Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985) | Star-Studded Tribute Hosted By Bill Cosby
Celebrating the 50th anniversary and re-opening of The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. Emmy winner for Outstanding Variety Program in 1985. Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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This younger generation will never know talent like this
No they don’t. It’s a disgrace today
RIP to David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Melvin Franklin; part of the classic five of the mighty Temptations, and RIP to the great Ben E. King, and Johnny Moore of The Drifters.... your music and voices gentlemen will never be forgotten.
Ms.Pattie VOICE NEVER CHANGED....💯👑👑💪🏾🌏
Melvin got the shag
No🎉❤❤she didnt🎉❤❤❤
Now that was music & it’ll last for generations to come ❤❤❤
Rest in peace Jackie Wilson cousin of Levi Stubbs. R.I. P Ronnie White of the Miracles. Ms Mary Wells, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson. And a host of others.
Please don't ever take this video away. I saw this when it premiered as a child and my parents taped it. My siblings and I wore that tape out watching this repeatedly. This is not only part of my history, it's a historical gem that can never be duplicated. The amount of legendary greatness in one building is amazing ❤
I purchased it on DVD years ago and still watch it especially when I'm cooking. My kitchen tv has a built in DVD player.
My parents did the exact same thing! We had this taped from the original air date... And my sisters and I wore that tape out! Great memories from my childhood
Levi Stubbs had the coolest beard and earth shattering vocals
Yes He did 😂😂,,He was just to fine!!
Agreed. I honestly never knew that he also was the voice of Mother Brain from “Captain N: The Game Master”, a Nintendo-themed Saturday Morning cartoon.
That line up was crazy!! All of the performers were so classy and on point…. Sad to see how much people have devolved over the years…
Case in point: Machine Gun Kelly. Jeez Louise....
Man I have never seen so much talent at one time in my 55 years in this world!! Talent from way back 60 plus years! This was absolutely amazing to watch!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
I just wished they would have kept it Black PERSONALLY..🤬
@@ericboswell8863 I agree with you on that brother, they always want what our people create and then call it theirs.
@@ericboswell8863x 😅
I am 80 yrs old. There 🎉 never been so many talents on one stage, in my lifetime
They still have other nations of people in mostly all our events but you don't see many of us in theirs @ericboswell8863
Patti Labelle.....what a whirlwind. She smashed and shook the foundations of the Apollo. Sarah Vaughn. Simply mesmerising
This was a time when the music industry had SINGERS!!!! Good ole flat foot singing!!! This entire performance was better than most concerts, award shows in the past 25 years! What memories!!
Black Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! If we could take the color out we'd be better humans.
I teared up when Smokey sang his first notes - that distinctive vibrato was the voice of my youth.
I saw him in Phoenix in live concert 2 years ago and he is still awesome - his looks and his voice. He hasn't lost a beat.
I remember the majority of these guys which were and are great performers.
Gregory Hines!!! Just magnificent as always. He is missed, too.
…another reason why you can’t beat the 80’s!!!!!
This is a clear childhood memory of mine. We recorded it on VHS because my mom was adamant. We lived (and still live) on the A line. I love watching this so much!
So many great performances, Debbie Allen killed it. When she did Billie, I lost it, she was doing her thing, God bless the child.
❤
Patty is a national treasure. My goodness what a duet!!!!!
. Patty LaBelle's performance gave me goosebumps. Wow.
Thank you for sharing this treasure. So glad God allowed Bill Cosby to receive a second chance at his freedom.
I ATTENDED THIS STAR-STUDDED 50TH ANNIVERSARY. IT WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. I STILL HAVE STARS IN MY EYES. I MET SO THE STARS AND TOOK PICS WITH SOME OF THE STARS. I'm STILL IN SHOCK.
That's awesome
You were definitely blessed to experience this!!!
Wow! That is sooo cool!!
I would have wanted to see boy George, James Brown, New Edition, Debarge, definitely AL GREENNNNN!!!! Patti LaBelle, the late great George Michael, Rod Stewart, late great Luther, Stevie, Debbie allen
@@mocancer3232 u
as a 22 your old woman who appreciates good music and music culture, finding this made my heart so happy. this was so beautiful to watch.
Welcome to The Circle, Valeria...
