The Apollo Theater, world renoun, and a historic monument. As a musician performing at the Apollo (the first time around in the mid 1970’s) was a dream-come-true, fascinating experience. I recall walking in, admiring the decor, and feeling the echos of past performances by some of the greatest entertainers in the world. May the spirit of the Apollo Theater continue to shine, long live the Apollo.
The Centinela drive-in brings back a ton of good childhood memories. My parents would take myself any my two brothers there in the mid 1960’s when we were kids. Pulling up in my father’s 1954 Buick Special, ready to hit the snack bar for some buttered popcorn and hot dogs, and maybe even take on a swing or two in the playground before the movie started…..what a treat. I remember seeing a lot of westerns there, like the “ The Good, The Bad & the Ugly”. I can still hear the theme song ringing in my ears.
During the peaking years of the disco era (1978) I played drums at the Hammersmith with disco giant Sylvester, and also returned to the theater a few nights after our performance to catch my friends, George Clinton and Parliment/Funkadelic. The Hammersmith reminded me of the some the theaters in the USA such as the one and only Apollo Theater in New York. It’s good to know the Hammersmith is still going strong and it’s well kept. Long live the Hammersmith!!
Thank you ken mc, I just read the article. It would be a great asset to the community if things went well with the renovation of the Leimert-Vision Theatre. Marla Gibbs, the former owner, deserves a lot of credit for her contributions in the community. And on a similar note, I remember the neighboring historic night club that Mrs. Gibbs owned(s), let us not forget Marla’s “Memory Lane”. Briefly looking back at Memory Lane, I recall performing at Marla’s drumming for Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Sir Lady Java, I also recall seeing the classic comedy team of Leroy, Skillet, and LaWanda (LaWanda Page aka Aunt Ester of the 1970’s Redd Foxx TV sitcom) performing at Marla’s. Marla’s Memory Lane served as host to scores of some of the worlds greatest Jazz, Blues, R&B and Comedy acts, I could go on and on. With the Leimert-Vision Theatre and Memory Lane, Mrs. Gibbs has had in her possession two of LA’s greatest treasures, thank you Mrs. Gibbs. With it’s bold features, the tower of the Leimert-Vision Theatre stands tall and mighty, as if a symboic gesture of the culture which surrounds it. Best wishes and good luck in regards to the renovation efforts and the neighborhood development plans,long live the Leimert-Vision Theatre.
I drove by the location yesterday. The arches are gone, and yes, it is a Washington Mutual Bank. I believe there is a great loss here. The design of the Baldwin Theater with the arches and all was a true piece of art, too bad it could not have been preserved.
More great memories, more great history. The Leiment, the Baldwin, the Vermont. All of these theaters were monuments of fun, excitment, and thrills in my childhood and teen years. When I saw the photos of the Leiment on this page I topped out. It’s the neighborhood in which I have grown up that these buildings once glimmed with life. These days you can not find a new building crafted with the personality that was carved into those theaters. Thank you all for the look back.
In the Mid 1970’s the Warner Theater served as stage for many top R&B shows. As a member of the group New Birth, we performed there a number of times during that period. The Warner was an excellent host, and I can remember the acoustics of the building being very responsive to our instruments. I would always look forward to performing at the Warner because the audience in DC was so full of life, real party people. When I think of the Warner Theater, I have nothing but good memories. Long live the Warner Theater!!
The El Rey Theater, still standing, still living. I only know the performing Theater side of the El Rey, never went when they were showing movies. I performed at the El Rey in the late 1980’s. It was sort of a reunion for the group that I was a member of. That group, New Birth, aka “Wildflower” “I Can Understand It” “Got to Get a Knutt” etc. Anytime I play a Theater such as the El Rey, it always reminds me of playing the Apollo in New York. I remember that night well, the house was filled with happy fans and we had a good time. The El Rey is in a excellent location, and it a fun place to perform. I have also visted the El Rey for other concerts, and always have a good time there. Keep on Keeping on…. El Rey Theater!
