{"product_id":"aint-nothing-like-the-real-thing-the-apollo-theater-and-american-entertainment-9781588342690","title":"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: The Apollo Theater and American Entertainment","description":"\u003cp\u003eAint Nothing Like the Real Thing: How the Apollo Theater Shaped American Entertainment celebrates the seventy-five year history of the Apollo Theater  Harlems landmark performing arts space and the iconic showplace for the best in jazz  blues  dance  comedy  gospel  R \u0026amp; B  hip-hop  and more since it opened its doors in 1934. This beautifully illustrated book is the companion volume to an exhibition of the same name  organized by the Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation. It offers a sweeping panorama of American cultural achievement from the Harlem Renaissance to the present through the compelling story of a single institution.  Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing brings together a diverse group of twenty-four writers to discuss the theaters history and its intersection with larger social and political issues within Harlem and the nation. Featuring more than 300 photographs  this volume brings to life the groundbreaking entertainers in music  dance  and comedyDuke Ellington  Louis Armstrong  Ella Fitzgerald  Billie Holiday  Smokey Robinson  Aretha Franklin  The Supremes  James Brown  Moms Mabley  Redd Foxx  Honi Coles  and Savion Glover  to name a fewwho made the Apollo the icon that it is today. The Apollo Theater has been the setting for soaring achievement and creativity in the face of enormous challenges. In telling this truly American story  Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing is a celebration of the lasting contributions of African Americans to the nations cultural life.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45965877805109,"sku":"ByrdShop_1588342697","price":25.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9781588342690.jpg?v=1788371723","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/aint-nothing-like-the-real-thing-the-apollo-theater-and-american-entertainment-9781588342690","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}