I love old school music so much, I’m an old soul. I love my history ❤️
Where is the Village People ?
@@dwaynewardell8024 yes I'm also have a old soul
Theye couldn't dances but boy how things change
Stevie Wonder fills the room with a wall of sound...love him
Moon,Sun,Stars,The entire Galaxy on one stage
All that love and talent crammed into 2 hours. I love it
One of my favorite scene is when Patti LaBelle and Joe Cockeran, She had that man sweating trying to keep up with her on his song. I love it He/they did that.
Please don’t ever take this down! This is historical as hell and extremely iconic. We need this and more videos like it so that we can never forget these timeless legends and all they did to pave the way for our artists and dancers and comedians of today
Amen!! I second that!
Amen!! I second that !!
Amen! Third
The
@@mariaridgeway7721 fb
First of all....Heck of a lineup
Just stumbled upon this & I absolutely love it. Beautiful black entertainers all supporting each other is what my soul didn't know it needed.
I to came across this show by accident, so glad that I did!!!
Thanks so much for the good times Hicks family thank you ❤
One of the best musical tribute specials
That tap dancing moment with Sammy Davis Jr was magic
85 I was 31 enjoying every second of life. I'm still enjoying at 64. Internet best thing ever happen to me.
Wish i could've lived through those experiences.. i was born the very next year
@@wesleyking2212 the live performances sitting in front of TV 📺 w/ family were most memorable "hey yall its black folkz on TV"!! 😂
I was born that year, but I remember it on VHS.
I am in my 20's at these time. Such an awesome thing to remember good memories with great music.
I did! It was phenomenal!!!
This show changed my life!!! Patti sent chills down my spine Debbie Allen is magical and this was when talent was a must, no fakers allowed
George Michael was so young here. Only 21 years old and still a newcomer in music. He was also one of only three white singers invited to perform on the show. This must have been such an incredible honor for him!! Stevie Wonder was his idol!
RIP Luther Vandross RIP George Michael RIP Sammy Davis Jr. RIP Mary Wells RIP Sandman Sims RIP Ali-Ollie Woodson RIP Melvin Franklin RIP Richard Street RIP Joe Cocker RIP Wilson Pickett RIP Lou Rawls RIP Billy Preston RIP Levi Stubbs RIP Richard Pryor RIP Sarah Vaughan RIP James Brown RIP Blue Lovett RIP Gregory Hines RIP Obie Benson RIP Bunny Briggs RIP Earl Carroll RIP Jimmy Slyde RIP Gregg Burge And RIP to everyone else who passed away that appeared in the special.
Farrakhan saviors day 2010 pt 2
May all those who are gone rest easy💕
Dennis Edwards..he isnt up there, but he is part of that legacy
David, your tribute to the greats was wonderful!
David Richardson RIP Michael Jackson
George Michael and Stevie Wonder's duet was incredible.
George Michael was always a favourite of mine! He was so handsome & his voice.....WOW!!! I also love so much, Stevie Wonder's stunning voice! So beautiful! I still remember him playing piano & singing, @ MJ's Memorial Service. His voice, was just incredible!!!
@@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303 I guess George was at the APOLLOS, because he is not white, he is greece. There no black greece all over to much.
George Michael was so foine!!! S.I.P 🕊️💞🙏🏽💐💐
Thanks 7
Thanks@@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303
Patty is such an entertainer I love her
PLEASE DON’T EVER TAKE THIS VIDEO DOWN!! I’M IN FULL BLOWN CRYING MOOD!!😭BUT HAPPY TEARS!!😂 I have been searching for the full video for years!! This was very special to me!! My father, who has passed away, recorded this program on VHS when I was 5yrs old & we watched it all the time!! His girlfriend at the time when he passed away wouldn’t give me the VHS tape. I wanted to beat her ass, but my Mom raised me better, so I let it go, but I always thought about it!! Thank you so much for this video!! It means sooo much to me!!❣️
I purchased it from Amazon along with Motown 25 Yesterday Today and Forever
I too remember vividly watching this when I was 2yrs old but when I grew up I appreciated this show more ways than one! For the culture, to mix in the new & old elements together & it makes you appreciate it more than anything else in the world, especially seeing how the older artists embraced the younger talent that was on that stage! I cried so hard because every time muva Patti hit the stage she had me all up in my feelings! Great show!
