The incomparable Prince, has been added to the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame. Musicians who knew the legendary Purple Rain star were joined by fans, including an impersonator, as they paid tribute to him at a ceremony outside the landmark venue in Harlem.
The New Power Generation, Prince’s backing band, kicked off the ceremony with a horn glaring rendition of Prince’s popular mega-hit “1999” from his 1999 album, released in 1982. This performance was followed by the perfect cover of Prince’s Do Me Baby, performed by Meli’sa Morgan, who was famous for her 1985 cover of the hit single.
The Minnesota native received a coveted spot on 125th St. in Harlem to commemorate his brilliant four-decade career as a singer, songwriter, musician, producer and arranger. It’s the latest honor bestowed on Prince, who was known to shy away from the spotlight and twice turned down a spot on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
The tribute took place on June 13, 2016 at the theater’s annual “Spring Gala,” an event hosted this year by LL Cool J with musical performances by the O’Jays, Leon Bridges and Andra Day.
At the ceremony, a plaque bearing Prince’s name was unveiled by members of his New Power Generation, musicians Meli’sa Morgan and Maceo Parker, and Jonelle Procope, president and CEO of the Apollo Theater.
Prince’s bronze plaque will join those honoring stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Charlie Parker and Michael Jackson in the sidewalk beneath the theater’s famed marquee.
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