Lionel Richie and Etta James Inducted into Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame Tonight, 6/4

The Apollo Theater will induct Lionel Richie and the late Etta James into its Apollo Legends Hall of Fame at its seventh annual Spring Gala tonight, June 4, 2012.

The Gala Benefit Concert and Awards Ceremony raises funds in support of the non-profit theater’s remarkable legacy, its current initiatives for emerging artists, and community and educational programs that serve students and families in New York City and beyond.

Lionel Richie and Etta James join past Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductees—all legendary musicians, artists, and entertainers whose paths to fame included the Apollo—Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductee is honored with a plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125th Street.

Celebrated singer-songwriter, musician and record producer Lionel Richie is a multi-award winning superstar whose musical legacy spans more than three decades.His long association with the Apollo began in the 1970s when he performed at the Theater as part of The Commodores. Richie has created an unforgettable body of work that speaks to people of all races, faiths and ages around the world, with universal themes of life, love and loss presented with poetic simplicity and irresistible melodies. He has earned sales of more than 100 million albums, 22 Top 10 hits, five Grammys, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe, and a host of other awards from virtually every major entertainment organization. His catalog of timeless hits includes "Say You, Say Me," "Easy," "Still," "Hello," "Stuck On You," You Are," "My Love," "Endless Love" and "We Are the World." By defying boundaries, blending genres and ignoring trends to remain true to what is in his heart, the gifted storyteller has shaped popular culture as his music has served as the soundtrack for generations around the world.

"I was so moved when I found out that I would be inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame, an honor made even more special because it is shared this year with the late Etta James. I am so proud to join my friends, including Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and so many more in the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame,” said Richie. "The Apollo Theater has meant so much not only to me, but to all of American music. I treasure my memories of the Apollo, each visit is like a family reunion, and I can't wait for this homecoming to begin. This will be a truly special and unforgettable night for me."
Blues, soul, jazz, R&B, and rock vocalist Etta James forged a five-decade career with over a dozen hit singles, four Grammys, and a prominent place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James performed at the Apollo Theater as early as 1957 with Big MayBelle Smith, and then went on to perform again in 1963, during the era when the legendary Frank Schiffman was the Apollo’s manager. Schiffman, known for his meticulous record-keeping, kept a 5”x8” card on every act he hired, noting the act’s opening night and his own comments. Of Etta’s 1963 appearance, Schiffman wrote: “Wonderful, singing star.”

Initially billed as an R&B and rock and roll singer, James crossed over to the pop market as an interpreter of soulful, jazz-tinged ballads such as “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “My Dearest Darling,” “Trust in Me,” “At Last,” “Don’t Cry, Baby,” and “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which she sang without sacrificing her bluesy and churchy vocal mannerisms. James passed away on January 20, 2012 at age 73.

“Lionel Richie is one of our most accomplished artists and one of our nation’s most creative musical talents. His artistic and philanthropic endeavors have inspired us for decades, and it will be a great honor to welcome him to the Apollo in June to induct him into our Apollo Legends Hall of Fame,” said Apollo Theater president and CEO Jonelle Procope. “We are also privileged to have the opportunity to celebrate and remember the great Etta James, a true American musical icon.”

Additionally, The Apollo will present Citi with its Corporate Award, in recognition of their community leadership. Each year at the Spring Gala benefit, the Apollo recognizes a corporation whose support enables the Theater to grow and expand in its programs and community and education offerings.

The evening consists of the gala benefit concert and awards ceremony, produced by Ron Weisner for Ron Weisner Entertainment, and an after-party called the Apollo Supper Club, featuring a stylish lounge atmosphere, spectacular gourmet creations, and late-night dancing.

Tickets for the 2012 Spring Gala and after-party are now on sale. To purchase benefit tickets to the event or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, call 212-531-5347. To purchase show-only tickets, visit www.apollotheater.org.

This event is the Apollo’s largest annual fundraiser and proceeds of the event will benefit the Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, dedicated to preserving and developing the Apollo Theater and its initiatives for performing artists, educational programs, and community outreach efforts in New York City and beyond.