me too.. we were in germany and someone from the states recorded it and sent it to us... my pops watched this like it was the superbowl and as kids we were super into it
Sharonda - It is sad that youngsters of today WILL NOT have the same type of memories and feelings about their music now. How nostalgic can you get about beef/dis records talking about killing each other ? HATE vs LOVE
Glad someone finally put it up. This video is basically impossible to find (or, had been)
Too much TALENT under one roof and all at the same time - AMAZING!!! From start to finish...ICONIC!!! I'm watching it all over again right now! 😆 🤣
The building was radiant.
Those DeBarges are Beautiful
Bunny was cuter back then. Randy, Mark and James were handsome, but El was dashing and debonair!
george michael sounded so beautiful and was loved and respected at the Apollo they were all so incredible and seeing him sing with Smoky Robinson was amazing
Indeed
Smokey wrote his song which is why he was there.
@@bunnygray4513 what ? Hell nawl. George Michael made that song on the bus @ 17
@@Realofficialdee - written by Terence Choi, according to Google
@@bunnygray4513Um, no, he did not. Careless Whisper was sung, written and produced by GEORGE MICHAEL.
I gave up getting myself bent out of shape trying to like the music of this generation. So I'm contented to be surprised when I do hear a song that rocks my world. I really tried to be objective and non-judgmental...but I give up. There is waaaay to much dynamic music from my era that still touches my soul, 'cause the lyrics and melodies are so unique, memorable and well-crafted, when you hear it...you gotta SING!! Why should I aggravate my spirit with trite lyrics and lack-luster melodies? This tribute was a wonderful but bitter-sweet trip down memory lane. May all those who have left this mortal coil, continue to Rest In Paradise and in our hearts. Thanks for sharing.💙
Same tbh I prefer old school music myself way more talented diverse and so much better for the human psyche
I so understand and agree with everything you said!💯💯💯💯
Wonderful concert.. Smokey and George set the scene and bang.. As a brit I felt proud to see the other brits holding their own amongst these absolute legends.. Just shows what an impact motown had here.. Legends all..
Nobody can imagine the hard work that went behind this!!! A live band turned 2hrs into 1 set with no tracks & no dj!! This is real music!!! I'd give anything to have lived through this!!
Wesley King exactly!!
Good stuff this is our history ! Play it again and again……
Thank you for this fantastic program. In 1985 I was out of the US, retired from serving in the military, protecting the country of my birth. Now I'm 76 years old and never knew this existed.
You were deprived
God DAMN! THIS is what you call star-studded!
Seeing all the groups together breaks me up. The music is great. Has certainly passed the test of time.
Wow, I remember watching this as a little kid. Miss Patti was everything and she STILL is, period.
Rich entertainment. Both Motown and the Apollo Theater both have such rich history.
African Americans entertainment
Totally agree
Man those people in that audience did not realize the blessing they were experiencing!
Hmmm, it does make one think, but in all honesty, i think they did know, as they were there! Take care.
Bless his heart OMG, he Patti LaBelled That one up👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
LOL he hung in there with her tho
I grew up in Argentina and consider myself one of the biggest Beatles fan, and also admiring the Four Tops, I enjoyed soooooo much watching them tonight as great as I remember. But OMG Sara Vaughn made me cry and cry and cry. That is really Soul music, nothing to do with the rappers of today who are billionaires but just making noise. These are the real STARS. thanks so much for this video, I'm sharing it so other can enjoy. it Like the son THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Miss Patti gone bring it every time. Always a standing ovation. BYOC (bring your own caskets) cause she gon kill it. The tap dancers was the best part of the show!!
😂😂👏🏿👏🏿i love it
Love, Honor and Respect to Motown returns to the Apollo in 1985. It has been a privilege to see this video with the entire musical ambassador that has paved the way for so many people to follow. I really cherished them because they have such a positive influence on society all over the world. I wish we could go back in time because the quality of music is so much better. Please, keep this video up because it is a timeless master piece. Thank you to the Artist, the Apollo and to Motown for all their contribution in the music industry and for letting the "Good Times Roll" according to Sam Cooke.
