Review of Motown Returns to the Apollo

With the recent passing of Billy Preston, I am reminded of this show. It was AMAZING. For years I had the whole thing on VHS tape - I wish I still did. All the greats are represented here. I still cannot actually hear the song "You are So Beautiful" without thinking of the knock-down-drag-out version that Joe Cocker did with Patti Labelle, with Billy Preston playing piano in the background. Poor Joe sweats profusely in an attempt to keep up with Patti Labelle sporting a faux-hawk and doing crazy bird dances (which he does somewhat succeed at - though there is a certain funniness in watching him try). It is so compelling that at the end the audience goes ballistic and Bill Cosby comes out and REFUSES to let any of them leave the stage. He actually goes over to Billy Preston and puts his hand around his neck in a fake strangle to keep him there. It is without a doubt the best thing I have ever seen on TV. And though this is my numero uno highlight, the rest of the show also completely keeps up with it. Introduced me to Motown and soul music and has left a lasting impression in my appreciation of black culture and music. Totally deserves to be issued on DVD.