This is such a great program with all these legends, many of them gone or disgraced, but we need to be reminded that there used to be great entertainment since we see almost NO TALENT in this day and age.
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 ❤
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
I recorded it, and I watched it like crazy! It broke my heart when my tapes got destroyed! I was a teenager when this was out. I loved it so much! I still knew it all the way through, even the parts that got cut out! ❤❤❤
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.
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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.
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!
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!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
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
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 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
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
Patti LaBelle is beautiful, vocal, musical dynamite! Her voice is so different than Joe Cocker's, but they worked perfectly together! And big props to Billy Preston who wrote "You Are So Beautiful", and played that piano with soulful, Gospel fire!
Love, love Billy Preston!❤ What a talented pianist and singer Billy was.... unfortunately he never got the full accolades he so well deserved. Rip Billy; your musical talent will never be forgotten and roll always live on. You're the man! 🕺🏽 Love you endlessly. ❤💚💙💛💘💟💗🤍💝💖🕺🏽
Patti Labelle sang her knee caps OFF. That Queen has earned every damn cent she has ever made and never got a pass like these singers now a days. Hail to the Queen baby!!!!
I have been a big fan of Patti for a long time. I have even seen her live in Toronto twice but sometimes she's a show off. she has one of the best voices ever but she totally does not let other people Duet with her
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!!
I just to say as a young woman who appreciates this movement and music history, I will everyday to my best to educate and make others my age fall in love with this music and culture.
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...
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.💙
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!!!
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!!
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..
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 RUclips 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.
When All of their Vocals were Raw and on point All of these Amazing Classic Artist Patti Labelle Mother came out and was Raw From the Iconic Hair Styles to the Amazing Beaded Gowns Simply Class and Regal This is what it means to Give Pure Classy Performance Then came back out to do the Gospel Tune Love all the Artist and RIP to all that Passed But my Patti My my my Vocally just Amazing
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.
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.
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!
This was an awesome performance. Outstanding! In answer to the numerous questions about what happened to us as a people, understood that this show was filmed around the same time that the crack bomb was dropped on our communities. The devastation and fallout from crack and other drugs destroyed people, families and communities. That's what happened to us. We need a spiritual deliverance.
The engineered destruction of the black family by the left, taking the men out of the picture and substituting them with entitlement programs that the mothers couldn't get if the father was in the picture. Also a lack of self-respect and personal responsibility.
@@Tre404 single mother homes engineered by men who did not want to raise families. Children left to their own devices. No father in the home....has nothing to do with govt programs. Morality left the community.
I had this on a VHS tape when I was 5 and would show my friends over the years (and now on RUclips, as I'm 39) - still one of the greatest performances of all time. Patti is beyond! That butterfly dance move!
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!
This video is a gift. Thank you reelblack! I recorded this show as a kid and wore out the tape. I remember Patti LaBelle bringing the house down - man did she bring it! I was in Harlem last week and had to stop by the Apollo. Just because it's the Apollo.
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.
My favorite spot in this great show came at 1:10:18 when Stevie Wonder performed "Part Time Lover" for the first time with a cast of superstar legends!
Did anyone else notice, George Micheal put more soul in his song, after, Smokey came on stage, soul lifting those vocals, George was like, 'aint no way your singing my song better than me!
You pegged it. George made a conscious effort to step it up. Greatness , when you are in the presence of it. Will make you do it. Don't think Smokey didn't notice that he inspired him.
CassandraPressley no chance of that either way but did you hear smokey I was like ok who stepped on the cat's tail LOL I was waiting for George to come back and I like Smokey too but come on he was a bit off of course George carried him
This upload deserves a subscribe. This show is synonymous with my childhood. Every time I visited my grandma in Chicago I would pop this tape in. I know it all by heart. Now, no one has a VCR so I didn't know if I'd see it again, thanks!!
@@tiffanysedits5406 It is interesting. 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. You think no one has a VCR anymore? Think again.