That Damn George micheal... nobody can sing that song like he could
Exactly!!! 💯
Billy Preston "try a lil tenderness 🔥🔥🔥fiyah. Rest well Mr. Otis & Mr. Preston⚘
I WISH THERE WERE MORE SHOWS ON TV LIKE THIS NOWADAYS
My Lord, Patti singing You Are Never Alone was needed to hear this day!
OMG!!!! Patti LaBelle and Joe Cocker brought me to tears.....Patti has always had that affect on me....she is the epitome of church!
I tried not letting the tears drop too...fail
Me too!!!🥲
I grew up in this era I feel truly blessed
I wish they would bring on an update show of the Apollo, I love the Apollo.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE SPECIAL OF ALL TIME!!! 😍
we have lost many over the years but their music will never die
Nobody in television history was so good, funny, and perfect with children than Mr. Bill Cosby, he was absolutely the best, congratulations to a Icon!!!!
Debbie allwn turned it out. And patti had me tearjerking.
I decided to stop listening to the news and tune into something “fun.” I just found it. Thanks for putting this up. It’s just what I needed. I ❤️ MOTOWN! Great memories.
Joe Cocker & Patti LaBelle were the highlight of this show.. Joe like Patti sing with so much emotion and I love to see them bring us through it together... WOOOOOoo!! I still get Chills!!
Amazing
I love it. I felt that energy. 8 watched it several times.
Love love love this 2021💕💕
This show was amazing and I was a child when this aired and still enjoy these artists to this day. Long live Motown Records 🙌
I am white and grew up with this MUSIC!!! SOUL TRAIN??? SOUL ** MUSIC*** PERIOD!!! TWAT happen blm ??? twat HAPPEN??
Micah Watkins amen me too
deer ģ
This historic history of black music is where it all started
I was about 2 years old when this aired, and never knew it existed until last week. Just finished watching the whole thing. Worth the wait.
This was so beautiful I'm so proud be the one to watch this I was born in 1984 and it took 35 years for me to watch this and I'm so proud to see this thank you so much I love everyone God bless
I wish i couldve experienced those times.. i was born the year after this aired
OMFG...I HAVE NOT SEEN THIS SINCE 1985 WHEN I WAS 7!! WOW...
WOW! The best of the best. This is worlds greatest, love them ALL.
OMG I had this on VHS when I was a kid (my parents taped it in 1985)! Y'all about to make me cry! I used to re-enact the whole show as a child. What a group of insanely talented people!
Still a Cosby Fan no matter What!!!
This is such a phenomenal, comprehensive history lesson in Black American art and culture!
How bout just American art and culture. Can't we take the color out of it and just be equal humans. And celebrate very talented American icons.
@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culcha
@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culcha
@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culture
Totally agree with you Spirit. This is black art personified. Unfortunately this type of artistic excellence does not exist today; such a shame and insult to these artists who paved the way for them.
Im 51 i remember this on tv wow yes im here for it
That back stage had to be the greatest place on earth that one night
P
Yesssss
Imagine being there
Sadly we will never experience anything this get together ever again, most of them gone but always remembered............God bless them all !!!!
Damn!
AMEN TO THAT !!!!
True
Probably the best concert I’ve ever seen.
I am honoured, and humbled, to have lived during the very best of times. The Apollo and Motown. I Praise God For All Of You, and Your Families For Sharing, All Of You, With All Of Me. I love You.
Yes Patti! The Apollo is funky, lowndown, fabulous and fierce!!!
Debbie and Vanessa tore it up👏🏾🤩❤️👸🏽
This is why music matters. Music crosses all lines age color
So much talent on one stage. Incredible
Lots of wonderful talent that is no longer performing or have passed on! This was so so good to see.
Debbie Allen is one of our National Treasur of the Arts. Amazing ☺
Definitely one of the most talented performers EVER.
Yeessss
Love her
Dammit we were so proud. We are still proud just buried.
The whole time my face was 😂😂😂😂😂 cheesing ...
THIS MUSIC IS SUPER IN 2021 STILL!!!!!!!
Our ppl are so freaking TALENTED!!!...
Patti literally killed every performance she appeared in, Thank god for the legend she is
If she had killed them LITERALLY, she'd be serving life in prison.
