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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[@novelmaker5071]

If you’re here in 2024 I need a thumbs up!!

[@Mystique2u]

me...

[@jaycee6390]

👍

[@ThaBrooklynHurricane]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🫶🏾

[@monilaninetynine3811]

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.

[@d.danvers4621]

👍🏽

[@DavidRichardson95]

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.

[@rolandrasul2654]

Farrakhan saviors day 2010 pt 2

[@rachelr3230]

May all those who are gone rest easy💕

[@BadTV1993]

Dennis Edwards..he isnt up there, but he is part of that legacy

[@Riogi]

David, your tribute to the greats was wonderful!

[@trenttrent2209]

David Richardson RIP Michael Jackson

[@shanatee7765]

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 ❤

[@harborviewoperations6291]

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.

[@elrasa3584]

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

[@KatKiddEnt]

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! ❤❤❤

[@pablofonseca13411]

Me too.. it’s so great the last song. You see music has transformed life and transcended society

[@oatlaskennedy1308]

You should download it so you’ll always have a copy.

[@feliciajenkins5041]

Levi Stubbs had the coolest beard and earth shattering vocals

[@eleanorturner4651]

Yes He did 😂😂,,He was just to fine!!

[@BenJabituya]

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.

[@richardroundtree803]

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!!!!

[@arickett68]

Except when he sexually assaulted all those women & went to prison

[@DesnieGlover]

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.

[@bubhub64]

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.

[@BrendaSheard-vt9fu]

Ms.Pattie VOICE NEVER CHANGED....💯👑👑💪🏾🌏

[@dominiquejones3805]

Melvin got the shag

[@PatriciaBlade]

No🎉❤❤she didnt🎉❤❤❤

[@ecuevas5099]

Now that was music & it’ll last for generations to come ❤❤❤

[@patriciamissie]

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.

[@aquilachefba-ados]

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…

[@rubyparchment5523]

Case in point: Machine Gun Kelly. Jeez Louise....

[@di2743]

Pure respect for their craft unlike today's gross lyrics n presentation.

[@donjai9366]

​​@@di2743 Not lyrics & presentation today is gross. It depends on the type of music you listen to.

[@WW-tg5pu]

Patti Labelle.....what a whirlwind. She smashed and shook the foundations of the Apollo. Sarah Vaughn. Simply mesmerising

[@emah104]

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!

[@thelmafrazier5409]

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.

[@cflo1386]

That's awesome

[@nikkienikkie4310]

You were definitely blessed to experience this!!!

[@luciac9123]

Wow! That is sooo cool!!

[@mocancer3232]

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

[@edmundmyronsmith798]

@@mocancer3232 u

[@damienmercer4731]

…another reason why you can’t beat the 80’s!!!!!

[@gordonalexander4407]

well most of this music wasn't recorded in the 80s so Its hard to know how you justify that remark

[@damienmercer4731]

@ ….if you were there, you would already know…..

[@thurgooddukes7381]

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!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ericboswell8863]

I just wished they would have kept it Black PERSONALLY..🤬

[@thurgooddukes7381]

@@ericboswell8863 I agree with you on that brother, they always want what our people create and then call it theirs.

[@maxinecalhoun3481]

​@@ericboswell8863x 😅

[@janicemontgomery5680]

I am 80 yrs old. There 🎉 never been so many talents on one stage, in my lifetime

[@rosiehill5377]

They still have other nations of people in mostly all our events but you don't see many of us in theirs ​@ericboswell8863

[@ytcarol]

I teared up when Smokey sang his first notes - that distinctive vibrato was the voice of my youth.

[@ItalianRose56]

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.

[@donniemccray5856]

I remember the majority of these guys which were and are great performers.

[@cheerleader0602]

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.

[@Tre404]

Welcome to The Circle, Valeria...

[@dwaynewardell8024]

I love old school music so much, I’m an old soul. I love my history ❤️

[@oliviajohnjohnolivia8142]

Where is the Village People ?