@@tiffanysedits5406 I'll give you some clues. 1. List down the things you want to bring back. 2. Join the upcoming watchlist. 3. Spread the word to everybody. 4. Upload videos of the project. 5. Help them understand the true meaning of heritage, restoration and understanding the past. And lastly, the Retro Decade Revival Project is a cross country trip. We'll either take the Retro Decade Revival Bus or the Retro Decade Revival Train. Either way is fine by me. I'm rooting for you, Tiffany's Edits, good luck.
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.
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
ON MY FEET CLAPPING BECAUSE I CANT HELP MYSELF!! Holding bak tears throat swollen with gratitude n emotion… Patti Labelle “ You will never walk alone “ OH MY GOD !!! Thank you whomever you are for sharing n posting this AMAZING SHOW ! Bless you
Patti LaBelle came on ripping heads off!!! LOL! Powerful and gracefully gracious! So gifted and selfless! She brought out the best of everyone sharing that stage /moment with her! That's how the greats do it! You don't have to overshadow others with your gift, there's room for all to shine and it makes for a better and more memorable experience for the artist and the audience!
🍃Awesome show, such beautiful costumes with amazing singers, and those spectacular🎤vocals! I remember my first time at the Apollo it was magical! Back then we enjoyed our favorite singers, song and dance moves. The Apollo took you away from our every day worries. We need to enjoy life and forgive others, love more and fight less.🍃
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. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Well everybody I teared up all the way through thinking about when I first seen this with my grandparents . Thanks for sharing and damn I miss the good music and the 80’s !
We'll get them back. 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. The 1980s will be the first decade to be brought back, good music will be restored to its former glory.
@@vsmokethon it's crazy u say that. When I go my homegirl house all we do is binge on throwback shows n be dying. We took all the way back to perfect strangers. Lol I even caught my 21 year old son starting to watch old shows he see me watch. Like Good Times n Different World
That Stage is such an amazing place of talent and history and power and laughter and fun and joy. I pray that ageism, sexism and racism, injustice or greed, never again be a cloud to rain on such wonderful sunshine of life; which is the entertainment industry.
OMG! This is The Greatest Apollo Video Ever! I Shared with Myself, My Dearest Brother O.R.W. He Love Music, It's a part of his Lively Hood! And also, He Love All the Stars that's Entertaining. I couldn't have shared anything better. Enjoy My Handsome Loveable Brother. With Love ❤ Forever Mullen Sue! I also sent it to some of My other LOVE Ones, I'm sure They will Enjoy it as well. You Go You Tube, You all are Ba-a-ad Acts!!❤!
Talk about one night only. One place to have had that much talent, wisdom, history, power and love under one roof. Patti fluttered on stage and soared to new levels of her career. The Elders remained trued to anchor the upstarts. The upstarts took new strides of perfection to their destiny. One night only, lifetime impact!
Thank you for posting this, I've been searching for the full version of this FOREVER!! I remember watching this show REPEATEDLY on VHS, and learned everything I now know about Motown and the history of black music and dance. The irony is that the show aired in the 80's, during ANOTHER "golden age" of music with MJ/Prince/Madonna, but showed that these Motown songs could endure the test of time. And here we are, 85 years later (35 years since this show aired), and the music still stands!!! And how Patti Labelle managed to outshine ALL these legends was.....OUT.OF.THIS.WORLD!!!
@@monilaninetynine3811 her sister the former Ms Rashad aka Claire Huxtable was a cold piece herself.. underrated but almost as cold as Debbie in all those areas as well
Simply spectacular, from beginning to end! Anointed, appointed, overflowing with an abundance of amazing God-given talent, each of you. Brother Stevie felt it all so deep within, with tears streaming down his face @ 2:19:05. This brought back so many precious memories from my childhood. Sadly, talent like this is such a rarity these days. Thanks for the memories, all of you; thanks for the upload, Reelblack!
