James Brown became synonymous with Harlem's Apollo Theater not only because he graced its stage hundreds of times but also because three of his most famous and critically revered albums were recorded there: 1963's Live at the Apollo (one of the greatest live albums of all time), 1968's Live at the Apollo, Vol. 2, and 1971's Revolution of the Mind: Recorded Live at the Apollo, Vol. 3. This 50th-anniversary release serves as a sampler for those various sets, including tracks from each. There are also two bonus tracks: "Hot Pants Road" and "There It Is," which were recorded with The J.B.'s in September 1972 for a fourth Apollo live set that was never released. It's still best for fans to seek out the original live albums (and in many cases their deluxe or expanded counterparts), but if one needs a succinct summary of the greatest live performer of the 20th century in his most familiar surroundings, no one could argue with the brilliance on display right here.
Other Versions
- 2023
- 1973
- 1973
- 2007
- 1986
Featured On
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