[@ShaysOutlook]

​@@dwaynewardell8024 yes I'm also have a old soul

[@susieadams3305]

Theye couldn't dances but boy how things change

[@BILL-vi7vd]

85 I was 31 enjoying every second of life. I'm still enjoying at 64. Internet best thing ever happen to me.

[@wesleyking2212]

Wish i could've lived through those experiences.. i was born the very next year

[@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489]

@@wesleyking2212 the live performances sitting in front of TV 📺 w/ family were most memorable "hey yall its black folkz on TV"!! 😂

[@Leshay5]

I was born that year, but I remember it on VHS.

[@pakyesu4522]

I am in my 20's at these time. Such an awesome thing to remember good memories with great music.

[@carolgreen9274]

I did! It was phenomenal!!!

[@MusicTalkRoom]

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

[@mariaridgeway7721]

Amen!! I second that!

[@mariaridgeway7721]

Amen!! I second that !!

[@teresareid1770]

Amen! Third

[@kathynelson6409]

The

[@kathynelson6409]

@@mariaridgeway7721 fb

[@MrChoirDirector87]

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!!

[@natashawall8131]

Gregory Hines!!! Just magnificent as always. He is missed, too.

[@bigboy4438]

So many great performances, Debbie Allen killed it. When she did Billie, I lost it, she was doing her thing, God bless the child.

[@4Youalone3]

❤

[@algiewoodyfunny9718]

That back stage had to be the greatest place on earth that one night

[@garrisonsmallwood3105]

P

[@nikradik]

Yesssss

[@tycorprew1234]

Imagine being there

[@sharondamcgee7058]

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!!❣️

[@harborviewoperations6291]

I purchased it from Amazon along with Motown 25 Yesterday Today and Forever

[@blacknproud.podcast]

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!

[@gkelley3kelley852]

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

[@apacademy]

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

[@nickwilczynski3684]

Glad someone finally put it up. This video is basically impossible to find (or, had been)

[@cyrilbullard8431]

That tap dancing moment with Sammy Davis Jr was magic

[@sharonwhite8698]

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

[@jojoz]

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

[@tremekawilson9238]

Indeed

[@bunnygray4513]

Smokey wrote his song which is why he was there.

[@5300trilla]

@@bunnygray4513 what ? Hell nawl. George Michael made that song on the bus @ 17

[@ItalianRose56]

@@5300trilla - written by Terence Choi, according to Google

[@signalfire15]

@@bunnygray4513Um, no, he did not. Careless Whisper was sung, written and produced by GEORGE MICHAEL.

[@kevin12697]

Patti literally killed every performance she appeared in, Thank god for the legend she is

[@gaddovame2879]

If she had killed them LITERALLY, she'd be serving life in prison.

[@AntonioJLee]

She is a force of nature !!

[@MrBjorn6]

That was her night especially in my life!!! When I became a real fan, fan!!

[@thedeucemonkey2331]

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...

[@kevin12697]

@@thedeucemonkey2331 speak for yourself

[@unitedstatesofavalon6760]

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..

[@theworldofmicah]

This show was amazing and I was a child when this aired and still enjoy these artists to this day. Long live Motown Records 🙌

[@cowboybill8457]

I am white and grew up with this MUSIC!!! SOUL TRAIN??? SOUL ** MUSIC*** PERIOD!!! TWAT happen blm ??? twat HAPPEN??

[@fabriennealexander2254]

Micah Watkins amen me too

[@marymoore5368]

deer ģ

[@susanfarrell6359]

This historic history of black music is where it all started

[@Iloveswedes]

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.

[@isidorembianda7504]

Moon,Sun,Stars,The entire Galaxy on one stage

[@devinwilliams400]

Rich entertainment. Both Motown and the Apollo Theater both have such rich history.

[@oholm09]

African Americans entertainment

[@elainerandall2738]

Totally agree

[@wesleyking2212]

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!!

[@007jLoSoulGLo]

Wesley King exactly!!

[@steviemoon4472]

Sadly we will never experience anything this get together ever again, most of them gone but always remembered............God bless them all !!!!

[@dharkknight4747]

Damn!

[@anthonyvaughan6470]

AMEN TO THAT !!!!

