson coming out in August 2021. Blige is also working with Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth and Amazon on an untitled documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of her famed album My Life. Blige will not only be the subject of the documentary, where she will reflect on her nearly 30-year career within the music industry, but also as an Executive Producer through her own production company Blue Butterfly.
Walk of Fame Ceremony Broadcasts:
12 PM and 9 PM EDT
Sponsors
No items found.
Friday, June 25, 2021
Induction Ceremony PremIere
Tune in for the broadcast of the induction ceremony including remarks from Mary J. Blige, Apollo Theater Board Chairman Charles Phillips, Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes, and Apollo Historian Billy “Mr. Apollo” Mitchell. Following the remarks, the Apollo will unveil a permanent plaque recognizing Mary J. Blige’s’ cultural significance, international success, and extraordinary longevity.
The Apollo honored nine-time Grammy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award nominee, Mary J. Blige with an induction into our legendary Walk of Fame. Located in front of the Apollo on 125th Street, under our historic marquee, the Walk of Fame celebrates artists who have contributed to and articulated the African American cultural narrative and continue to inspire people all over the world.
Mary J. Blige joins a dynamic line of inductees who have had an enormous influence on generations of musicians, fans, and the culture at-large. Apollo walk of famers include Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, Ella Fitzgerald, the Temptations and more.
Join us the entire month of June as we celebrate Black Music Month! The Apollo will uplift and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black music with a series of digital broadcasts and events.
View the Full Black Music Month Schedule
How to watch
Mary J. Blige Biography
Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, Oscar-nominated actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.
Influenced at an early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two No. R&B No. 1s: You Remind Me and Real Love. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s My Life. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.
Each subsequent album reads like a chapter from an autobiography: Share My World (1997), Mary (1999), No More Drama (2001), Love & Life (2003), the multiple Grammy-winning and hit-spewing The Breakthrough (2005), Growing Pains (2007), Stronger with Each Tear (2009), My Life II… The Journey Continues (2011), A Mary Christmas (2013) and The London Sessions (2014). Along the way, she’s lined up a string of hit singles, including Not Gon’ Cry, Love Is All We Need, Seven Days, All That I Can Say, Family Affair and Just Fine.
Blige released her 14th studio album Strength of a Woman in 2017. The first single, “Thick of It,” held the number 1 spot on the Urban AC Chart for 16 consecutive weeks after its release in November. Blige also scored her latest #1 single off this album with “U + Me (Love Lesson).”
In the summer of 2019, Blige was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement award, and completed a U.S Summer tour with New York rapper Nas.
On the acting side, Blige starred as Florence Jackson in the 2017 Netflix breakout film Mudbound, to which she received critical acclaim including two Academy Award nominations for Best Support Actress and Best Original Song. She also starred in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” which premiered on the platform in February 2019.
In April 2020, Blige voiced “Queen Essence” in Dreamworks’ TROLLS WORLD TOUR movie, and starred in Paramount’s Body Cam, alongside Nat Wolff, that was released digitally this past May. Blige dropped a new single entitled “Can’t Be Life,” an original song for Body Cam that speaks candidly to the current times and is featured over the end credits of the film. Blige is currently starring in STARZ’s POWER BOOK II: GHOST, a new television series inspired by the original show, POWER, that premiered on the network in September 2020 and has been renewed for a second season.
Most recently, Blige wrote and performed a new song for the celebrated documentary Belly of the Beast entitled “See What You’ve Done.” The documentary, which was released in October 2020, uncovers illegal sterilizations in women’s prisons in the Department of Corrections in California and was filmed over a period of seven years.
On the producing side, Blige launched her production company, Blue Butterfly, and signed a first-look TV deal with Lionsgate. Blige most recently Executive Produced Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The biopic marked the highest-rated original movie for Lifetime since 2016.
Blige has also entered the fashion and beauty realm with her jewelry line “Sister Love” with long-time friend Simone I. Smith and her “Love Me” lipstick line with MAC Cosmetics. Most recently, she launched her own wine collection, Sun Goddess Wines, in collaboration with the internationally prestigious Fantinel Winery. The collection currently includes two wines that are now available nationwide, an Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato and an Italian Sauvignon Blanc.
