This is a 5 Star presentation. Every tap dancer that you ever wanted to see. Vanessa Williams first TV appearance after losing her crown. Great tributes to Josephine Baker, Bessie Smith and Dinah Washington. George Michaels and Stevie Wonder duet. A great candidate for re-issue on a DVD. Originally on VHS in the days that we paid over $200 for the tapes.This was the initial show celebrating the remodeling of the Apollo Theater with their new TV facilities. Bill Cosby was awesome as the host. 4 Tops and Temptations sing off. Luther Vandross and Boy George duet. Great performances by the greats of the era. Many older groups reunited. Sammie Davis tap dances. Someone should re-air this show.
5 Reviews
I still reference this show DAILY
misstriciasmith7 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
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.
A piece of anthology.
agau5426 July 2006
Great film! It's somehow unreal to see all those great names and acts binded together on the very same stage at the very same time. Several of them made history and were real Rock & Roll creators. This is more than a film: it's a piece of anthology. Too bad some artists are dead since, but this adds to the overall importance of this tape. One could question the appearance of Joe Cocker and mostly Boy George along with these early Motown stars: I could personally understand Cocker's presence, specially after his outstanding duet with Patti La Belle. But according to me, Boy George was obviously not at the correct place at the correct time, and it shows in his presence. At least, this is my opinion.
the best performances ever
shanamtlewis7721 December 2005
This program was responsible for the onset of my appreciation for tap, jazz and the art of musical performances in general. PLEASE SOMEONE, let me know when this is available to purchase so i may share it with friends who did not see this wonderful program 20 years ago like i did!!! My absolute favorite was the performance Sarah Vaughn did (solo) then when she performed the duet with Billy Eckstein. You just have to see it once to love this historical music collage.But if you are like me, you can't see it just once. It stays in your head and you find yourself humming the songs over and over. So, i give this two thumbs up, SIX stars and every other accolade that exists.
A timeless celebration
dakjets12 December 2023
After many, many years, this TV special is still one of the very best things I have seen. As a big Motown fan, I might be influenced in the first place. But this TV special is for everyone. It's about Motown of course. And how important the Apollo in New York was in the 60s to launch these unique artists.
One of the most central things, which makes it unique, is the complete presence of everyone involved. I have rarely seen so many pop stars and celebrities show so well that they love to be there and everyone gives their very, very best. It rubs off on us who see and listen to these wonderful voices. It's all so real and incredibly engaging. In addition to the big Motown stars, other big pop stars of the time were also invited, such as Boy George, George Michael and Luther Vandross. I see this has been somewhat criticised. Something I disagree with. Great voices together. And with a repertoire that those of us who love pop music love to hear. Total perfection. Real and timeless.
One of the most central things, which makes it unique, is the complete presence of everyone involved. I have rarely seen so many pop stars and celebrities show so well that they love to be there and everyone gives their very, very best. It rubs off on us who see and listen to these wonderful voices. It's all so real and incredibly engaging. In addition to the big Motown stars, other big pop stars of the time were also invited, such as Boy George, George Michael and Luther Vandross. I see this has been somewhat criticised. Something I disagree with. Great voices together. And with a repertoire that those of us who love pop music love to hear. Total perfection. Real and timeless.
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