[@pebblesmounier4043]

True

[@oldeenglishd45]

Probably the best concert I’ve ever seen.

[@rboyd319]

OMG!!!! Patti LaBelle and Joe Cocker brought me to tears.....Patti has always had that affect on me....she is the epitome of church!

[@feliciajenkins5041]

I tried not letting the tears drop too...fail

[@BlackStorm555]

Me too!!!🥲

[@harborviewoperations6291]

All that love and talent crammed into 2 hours. I love it

[@valeriecheersbrown4829]

My Lord, Patti singing You Are Never Alone was needed to hear this day!

[@williamwatt6603]

@@valeriecheersbrown4829 you never walk alone

[@mr.cweights7097]

Black Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@johnwhitworth2675]

Talent is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! If we could take the color out we'd be better humans.

[@MScoachDANI]

I wasn’t even born when this aired but I’m glad I got to see this.

[@wingchundragon]

Wow i feel old. I watched this live when it aired on a Sunday night. Great times

[@glennlaroche1524]

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.

[@kayandaeddings4803]

Glenn Laroche I know right? I can remember the first TV special that I saw was Motown 25 wich is on KZbin 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.

[@reneastle8447]

@@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.

[@kayandaeddings4803]

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.

[@reneastle8447]

@@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.

[@kayandaeddings4803]

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.

[@DaddyTre65]

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!

[@fabecollage5804]

What a great performance !

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

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. ❤💚💙💛💘💟💗🤍💝💖🕺🏽

[@ApplePie-ro9lc]

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!!!!

[@patriciadavis1393]

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

[@FUNKINETIK]

Ahh thanks, never knew Billy P wrote that song. What a trio, what a performance.

[@GLAS63]

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!!

[@sophisticatedmm3632]

Amazing

[@donnac.3273]

I love it. I felt that energy. 8 watched it several times.

[@queenofweaves916]

This is our history that is being erased or just forgotten. Thank God for this channel you always give us gems 💎

[@peterhopper3060]

Never forgotten share share share. Always show to your kids, grandkids, students etc..

[@deedee9685]

@@peterhopper3060 .

[@oldeenglishd45]

This will always live on. FOREVER.

[@devinwilliams400]

Memories like this are meant to be treasured forever.

[@cheerleader0602]

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.

[@rosalynb8942]

Man those people in that audience did not realize the blessing they were experiencing!

[@INTUITIVENORSK2303]

Hmmm, it does make one think, but in all honesty, i think they did know, as they were there! Take care.

[@rickw1100]

George Michael and Stevie Wonder's duet was incredible.

[@INTUITIVENORSK2303]

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!!!

[@MrRuperty]

@@INTUITIVENORSK2303 I guess George was at the APOLLOS, because he is not white, he is greece. There no black greece all over to much.

[@s_h_a_w_n_d_a]

George Michael was so foine!!! S.I.P 🕊️💞🙏🏽💐💐

[@LutherMcLeary-om3om]

Thanks 7

[@LutherMcLeary-om3om]

Thanks@@INTUITIVENORSK2303

[@darlenewhite8622]

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,❤😊.

[@yolanda6847]

Just stumbled upon this & I absolutely love it. Beautiful black entertainers all supporting each other is what my soul didn't know it needed.

[@eleanorturner4651]

I to came across this show by accident, so glad that I did!!!

[@bartleywalton1888]

One of the best musical tribute specials

[@signalfire15]

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!

[@Janvsone]

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!

[@Jadedyxy]

😂😂😂

[@johnanders3440]

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.

[@fernandepierre1037]

@@Jadedyxy katna

[@aprilgosa5779]

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

[@aprilgosa5779]

joking aside George stepped on that stage George from WHAM! he left the stage as GEORGE MICHAEL!

[@SmoothCinnamonX]

This is such a phenomenal, comprehensive history lesson in Black American art and culture!

[@johnwhitworth2675]

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.

[@geegod9122]

@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culcha

[@geegod9122]

@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culcha

[@geegod9122]

@@johnwhitworth2675 sorry, white art n America's culture

[@user-qc8vj3vp9v]

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.

