Apollo Theater To Honor Michael Jackson On The Anniversary Of His Death

On a day when people around the world will be remembering the King of Pop, Jonelle Procope, President & CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation, will speak briefly about Michael Jackson to honor his memory and celebrate his lifetime of artistic achievement. Procope will deliver remarks beside Jackson’s newly installed plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, located under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125th Street, and will also read a letter from Katherine Jackson about her son’s relationship to the Apollo. The Apollo marquee will feature a message memorializing Michael Jackson throughout the day.

From the moment news of his passing was made public nearly a year ago, Michael Jackson fans began gathering at the Apollo Theater—the epicenter of African-American culture since its founding in 1934—to pay their respects and celebrate the life of the King of Pop. Jackson is a true Apollo Legend who first performed at the Theater in the late 1960s with his brothers. They won Amateur Night thanks to his dazzling rendition of Smokey Robinson’s classic “Who’s Lovin’ You,” a milestone that catapulted their career as the Jackson 5 and ultimately changed pop music forever. 

For information about the memorial event being organized by the Reverend Al Sharpton, which will be held outside of the State Office Building in Harlem, contact Rachel Noerdlinger at rachel@noerdlingermedia.com.

In addition to Procope’s remarks tomorrow, the Apollo is remembering Michael Jackson with a series of events and honors throughout the month of June:

 
Apollo Legends Hall of Fame Induction
Michael Jackson was officially inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame on June 14th, at the non-profit Theater’s Annual Spring Benefit. His friend Chris Tucker accepted the award on his behalf. 

Apollo Walk of Fame Plaque
A plaque honoring Michael Jackson was installed in the new Apollo Theater Walk of Fame on June 15th. Located on 125th Street under the Theater’s iconic marquee, the Walk of Fame honors legendary performers with close ties to the Apollo. In addition to Michael Jackson, the Walk of Fame currently includes plaques for Apollo Legends Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald.



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Apollo Theater Foundation, 253 W. 125th St., New York, NY 10027 United States