Next up, Blige will star as Dinah Washington in the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, alongside Jennifer Hudson coming out in August 2021. Blige is also working with Oscar-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth and Amazon on an untitled documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of her famed album My Life. Blige will not only be the subject of the documentary, where she will reflect on her nearly 30-year career within the music industry, but also as an Executive Producer through her own production company Blue Butterfly.
Doors Open
Show Starts
9:00 PM EDT
Ages
Where
Apollo Digital Stage
Event Date
June 25, 2021
Event Time
9:00 PM EDT
Awards Presentation & Concert
Dinner & Dancing
Location
Apollo Digital Stage
Buy Tickets
Download Program Booklet
Sponsors
No items found.
Walk of Fame Ceremony Broadcasts:
12 PM and 9 PM EDT
suggested Events
No available events at the moment.
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The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
VICTORIA THEATER 1
Accessible Seating
Victoria Theater 1 is a 199-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for stage productions, concerts, panel discussions, commercial shoots and private functions.
JONELLE PROCOPE THEATER
Accessible Seating
The Jonelle Procope Theater, named in honor of the former Apollo President/CEO, is a 99-seat flexible black box theater that can be transformed into a myriad of configurations and styles. It features an intimate lounge-like space that is ideal for intimate concerts, panel conversations, commercial shoots, private functions, exhibits, or installations.
The Apollo mainstage
Accessible Seating
The Apollo’s Historic Theater has 12 wheelchair seating locations available for every show, all on the Orchestra seating level. Tickets for wheelchair seating locations can be purchased at The Apollo Theater box office or on Ticketmaster.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Four wheelchair seating locations will be reserved until the day of each performance.Each seating level is accessible via the elevator inside The Apollo’s Historic Theater. Guests should be aware of the small steps leading toward the Mezzanine and Balcony seating levels. Depending on the guest’s ticket location for these two levels, additional walking may be required. If guests are not able to travel up and down steps, tickets for events should be purchased for the Orchestra level.
Upcoming Events
Dec 4
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
Dec 5
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Comedy Club
Presented in partnership with Bob Sumner (producer of Def Comedy Jam, creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire), the Apollo Comedy Club celebrates these rich comedic roots with an evening of comedy on the Apollo’s Stages at the Victoria to serve as a late-night hotspot featuring the best emerging talent in comedy today.
The Apollo has a long history of launching the careers of countless legendary artists and performers in a variety of genres, including comedy. Comedic legends Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Monique, Jamie Foxx and Jackie Mabley (a.k.a. Moms) have all delighted audiences from the Apollo stage.
Dec 5
Apollo's Historic Theater
The Root 100 2024
For one legendary night, The Root—the foremost digital media publisher covering Black news and Black views—is taking over the mainstage of The Apollo for a star-studded evening of comedy, music, and inspiring speeches celebrating the brilliance and beauty of Blackness.
Hosted by acclaimed comedian and Emmy® Award nominee Roy Wood Jr, the night will honor influencers on The Root 100 list — an annual newsroom ranking of African Americans who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation. In addition, there will be a number of high-profile musical performances, including singer-songwriter Ledisi, among others.
The night will also spotlight The Root’s talented editorial staff, with the site’s Editor-in-Chief Tatsha Robertson introducing a select few surprise guest honorees to accept the distinction live.
Dec 6
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Luedji Luna
Herald as one of the most powerful new voices in Brazil, Luedji Luna makes The Apollo the first stop on her U.S. tour. In this rare, intimate setting, the Grammy-nominated vocalist performs music from the albums Bom Mesmo É Estar Debaixo D'água and Um Corpo no Mundo. Her versatile repertoire flows like water and includes piano-led ballads, jazz fusion, candomblé-inspired Brazilian pop and African polyrhythms backed by West African spinning guitars. Luedji Luna closes out the year with the global message of peace, unity, hope and love.
Dec 7
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Apollo Music Café: Josiah Bell
As we close out the year, singer, songwriter and DJ Josiah Bell rings in a night of music for you to dust-off, reset and remix! This spirit-lifting evening opens with Josiah performing songs from his new release Give It To God Go To Sleep. Then put on your dancing shoes as Josiah gets behind the DJ booth and shifts the room to a house party that blends music from Aretha to Marvin. It’s a night of renewal and release with the aim to take you higher!