[@lilpoohbear653]

Stevie Wonder fills the room with a wall of sound...love him

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

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!

[@Echelonthemyth]

man the duet with patty brought tears to my eyes wow what an amazing performance ! legends

[@pgdarling301]

Joe Cocker tried to keep up bless his heart.

[@shjakes]

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.💙

[@abrahampalmer8761]

Same tbh I prefer old school music myself way more talented diverse and so much better for the human psyche

[@joylewis2910]

I so understand and agree with everything you said!💯💯💯💯

[@danielwagner4369]

God DAMN! THIS is what you call star-studded!

[@sevinatenine4444]

I WISH THERE WERE MORE SHOWS ON TV LIKE THIS NOWADAYS

[@cubangal1]

The Incomparable Patti Labelle!!!!!!!!!!!!thank you

[@Djpdogg]

Patty is a national treasure. My goodness what a duet!!!!!

[@royalblue1784]

My Goodness! Patti, Joe and Billy on piano! Just throw my both my shoes! What an Epic Performance of Greatness!

[@MrEdwinrich]

Goosebumps for days

[@oldeenglishd45]

I cried.

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

I had this on a VHS tape when I was 5 and would show my friends over the years (and now on KZbin, as I'm 39) - still one of the greatest performances of all time. Patti is beyond! That butterfly dance move!

[@elizabethtorres6069]

🍃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.🍃

[@frankalexander4739]

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.

[@theodethomasa6358]

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.

[@mocancer3232]

You were deprived

[@suzieque4438]

Seeing all the groups together breaks me up. The music is great. Has certainly passed the test of time.

[@andieslive669]

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.

[@teresajones7153]

What a wonderful amazing star studded show ! I’ll never forget this evening of “TV!!” 🎉❤ To my Facebook friends ❗️🌟

[@mariejilberia5908]

Celebration of Blackness!! God I love it 😍😍😍

[@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489]

all that REAL male testosterone on stage at 20:12 *LAWD*💕💯

[@DrGryndMD]

Real Tears... We have fallen from grace. This has proved it.

[@robinconkel-hannan6629]

Blackness.? A whole heap of those folks, especially the women, are as pale as Europeans..

[@Thollis1987]

Yes ma'am!

[@johnwhitworth2675]

Celebration of icons and iconic songs.

[@davehdrussell7730]

That Damn George micheal... nobody can sing that song like he could

[@141Lav]

Exactly!!! 💯

[@islandgirl9479]

Can someone please call and get the Roof repaired....PATTI JUST BROUGHT THE ROOF DOWN HONEY💖

[@MelodyMaker151]

Yes Miss Patti is a bully on the mic LOL ... They were not ready.

[@RussellDrakeConnect]

Incredible!!! Every performance was FANTASTIC!!! The dancing was extraordinary, the singing was sensational and the musicians were phenomenal. Cosby was a brilliant host!! I started watching this at 3 am and cannot stop!!

[@MarilynHenry-cv3mh]

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!!❤!

[@pbrown7142]

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.

[@Tre404]

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.

[@mozellejarrett3671]

Amen!

[@lindalyte7307]

@ P Brown/Truth....Speak it!!!! 😔🍃

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@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.

[@rickg019]

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! 😆 🤣

[@oliviajohnjohnolivia8142]

The building was radiant.

[@laydieb1571]

THIS IS MY FAVORITE SPECIAL OF ALL TIME!!! 😍

[@johnathandaniels6377]

This video is an accest of black history. In all great and enjoyable.

[@ezramacarena3406]

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

[@ValarieSimon]

Rip to the greats Who thinks Debbie Allen was underrated as an artist?

[@monilaninetynine3811]

Debbie is one of the most talented people in the business. She can do EVERYTHING - - acting, singing, dancing, choreography, directing.

[@poisedladydiaries]

I adore her so much. Definitely underrated!!!

[@sarge7526]

She is the greatest

[@divinesarah]

After hearing her land that epic note at the end of her number I have to agree.