She is a force of nature !!
That was her night especially in my life!!! When I became a real fan, fan!!
Imo, she overdid it on quite a few songs. This was during a time when was at her highest popularity, so she was boosted for the show. I'll take Aretha anyday over her. You would too, everyone would. Hell, Chaka Kahn could put her to shame... Patty does make a good sweet potato pie tho...
@@thedeucemonkey2331 speak for yourself
Brought tears to my eyes so good to see everyone again 💕 all race all color's I love my people's I love 💘 us!!!!
Yes indeed, yes indeed.......
Profiles in Pittsburgh Allegheny County PA Motown returning to the Apollo Was A Night to Remember. I just wonder what it was like to be at the Apollo Theater my uncle and Aunt drove me to Apollo Theater in 1957. We set out and looked up at it. I was so happy and wanted to go inside. But they were on their way to New Jersey Atlantic City. But because of this video I'm able to see the inside of this great theater we're all of the great comedians and singers musicians gave their best to everyone seated in the audience. Hallelujah Nora Parker
When tv specials were actually special......... Back in the day, I taped this and must have watched it 100 times. May the force of nature known to us mortals as Patti LaBelle live forever.
Glenn Laroche I know right? I can remember the first TV special that I saw was Motown 25 wich is on KZhead as well. Then two years later, this comes along. Boy! Was I blown away. Specially by Stevie wonder who I didn’t know is visually impaired just like me. On this night, you had artists collaborating with other artist. Then you had artist paying tribute to the ones we lost. For instants, you had Billy Preston paying tribute to Otis Redding, lou rawls paying tribute to Sam Cooke, L DeBarge paying tribute to Jackie Wilson, and I can’t forget luther vandross paying tribute to the marvelous one Marvin Gaye. I guess George Michael performs not once, but three times. Even in the finale.
@@kayandaeddings4803 Don't worry, tv specials that are actually special will make a comeback. I'm planning to put together a Retro Decade Revival Project. Our goal is to bring real entertainment, true talent, pure originality and diversity, old school and more back into the public mainstream, starting with the 1980s. Soon, there will be more and more tv specials that have a magnificent quality with talent and entertainment.
Rene Astle that’s awesome. I just have one question. How are you going to do that? Are you going to upload videos like this? If so, I’m subscribing to your channel.
@@kayandaeddings4803 As a matter of fact, I have. The Retro Decade Revival Project is gonna be a road trip starting from top to bottom. I have drawn one version of the Retro Decade Revival Bus on Artpal. You can take a look if you want. I'll give you the link: www.artpal.com/reneastle. Also, you can list me down the things you want to bring back into the project. You can look at my Retro Decade Revival Project videos, Kayanda, I hope you like them.
Rene Astle i’ve got one problem. I am visually impaired. I bet you are asking yourself how am I writing this? Well, we have on our Apple devices called voice over which talk to us.
Loving the superstars.
I remember watching this in 1985!! I was 15.Great show!!!!💛💛💛💛❤❤
Ohhhh They had Jaaaaaames Brown I can go to heaven now!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤩🤩🤩 This was the greatest show ever. Many generations of the best performers all in one building. The hoofers,crooners, Doo wap, gospel singers, R and B, Rockn Roll singers n Soul!!! Your never gonna have a show like this again. I remember seeing this back in the day with my family (when we used to all watch same t.v.) all those generations of talented black people goodness!!!!.
man the duet with patty brought tears to my eyes wow what an amazing performance ! legends
Joe Cocker tried to keep up bless his heart.
I remember watching this with my parents in the living room sitting on the floor, legs-crossed eating popcorn with my brother. Too many great moments in this special to mention - ALL GREAT MEMORIES!!!!!
I will always remember this Motown Performance back in 1985 in days, months, weeks and years to come.😊💐
This show has made my day, the music and artists I grew up with, and still growing 💗 with, the best of the best Motown forever, love 💕 it,❤😊.
This has brought me so much joy! I was 4 years old when this happened. Gives me goosebumps!
These kind of Super Lineups just Stopped for some reason. 😠 Can't you just see it? Drake with SWV? Or Snoop with Adele? The collabs could be Endless!
I was 4 too