This is one of the most famous clubs in the country, if not the world. The Apollo was mainly known as a venue for African American performers although a large variety of acts played there over time.

The club fell into decline in the 1960s and 1970s, and was converted into a movie theater in 1975. In 1991, the Apollo was purchased by the State of New York which began a major refurbishment of the icon. As of 2009 it is run by the nonprofit Apollo Theater Foundation Inc.

James Brown's "Live at the Apollo" was recorded here in October of 1962.

On December 28, 2006, the body of James Brown, who had died a few days before, was displayed at an Apollo Theater memorial event.