LOS ANGELES (Warner Bros.) - In March 2004, some of the biggest names in R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, Gospel and Latin music gathered at the world-famous Apollo Theater, a national landmark in the heart of Harlem, for a star studded gala benefit event, "Apollo At 70: A Hot Night In Harlem" to commemorate 70 years of the theater's rich musical heritage and now it arrives on DVD
September 14 from Rhino Home Video.
Ashanti; Natalie Cole; Harry Connick, Jr.; Bob Dylan; Vivica A. Fox; Herbie Hancock; and Denzel Washington, to name a few, were among the numerous actors, musicians, performers and dignitaries that gathered for the celebration that combined live music, comedy and dance.
"We are very honored to work with the Apollo on this monumental release," said Paul DeGooyer, VP Rhino Home Video. "The rich history and importance of the theater is captured beautifully on this DVD, and celebrated through incredible performances. We are very excited to be a part of it."
"The Apollo received an overwhelming response to the show after it aired in June," said Nicole Bernard, Senior Vice President of the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. "We are thrilled with the Apollo/Rhino partnership. The DVD will allow Apollo and music fans worldwide the opportunity to enjoy the program and to share in the Apollo experience as often as they chose."
The DVD is presented in 5.1 audio and includes exclusive performances not seen on the original broadcast, behind-the-scenes footage and more. "Apollo At 70: A Hot Night In Harlem" will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.99.
Synopsis
Aired June 19th on NBC, "Apollo At 70: A Hot Night In Harlem" celebrated 70 years of legendary performances at the world famous Apollo Theater in New York City's Harlem. The event was produced by Emmy®-award winners Don Mischer and Suzanne de Passe ("Motown Returns To The Apollo") and benefited from Grammy®-award winning consulting producer, Quincy Jones. The show combined live music, comedy, and dance with short clips commemorating the Apollo's rich history of cultivating the careers of such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. Among the star-studded appearances were Denzel Washington, Willie Nelson, Natalie Cole, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Vivica A. Fox, Blair Underwood, James Ingram, and Patti LaBelle.
About The Apollo Theater Foundation:
Since 1934, the world-famous Apollo Theater, which received national, state and city landmark status in 1983, has been the nation's premier arena for emerging and established black and Latino entertainers. Based in the heart of Harlem, the venue has launched the careers of legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson and James Brown. One of New York City's top tourist attractions, its diverse programming includes major R&B and pop concerts such as Annie Lennox and Lauryn Hill as well as prestigious dance performances from companies such as the American Ballet Theater and Broadway-bound plays such as "Harlem Song." The neo-classical theater is in the midst of a multi-million dollar exterior and interior restoration project and is managed by The Apollo Theater Foundation, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation.
About Warner Strategic Marketing
Based in Burbank, California, Warner Music Group's Warner Strategic Marketing division serves as the central catalog development, licensing, soundtrack, and television marketing area for the corporation. Consisting of Rhino Entertainment, Warner Music Group Soundtracks, WSM Home Video, Warner Special Products, and WMG's Television Marketing department, WSM develops, markets, and promotes both audio and video products from the vast WMG catalog. The division is also responsible for licensing WMG's music for film, television, and video game uses, and for creating custom premium products. Additionally, WSM develops soundtrack opportunities for release by WMG labels.
"APOLLO AT 70: A HOT NIGHT IN HARLEM"
DVD Price: $19.99 U.S.
Street Date: September 14, 2004
Pre-Order Date: August 17, 2004
Total Running Time: 95 minutes
DVD Catalog Number: R2 970342
U.S. Rating: NR
Canadian Rating: NR
SONGS PERFORMED
Natalie Cole - Something's Got A Hold On Me
Ashanti - I'll Take You There/Rock Steady
Patti LaBelle - You'll Never Walk Alone/Over The Rainbow
Bob Dylan - A Change Is Gonna Come
Brian McKnight - Let's Get It On/Unforgettable/Overjoyed
Gerald Levert - Try A Little Tenderness
Willie Nelson - I Can't Stop Loving You
James Ingram - In The Heat Of The Night
Angie Stone - Neither One Of Us
Anthony Hamilton & Angie Stone - Love And Happiness
Tito Puente, Jr. - Oye Como Va
Arturo Sandoval with Herbie Hancock - Mack The Knife
Harry Connick, Jr. - Caravan
Harry Connick, Jr. with Herbie Hancock & Branford Marsalis - I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
Patti Austin with Herbie Hancock - How High The Moon
MC Lyte & DJ-K-Rock - Ruffneck
Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Hype Man, Lil' Vicious, Chill Will & Barry Dee - La-Di-Da Di/The Show
Donnie McClurkin with Andrea Mellini, Sherry McGhee, Olivia McClurkin & Ayanna George - I Call You Holy
Fred Hammond with Pam Kenyon McDonald, Davey Hammond, Adrian Smith & Eugenia Newman - He Lives
Yolanda Adams with The Abyssinian Baptist Choir - How I Got Over
Shirley Caesar with The Abyssinian Baptist Choir - Sweeping Through The City
BONUS PERFORMANCES: (not seen in the original broadcast):
Brian McKnight - Back At One
Papa Was A Rolling Stone - Brian McKnight & Gerald Levert
What's Going On - Patti Austin with Brian McKnight & Gerald Levert
I Can't Help Myself - Gerald Levert, Patti Austin & Brian McKnight
Cha Cha Cha - MC Lyte
Hotel - Cassidy
The Show - Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick
