Oral history interview with Billy Mitchell, 2010

Biographical Note

Apollo Theater in-house historian, "Mr. Apollo"

Scope and Contents

Has been with the Apollo through its management under both Frank Schiffman and son Bobby Schiffman, through its takeover by Percy Sutton and subsequent current revitalization, worked way up from errand-boy to stage manager, to tour-director and historian for the theater. Recounts early "Amateur Night" contestants including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan; memories of visiting dressing rooms in '50s; numerous accounts of mentors Percy Sutton and James Brown; encounters with performers from "Moms" Mabley to Buddy Holly to Richard Pryor to Sean Combs ("Puff Daddy"). Provides clear account of theater's transition over 60 years

Subjects

• African American entertainers--Anecdotes.
• Apollo Theater (New York, N.Y. : 125th Street)
• Edwards, Brent Hayes, interviewer.--http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/ivr
• Mitchell, Billy, 1950---Interviews.
• Tour guides (Persons)--New York (State)--New York--Interviews.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University of the City of New York and the Apollo Theater Foundation, 2010