Apollo Theater Inducts Louis Armstrong into Walk of Fame

Harlem's Apollo Theater's honoring legendary jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong this evening by inducting him into their Walk of Fame.  

 

The Apollo's Executive Producer Mikki Shepherd says Armstrong's plaque will be added to the walk on 125th street as the theater kicks off its New Orleans to Harlem Jazz Weekend.  She says the event will showcase the Apollo's rich jazz legacy that's existed since the iconic theater first opened its doors in 1934.

 

"A lot of artists performed here because of the audience," she said.  "The environment created this engagement between the artist and the audience, and that created a certain amount of magic."

 

Shepherd says Armstrong will join 16 other musical greats on the Walk of Fame, including James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and Michael Jackson.

 

The New Orleans to Harlem Jazz weekend will feature a number of events, including special performances by New Orleans' native sons and Grammy winners Irvin Mayfield, Jr. and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.  Most shows are sold out, but a limited number of tickets are still available online or at the Apollo Theater Box Office.  Click here for more information about the weekend.