Showtime at the Apollo: The Epic Tale of Harlem's Legendary Theater

Description

Writer Ted Fox and artist James Otis Smith bring to life Harlem's legendary theater in this graphic novel adaptation of Fox's definitive, critically acclaimed history of the Apollo. Since its inception as an African-American theater in 1934, the Apollo, and the thousands of entertainers who performed there, have led the way in the presentation of swing, bebop, rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, soul, funk and hip-hop-along with the latest in dance and comedy. The Apollo has nurtured and featured thousands of artists, many of whom have become legends. The beauty they have given the world-their art-transcends the hatred, ignorance, and intolerance that often made their lives difficult. Today, the Apollo enjoys an almost mythical status. With its breathtaking art, this graphic novel adaptation of Showtime at the Apollo brings to life the theater's legendary significance in music history, African American history, and to the culture of New York City.

TED FOXis the author ofShowtime at the Apollo: The Story of Harlem's World Famous Theater-the definitive and only full-scale history of Harlem's legendary showplace and the source material for this graphic novel adaptation-andIn the Groove, a collection of interviews with those who have shaped the music industry. He is also a producer and manager, most notably for four-time Grammy nominee Buckwheat Zydeco. He lives in Manhattan and upstate New York.JAMES OTIS SMITHis a multitalented artist whose work spans illustration, comics, motion graphics, and video. Formerly a member of the Act-i-vate Comics collective, he designed and illustrated the children's bookMadunia: Stories of the Ancient Landswith writer James McCammon, among other titles. Smith lives in Brooklyn, New York.Showtime at the Apollois his debut graphic novel.

"The graphic novel "Showtime at the Apollo: The Epic Tale of Harlem's Legendary Theater" is like a sprawling Hollywood biopic... The work, adapted by Ted Fox from his 1983 history of the same name, and illustrated by James Otis Smith, goes beyond the singers, dancers, comedians and other entertainers who have taken the stage of the Apollo, which celebrates its 85th anniversary this month. The book also shines a light on Harlem and black culture in America." -- The New York Times "Anyone interested in African American music and history and pop culture history will find this a captivating read." -- Library Journal "This is a vibrant, exultant, and soulful history." -- Publishers Weekly "Music lovers and history buffs alike will delight in this updated classic, and Smith's stunning visuals will bring this important and exciting work to a whole new generation of readers." -- Bookish "The history of the music venue gets a closer look" -- Hollywood Reporter "Even those who are deeply familiar with the Apollo will find some delightful surprises in this evocative fusion of text and images." -- The New York Jazz Record "... all [Smith's] depictions of the Apollo's performers are iconic. He draws these entertainers at their best possible moments, just as they'd like to see themselves... he captures numerous electrifying onstage scenes..." -- NPR online "This lively graphic novel traces the theater's place in rhythm and blues, jazz and hip-hop history and its significance to New York City." -- Variety "...this graphic version is a beautiful, heartfelt, and rich tribute to a musical form, a vital location, and a pure American vision of connecting with the audience in the theater and everywhere else. We can feel the Apollo's heartbeat on every page, and that sensation will make a true believer of even the most jaded reader." -- PopMatters "If you love the Apollo, this book is for you! If you've never heard of it, this book is for you! Have you listened to any American music from the 20th century? This book is for you!... A dynamic, fact-filled offering for teens curious about musical history." -- School Library Journal