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New York. The Beating Heart of the World
Sezione 1
Sezione 2
Apollo Theatre
Billie Holiday. 1957
PLAY ME
The Harlem Renaissance,
a district of New York, developed as a cultural mecca
for the black population at the beginning of this century and, as a result, was an unprecedented social and artistic explosion. It manifested itself in literature, music, stage performances and art. I started singing in night clubs in Harlem until I signed a record deal in '35. During my career, I performed all over New York,
but the place where I made my debut and made my mark the most was the Apollo Theatre. This is the central theatre on Harlem's main shopping street, and its location reflected its central role in the culture of the neighbourhood, as it became the first live entertainment theatre in Harlem during the 1930s. It was always a representative venue
for African American popular music. Since it opened its doors in 1914 and in 1934 with the first Amateur Night Contest, the Apollo has always played an important role for Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Gospel, Blues and Soul.Important figures in the music world, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, started there.
I pioneered a Jazz vocal style defined by melodic phrasing that interacted with the instruments. I am very proud to have left such a legacy in the music world of that significant period, along with other celebrated artists!
Sezione 3
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