Dec 7
Apollo's Historic Theater
Double Dutch Holiday Classic
In 1973, David A. Walker, then a New York City Police Community Affairs Detective, developed the street game of Double Dutch into the World Class Sport that it is today. Since that initial tournament in 1974, competitive Double Dutch has expanded with citywide and national championships. Nearly 100,000 girls and boys representing schools and community centers throughout the United States and the world compete for team positions at the national and international events. The NDDL 33rd Annual, David A. Walker Memorial, Double Dutch Holiday Classic makes possible speed and music fusion events for the best Double Dutch teams in the world. Each year, since 1991, the Double Dutch Holiday Classic has sold out to parent supported, standing room only audiences.
Dec 10
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Luther: Never Too Much
Step into the world of Apollo Legend Luther Vandross like never before with Luther: Never Too Much, a sneak-peek documentary screening at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria. Featuring rare and never-before-seen archival footage, this intimate film allows the icon to tell his own story, with insights from his closest friends and legendary musical collaborators including Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick, and Roberta Flack. Following the film, stay for a talkback with filmmaker, Dawn Porter.
Be one of the first to experience this powerful documentary before its on-air premiere.
Dec 11
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo: Quarter Final
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
Dec 11
Through Dec 18
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Got The Power Boomboxes: SUGARCANE AND COTTON
Experience a powerful exploration of music, art and cultural liberation with Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton by renowned installation artist Bayeté Ross Smith.
Engage with a dynamic soundscape featuring freedom songs cherished by Harlem residents, their stories, and historical insights about the impact of the sugar and cotton industries on our present and future. These two sculptures continue the conversation about preserving our nation’s history and its broader significance.
Got The Power Boomboxes: Sugarcane and Cotton will be on view at The Laura and Frank Baker Gallery at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria through December 18, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this impactful exhibition.
Dec 14
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night: Holiday Special
The Apollo Amateur Night Holiday Special showcases talented alumni of the show’s “Stars of Tomorrow” segment, spotlighting the young performers hoping to follow in the footsteps of Apollo Legends like Ella Fitzgerald and H.E.R., whose careers were launched on the stage of The Apollo.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
Dec 14
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland
Join The Apollo at Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland for a festive celebration at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria! This event is filled with holiday-themed activities including photos with Black Santa, live performances, and opportunities to give back to the community with family and friends. Winter Wonderland promises an unforgettable day of holiday cheer. Don’t miss this exciting tradition in Harlem at its new location in The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.
Dec 18
Apollo Historic Theater
Amateur Night at The Apollo
Known as one of New York’s most popular live entertainment experiences, Amateur Night at The Apollo attracts performers and audiences from around the world in a classic talent competition that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists, from Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R, Machine Gun Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and more.
Join the fun with the weekly classic competition that sheds light on the careers of a whole new roster of stars. Be a part of the notoriously “tough” audience in an interactive evening unlike any other and lend your voice to decide who will “Be Good or Be Gone!” to win the triumphant grand prize.
Amateur Night at The Apollo sponsored by Coca-Cola, is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess and Set It Off Man Greginald Spencer. Keep a lookout for C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage!
box office
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VISITOR INFORMATION
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
(212) 531-5305
The Apollo’s Historic Theater
253 W 125th St,
New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
233 W 125th St, Third Floor
New York, NY 10027
New York, NY 10027
*Tickets: Get tickets online through Ticketmaster.com or in person at both Box Office locations
*Group Sales: To book your group of 10 or more, contact group.sales@apollotheater.org
WEEKDAYS
10AM - 6PM
SATURDAY
12PM - 5PM
SUNDAY
Closed
Accessibility
The Apollo is here for everyone. Artists, audiences, and all supporters should be able to experience The Apollo fully and in a way that is comfortable for them.
The Apollo has taken comprehensive steps to ensure that entrances, seating, restrooms, and more are as accessible and compliant as possible. Learn more about accessibility options and support services that might be right for you.
Learn More
All persons and bags are subject to search. Bags that have passed inspection must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags are prohibited.
No outside food or beverage. Accommodations are made for patrons with medical needs. Please email access@apollotheater.org or call the box office at (212) 531-5305 for assistance.