I love the sultry, silky sound of Sarah Vaughan's vocals and my favoirite duet performance (tho' it was very short) was Ms Vaughan and Billy Eckstein. Thank you for this upload I throughly enjoyed all the performances 😀
Yes, i totally agree! Her voice was something else! My favourite African-American singer is Ella Fitzgerald! She, to me, is pure musical magic! May she RIP, so too, everyone else here, who has died since.
So much beautiful talent that night. I miss talent like that. Seems like you don't need it anymore just become famous, just a beat. Btw...Debbie Allen was GORGEOUS that night.
If you’re here in 2024 I need a thumbs up!!
me...
👍
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🫶🏾
This is such a great program with all these legends, many of them gone or disgraced, but we need to be reminded that there used to be great entertainment since we see almost NO TALENT in this day and age.
👍🏽
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
I recorded it, and I watched it like crazy! It broke my heart when my tapes got destroyed! I was a teenager when this was out. I loved it so much! I still knew it all the way through, even the parts that got cut out! ❤❤❤
Me too.. it’s so great the last song. You see music has transformed life and transcended society
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.
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!!!!
Patti Labelle.....what a whirlwind. She smashed and shook the foundations of the Apollo. Sarah Vaughn. Simply mesmerising
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....
Pure respect for their craft unlike today's gross lyrics n presentation.
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.
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.
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
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!!
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
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!
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
So many great performances, Debbie Allen killed it. When she did Billie, I lost it, she was doing her thing, God bless the child.
❤
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.
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!!!
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
…another reason why you can’t beat the 80’s!!!!!
well most of this music wasn't recorded in the 80s so Its hard to know how you justify that remark
@ ….if you were there, you would already know…..
Gregory Hines!!! Just magnificent as always. He is missed, too.
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
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)
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
@@5300trilla - written by Terence Choi, according to Google
@@bunnygray4513Um, no, he did not. Careless Whisper was sung, written and produced by GEORGE MICHAEL.
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
Patti LaBelle is beautiful, vocal, musical dynamite! Her voice is so different than Joe Cocker's, but they worked perfectly together! And big props to Billy Preston who wrote "You Are So Beautiful", and played that piano with soulful, Gospel fire!
What a great performance !
Love, love Billy Preston!❤ What a talented pianist and singer Billy was.... unfortunately he never got the full accolades he so well deserved. Rip Billy; your musical talent will never be forgotten and roll always live on. You're the man! 🕺🏽 Love you endlessly. ❤💚💙💛💘💟💗🤍💝💖🕺🏽
Patti Labelle sang her knee caps OFF. That Queen has earned every damn cent she has ever made and never got a pass like these singers now a days. Hail to the Queen baby!!!!
I have been a big fan of Patti for a long time. I have even seen her live in Toronto twice but sometimes she's a show off. she has one of the best voices ever but she totally does not let other people Duet with her
Ahh thanks, never knew Billy P wrote that song. What a trio, what a performance.
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.
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!!!🥲
This is our history that is being erased or just forgotten. Thank God for this channel you always give us gems 💎
Never forgotten share share share. Always show to your kids, grandkids, students etc..
@@peterhopper3060 .
This will always live on. FOREVER.
Memories like this are meant to be treasured forever.
I just to say as a young woman who appreciates this movement and music history, I will everyday to my best to educate and make others my age fall in love with this music and culture.
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
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!💯💯💯💯
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!!!
@@INTUITIVENORSK2303 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@@INTUITIVENORSK2303
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.
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.
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!!
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,❤😊.
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!!!
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..
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 RUclips 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.
I wasn’t even born when this aired but I’m glad I got to see this.
Wow i feel old. I watched this live when it aired on a Sunday night. Great times
All that love and talent crammed into 2 hours. I love it
Rich entertainment. Both Motown and the Apollo Theater both have such rich history.
African Americans entertainment
Totally agree
The Incomparable Patti Labelle!!!!!!!!!!!!thank you
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.