[@therealflamelit]

@@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

[@josephhardaway3]

Joe Cocker and Patti LaBelle did great together!! Their voices complemented each other!!

[@Noco235]

Right. And if you can't stand the heat, don't get on the stage with Patti!!

[@jojoz]

i started crying watching Joe Cocker sing that song like he truly truly meant it they were amazing together you are right!!

[@moiseomri]

How can one not appreciate that talent!

[@shanatee7765]

Not many people can't hold down a duet with Patti... He and Billy were phenomenal along with her❤

[@SteveAdamsChannel]

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!

[@feliciajenkins5041]

When you hand her the mic it's OVER🎤🎤🎼🎵

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

You are so eloquent, and right in what You speak. Luv Ya 💞

[@donnac.3273]

She sure did so gracious.

[@swat19]

when she came out with that hairdo you knew it was on

[@farrisflagg6309]

@@feliciajenkins5041 Diana Ross who playing Atlantic City was sick. So she gave the microphone to Patti LaBelle.

[@kevincraig293]

I grew up in this era I feel truly blessed

[@derrellhicks8189]

Thanks so much for the good times Hicks family thank you ❤

[@barbaraelder8517]

we have lost many over the years but their music will never die

[@macwell]

Anyone else satiated in finding where the 'Patti at the Apollo Theatre' clip came from and is simultaneously grasping for their edges say, 'AAyyyeeeee!' WHEW!

[@raven_ous2585]

Loved this. Especially the 4 Tops and Temptations on stage together. Brilliant !!xx

[@DeboSpot]

Good stuff this is our history ! Play it again and again……

[@KatieLee0823]

Thank you for sharing this treasure. So glad God allowed Bill Cosby to receive a second chance at his freedom.

[@2b88player4]

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!

[@jarrettrichardson3153]

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

[@sophisticatedmm3632]

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 😃.

[@JacquelineEdmonds-i9r]

I wish they would bring on an update show of the Apollo, I love the Apollo.

[@ebyrd5328]

This has brought me so much joy! I was 4 years old when this happened. Gives me goosebumps!

[@leonardguillory2511]

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!

[@mocancer3232]

I was 4 too

[@eumelaniniam3781]

Patti Upstaging game is on Fleek👊💪

[@eugeniabrown9906]

Always. Love her.

[@mexia23]

You see it 😂😂😂😂😂 she drown out Diana Ross

[@lucyloo2520]

@@mexia23 When Diana Ross started to sing I stopped the video and started to read the comments. Turned it back on.. THANK YOU!

[@ChagoWilson]

@Xcuze Hey, it's not Patti's fault that some can't hang with her. But she performed duets with other real singers like Luther, Gladys & Chaka Khan who could hang with her and not allow her to over-sing them. If you are gonna sing with Patti, you gotta bring your 'A' game, that's all!

[@ChagoWilson]

@Xcuze you are so busy going off on a tangent that you totally missed my point.

[@louiselaliberte9816]

Wow, I remember watching this as a little kid. Miss Patti was everything and she STILL is, period.

[@DetroitLives313]

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!

[@teresajones7153]

What a wonderful amazing star studded show ! I’ll never forget this evening of “TV!!” 🎉❤

[@noraparker4137]

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

[@maryjones0147]

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. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TyHarrellShow]

I remember when this aired!!!!! I was a little boy in awe of all this talent. Good memories.

[@DetroitNerd]

So much talent on one stage. Incredible

[@ritamoore8020]

I was feeling very down and depressed but came across the advertisement for this celebration. I am in a wheelchair and by the time the show ended I was one happy lady. All I need now is someone to tighten mall the screws and bolts in my wheelchair. I had a upper body workout Silver Sneakers would recommend you check with your doctor first. I'm going to be working out twice a day for over two hours. Good bye WW, it's been real.

[@muckraker80]

My mom recorded this and I watched it as nauseum ad a child. Every day for at least a year. This is ingrained in a storage space in my mind I thought I forgot.

[@secretuniverseintuitivevis8206]

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

[@wesleyking2212]

I wish i couldve experienced those times.. i was born the year after this aired