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HOWARD THEATRE: A CENTURY IN SONG
DC50 TV Special Celebrates 100th Anniversary of DC Landmark
Saturday, February 27th 8 & 10:30PM
Sunday, February, 28th 1:30PM
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| Host Robin Hamilton |
WDCW-TV's "Howard Theatre: A Century in Song" (Saturday, Feb 27 at 8 & 10:30PM and Sunday, February 28 at 1:30PM) will trace the rich history of this local theatre from its early days through the onset of the Great Depression, when at one point the building was briefly used as a church. Duke Ellington, a DC native, was instrumental in helping to secure the theatre's original reputation as a local entertainment hotspot throughout much of the remaining 1930's. It was also during this time in which the theatre launched "amateur night" competitions - which served as a springboard to stardom for the likes of performers Billy Eckstine and Ella Fitzgerald.
During the 1940's the Howard lost its original façade when it was re-done in the then-fashionable Streamline style. The 2010 restoration will return it to its original design. DC50's "Century in Song" will feature interviews with several of the local people responsible for returning the Howard to its greatness, including exterior architect Gary Martinez and interior architect Michael Marshall. Roy "Chip" Ellis, the developer dedicated to restoring the Howard, will also be featured sharing his vision for the theatre's future and the community that surrounds it.
In its heyday, the Howard was known for catering to an African-American clientele, and played host to many of the great black musical artists of the early and mid-twentieth century. DC50's "Century in Song" will cover the highlights of the 40's, 50's and 60's. Balls and parties, attended by President and Mrs. Roosevelt featured performers like Danny Kaye, Abbott and Costello. A young Pearl Bailey made her debut at the Howard. In the early 1960's, three young women, known as The Supremes, made their first professional appearance there.
"A Century in Song" will feature vintage photos and film, as well as interviews from many of the local artists and singers who performed there, including: 84 year-old Lillian Gordon, a dancer from the 40's and 50's; Jimi Dougans, the winner of an amateur night, who traveled extensively with the Temptations; and Chuck Brown, the Godfather of Go Go. The show will include interviews with local historians Bettye Gardner and Bernard Demczkuk, PhD. The 1968 DC riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. had a devastating effect on the theatre and the nearby community. Shortly after the theatre closed down in 1970, the Howard Theatre Foundation organized and succeeded in reopening the theatre in 1975. Despite being added to the National Register of historic Places in 1974, and having top acts like Red Foxx, Melba Moore, Roberta Flack throughout the late 1970s, the theatre closed in 1980.
"Howard Theatre: A Century in Song" is hosted by local journalist Robin Hamilton. The program will be available to screen on DC50tv.com following the original broadcasts. DC50tv.com will also include extended length interviews with everyone featured on the program.