Black Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! If we could take the color out we'd be better humans.
My Lord, Patti singing You Are Never Alone was needed to hear this day!
Stevie Wonder fills the room with a wall of sound...love him
When All of their Vocals were Raw and on point
All of these Amazing Classic Artist
Patti Labelle
Mother came out and was Raw
From the Iconic Hair Styles to the Amazing Beaded Gowns
Simply Class and Regal
This is what it means to Give Pure Classy Performance
Then came back out to do the Gospel Tune
Love all the Artist and RIP to all that Passed
But my Patti
My my my
Vocally just Amazing
Celebration of Blackness!! God I love it 😍😍😍
all that REAL male testosterone on stage at 20:12 *LAWD*💕💯
Real Tears... We have fallen from grace. This has proved it.
Blackness.? A whole heap of those folks, especially the women, are as pale as Europeans..
Yes ma'am!
Celebration of icons and iconic songs.
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
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.
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!
That back stage had to be the greatest place on earth that one night
P
Yesssss
Imagine being there
This was an awesome performance. Outstanding! In answer to the numerous questions about what happened to us as a people, understood that this show was filmed around the same time that the crack bomb was dropped on our communities. The devastation and fallout from crack and other drugs destroyed people, families and communities. That's what happened to us. We need a spiritual deliverance.
The engineered destruction of the black family by the left, taking the men out of the picture and substituting them with entitlement programs that the mothers couldn't get if the father was in the picture. Also a lack of self-respect and personal responsibility.
Amen!
@ P Brown/Truth....Speak it!!!!
😔🍃
@@Tre404 single mother homes engineered by men who did not want to raise families. Children left to their own devices. No father in the home....has nothing to do with govt programs. Morality left the community.
My Goodness! Patti, Joe and Billy on piano! Just throw my both my shoes! What an Epic Performance of Greatness!
Goosebumps for days
I cried.
I had this on a VHS tape when I was 5 and would show my friends over the years (and now on RUclips, as I'm 39) - still one of the greatest performances of all time. Patti is beyond! That butterfly dance move!
One of the best musical tribute specials
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!
This video is a gift. Thank you reelblack! I recorded this show as a kid and wore out the tape. I remember Patti LaBelle bringing the house down - man did she bring it! I was in Harlem last week and had to stop by the Apollo. Just because it's the Apollo.
Please don't take video down this our history. we need persevere for ever 💕 Just saying
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.
My favorite spot in this great show came at 1:10:18 when Stevie Wonder performed "Part Time Lover" for the first time with a cast of superstar legends!
Moon,Sun,Stars,The entire Galaxy on one stage
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.
Did anyone else notice, George Micheal put more soul in his song, after, Smokey came on stage, soul lifting those vocals, George was like, 'aint no way your singing my song better than me!
😂😂😂
You pegged it. George made a conscious effort to step it up. Greatness , when you are in the presence of it. Will make you do it. Don't think Smokey didn't notice that he inspired him.
@@Jadedyxy katna
CassandraPressley no chance of that either way but did you hear smokey I was like ok who stepped on the cat's tail LOL I was waiting for George to come back and I like Smokey too but come on he was a bit off of course George carried him
joking aside George stepped on that stage George from WHAM! he left the stage as GEORGE MICHAEL!
This upload deserves a subscribe. This show is synonymous with my childhood. Every time I visited my grandma in Chicago I would pop this tape in. I know it all by heart. Now, no one has a VCR so I didn't know if I'd see it again, thanks!!
Don't worry, Tiffany's Edits, the Retro Decade Revival Project is gonna bring VCR back into everybody's homes.
@@reneastle8447 Interesting!! 🤔
@@tiffanysedits5406 It is interesting. 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. You think no one has a VCR anymore? Think again.
@@reneastle8447 that is absolutely refreshing. All I watch is old school stuff. I miss quality. How can I be a part of the revolution?
@@tiffanysedits5406 I'll give you some clues.
1. List down the things you want to bring back.
2. Join the upcoming watchlist.
3. Spread the word to everybody.
4. Upload videos of the project.
5. Help them understand the true meaning of heritage, restoration and understanding the past.
And lastly, the Retro Decade Revival Project is a cross country trip. We'll either take the Retro Decade Revival Bus or the Retro Decade Revival Train. Either way is fine by me. I'm rooting for you, Tiffany's Edits, good luck.
Seeing all the groups together breaks me up. The music is great. Has certainly passed the test of time.
we have lost many over the years but their music will never die
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.
I remember when this aired!!!!! I was a little boy in awe of all this talent. Good memories.
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
That tap dancing moment with Sammy Davis Jr was magic
ON MY FEET CLAPPING BECAUSE I CANT HELP MYSELF!! Holding bak tears throat swollen with gratitude n emotion…
Patti Labelle “ You will never walk alone “
OH MY GOD !!!
Thank you whomever you are for sharing n posting this AMAZING SHOW ! Bless you
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
Patty is a national treasure. My goodness what a duet!!!!!
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.......
Patti LaBelle came on ripping heads off!!! LOL! Powerful and gracefully gracious! So gifted and selfless! She brought out the best of everyone sharing that stage /moment with her! That's how the greats do it! You don't have to overshadow others with your gift, there's room for all to shine and it makes for a better and more memorable experience for the artist and the audience!
When you hand her the mic it's OVER🎤🎤🎼🎵
You are so eloquent, and right in what You speak. Luv Ya 💞
She sure did so gracious.
when she came out with that hairdo you knew it was on
@@feliciajenkins5041 Diana Ross who playing Atlantic City was sick. So she gave the microphone to Patti LaBelle.
🍃Awesome show, such beautiful costumes with amazing singers, and those spectacular🎤vocals!
I remember my first time at the Apollo it was magical! Back then we enjoyed our favorite singers, song and dance moves. The Apollo took you away from our every day worries. We need to enjoy life and forgive others, love more and fight less.🍃
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. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Loved this. Especially the 4 Tops and Temptations on stage together. Brilliant !!xx
Well everybody I teared up all the way through thinking about when I first seen this with my grandparents . Thanks for sharing and damn I miss the good music and the 80’s !
We'll get them back. 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. The 1980s will be the first decade to be brought back, good music will be restored to its former glory.
Omg!!!! I was bout to write post explaining this.. 😁😁😁😁😁😘😘😘😘😘yes best memories of my life.
Vera Meadows nothing like a good ole Saturday night watching Apollo. Kids today need this show and TGIF so they can be in the house
@@vsmokethon it's crazy u say that. When I go my homegirl house all we do is binge on throwback shows n be dying. We took all the way back to perfect strangers. Lol I even caught my 21 year old son starting to watch old shows he see me watch. Like Good Times n Different World
Vera Meadows television had respect back then for our people dig me
Patti, Sam Harris, Debbie Allen and Sammy Davis sets tore my monitor all to pieces!!! Enjoyed everyone though, glad I found this channel!!!
YESSS
I remember Sam Harris ripping the stage on Star Search and vocally killing his opponents.
Wow, I remember watching this as a little kid. Miss Patti was everything and she STILL is, period.
My goodness this is a treasure. I was born in 84 & was exposed to all of these artist growing up. This is such a treat to brighten my day at work 😃.
That Stage is such an amazing place of talent and history and power and laughter and fun and joy. I pray that ageism, sexism and racism, injustice or greed, never again be a cloud to rain on such wonderful sunshine of life; which is the entertainment industry.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE SPECIAL OF ALL TIME!!! 😍
Thanks so much for the good times Hicks family thank you ❤
OMG! This is The Greatest Apollo Video Ever! I Shared with Myself, My Dearest Brother O.R.W. He Love Music, It's a part of his Lively Hood! And also, He Love All the Stars that's Entertaining. I couldn't have shared anything better. Enjoy My Handsome Loveable Brother. With Love ❤ Forever Mullen Sue! I also sent it to some of My other LOVE Ones, I'm sure They will Enjoy it as well. You Go You Tube, You all are Ba-a-ad Acts!!❤!
Watching this Literally gives me chills..what a gift to us..Thank you.
Talk about one night only. One place to have had that much talent, wisdom, history, power and love under one roof. Patti fluttered on stage and soared to new levels of her career. The Elders remained trued to anchor the upstarts. The upstarts took new strides of perfection to their destiny. One night only, lifetime impact!
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.
What a wonderful amazing star studded show ! I’ll never forget this evening of “TV!!” 🎉❤ To my Facebook friends ❗️🌟
What a wonderful amazing star studded show ! I’ll never forget this evening of “TV!!” 🎉❤
Thank you for posting this, I've been searching for the full version of this FOREVER!! I remember watching this show REPEATEDLY on VHS, and learned everything I now know about Motown and the history of black music and dance. The irony is that the show aired in the 80's, during ANOTHER "golden age" of music with MJ/Prince/Madonna, but showed that these Motown songs could endure the test of time. And here we are, 85 years later (35 years since this show aired), and the music still stands!!! And how Patti Labelle managed to outshine ALL these legends was.....OUT.OF.THIS.WORLD!!!
Wonderful celebration of a dynasty!
Rip to the greats
Who thinks Debbie Allen was underrated as an artist?
Debbie is one of the most talented people in the business. She can do EVERYTHING - - acting, singing, dancing, choreography, directing.
I adore her so much. Definitely underrated!!!
She is the greatest
After hearing her land that epic note at the end of her number I have to agree.
@@monilaninetynine3811 her sister the former Ms Rashad aka Claire Huxtable was a cold piece herself.. underrated but almost as cold as Debbie in all those areas as well
Joe Cocker and Patti LaBelle did great together!! Their voices complemented each other!!
Right. And if you can't stand the heat, don't get on the stage with Patti!!
i started crying watching Joe Cocker sing that song like he truly truly meant it they were amazing together you are right!!
How can one not appreciate that talent!
Not many people can't hold down a duet with Patti... He and Billy were phenomenal along with her❤
So much talent on one stage. Incredible
Simply spectacular, from beginning to end! Anointed, appointed, overflowing with an abundance of amazing God-given talent, each of you. Brother Stevie felt it all so deep within, with tears streaming down his face @ 2:19:05. This brought back so many precious memories from my childhood. Sadly, talent like this is such a rarity these days. Thanks for the memories, all of you; thanks for the upload, Reelblack!
I love the sultry, silky sound of Sarah Vaughan's vocals and my favoirite duet performance (tho' it was very short) was Ms Vaughan and Billy Eckstein. Thank you for this upload I throughly enjoyed all the performances 😀
Billy and Sarah were magical!!!
Sarah Vaughan was one of a kind !! I
Loved everything She sang !!
Yes, i totally agree! Her voice was something else!
My favourite African-American singer is Ella Fitzgerald! She, to me, is pure musical magic!
May she RIP, so too, everyone else here, who has died since.
She was truly a talent that we will never see again. Her voice was transcendent and along with Billy.... My God. Just pure magic
Can someone please call and get the Roof repaired....PATTI JUST BROUGHT THE ROOF DOWN HONEY💖
Yes Miss Patti is a bully on the mic LOL ... They were not ready.
I WISH THERE WERE MORE SHOWS ON TV LIKE THIS NOWADAYS
This video is an accest of black history. In all great and enjoyable.
WOW! The best of the best. This is worlds greatest, love them ALL.
So much beautiful talent that night. I miss talent like that. Seems like you don't need it anymore just become famous, just a beat. Btw...Debbie Allen was GORGEOUS that night.