(LOS ANGELES) – September 22, 2015 – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today it will air the star-studded primetime television event “Legends: OWN at the Apollo” beginning Saturday, October 24 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN. Filmed at the world famous Apollo Theater, the four-part primetime special will feature musical performances and intimate reflections by some of the biggest artists in music history, including seven-time Grammy Award-winner Gladys Knight; Grammy Living Legend Recipient and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Smokey Robinson; Grammy Award-winning and Billboard powerhouse The Isley Brothers; and eight-time Grammy Award-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recipients Earth, Wind & Fire.
The legendary Apollo Theater-the soul of American culture-has played a vital role in cultivating emerging talents and launching the careers of some of the most celebrated acts in music history including Apollo Legends Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind and Fire. “Legends: OWN at the Apollo” transports viewers to Harlem, New York, for four nights of not only soulful performances of the hits we’ve all come to love, but exclusive interviews featuring the artists’ personal thoughts on how the historic theater helped nurture and develop their careers and create lifelong memories and friendships.
The special was created and produced by Ron Weisner Entertainment.
Episode descriptions below. All episodes air from 10-11:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Saturday, October 24
Episode: Legends: OWN at the Apollo Featuring Gladys Knight
Known as the “Empress of Soul,” seven-time Grammy Award-winner and soul icon Gladys Knight takes the stage at Apollo Theater to perform her legendary hits with special guests Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick. Plus, Knight performs with brother and Pip, Merald “Bubba” Knight, Jr.
Saturday, October 31
Episode: Legends: OWN at the Apollo Featuring Smokey Robinson
From the Apollo Theater in his emotionally powerful falsetto, Honorary Grammy Living Legend Recipient, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and songwriter Smokey Robinson performs the hits that made him among the most romantic and beloved artists in music history. Robinson is joined by English soul singer Joss Stone.
Saturday, November 7
Episode: Legends: OWN at the Apollo Featuring The Isley Brothers
Brothers Ronald Isley & Ernie Isley of the legendary group The Isley Brothers take the stage at Apollo Theater to perform their catalogue of musical hits known to powerfully intersect the gospel, R&B, rock, soul, funk and disco genres. With an unprecedented seven decades in the industry, the group proves why their soulful sound continues to reverberate through contemporary music.
Saturday, November 14
Episode: Legends OWN at the Apollo Featuring Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire bring the infectious energy of their eclectic mix of African, Latin American, funk, soul, pop, rock and jazz sounds to the Apollo Theater. Known for their uplifting messages of universal love and harmony, the band showcases the forever-dynamic sound of their horn section, Verdine White’s electrifying bass and the harmony vocals of Ralph Johnson and Philip Bailey’s sweet falsetto they’ve become famous for. Jazz pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis joins the group as special guest.
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