I remember my first time setting foot inside the Wiltern Theater. It was in the summer of 1972, at a sound check for “Little Richard”. I was playing drums for Richard and the Wiltern Theater was my first big gig with the King. The sound in the theater was air tight and the feel of the room was warm and vibrant. I remember sitting in the balcony looking down at the stage while the instruments were being set up. As I sat there, relaxed and in a dream like state of mind, I could only imagine how the audience would respond when we hit the stage. I have also attened many concerts at the Wiltern Theater and each show has been spectular. I have nothing but good memories when I think of the Wiltern Theater, long live the Wiltern!
I remember the Vermont Theater very well. During the mid to late 1960’s, while attending 59th Street Elementary, and Horace Mann Jr. High School, my brothers (Ed and Printle) and I used to visit the Vermont Theater quite often. I can remember one year at halloween watching some horror movies at the Vermont. We made sure to catch the early show so we wouldn’t get spooked walking home in the dark. The Vermont was a fun place to visit, leaving a lot of good fun memories. It’s ture, there is no trace of the Theater today, it would be nice if someone could post a photo of the Vermont Theater on this site. Thank you very much.
Back in the day, and especially during my teen years 1968-1970, I remember the Baldwin Theatre very well. It was a very popular spot. During that period most of us were either pro black power movement, or from the hippie life style movement. There was not a lot of violence going on back then, so we were able to go out and enjoy places like the Baldwin Theatre. Prior to the years mentiioned, I also remember one Christmas when the Baldwin Hills Dam broke. The Baldwin Theatre and most the surrounding businesses were unfortunately submerged in water. Somehow, with a lot of hope and hard work, the area survived this ordeal. It brings back a lot
of good memories seeing the photo of the Baldwin Theatre on this website, thank you very much.
The Apollo Theater, world renoun, and a historic monument. As a musician performing at the Apollo (the first time around in the mid 1970’s) was a dream-come-true, fascinating experience. I recall walking in, admiring the decor, and feeling the echos of past performances by some of the greatest entertainers in the world. May the spirit of the Apollo Theater continue to shine, long live the Apollo.
The Centinela drive-in brings back a ton of good childhood memories. My parents would take myself any my two brothers there in the mid 1960’s when we were kids. Pulling up in my father’s 1954 Buick Special, ready to hit the snack bar for some buttered popcorn and hot dogs, and maybe even take on a swing or two in the playground before the movie started…..what a treat. I remember seeing a lot of westerns there, like the “ The Good, The Bad & the Ugly”. I can still hear the theme song ringing in my ears.
During the peaking years of the disco era (1978) I played drums at the Hammersmith with disco giant Sylvester, and also returned to the theater a few nights after our performance to catch my friends, George Clinton and Parliment/Funkadelic. The Hammersmith reminded me of the some the theaters in the USA such as the one and only Apollo Theater in New York. It’s good to know the Hammersmith is still going strong and it’s well kept. Long live the Hammersmith!!
Wow, the 1932 photo is awesome…Thanks!
Thank you ken mc, I just read the article. It would be a great asset to the community if things went well with the renovation of the Leimert-Vision Theatre. Marla Gibbs, the former owner, deserves a lot of credit for her contributions in the community. And on a similar note, I remember the neighboring historic night club that Mrs. Gibbs owned(s), let us not forget Marla’s “Memory Lane”. Briefly looking back at Memory Lane, I recall performing at Marla’s drumming for Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Sir Lady Java, I also recall seeing the classic comedy team of Leroy, Skillet, and LaWanda (LaWanda Page aka Aunt Ester of the 1970’s Redd Foxx TV sitcom) performing at Marla’s. Marla’s Memory Lane served as host to scores of some of the worlds greatest Jazz, Blues, R&B and Comedy acts, I could go on and on. With the Leimert-Vision Theatre and Memory Lane, Mrs. Gibbs has had in her possession two of LA’s greatest treasures, thank you Mrs. Gibbs. With it’s bold features, the tower of the Leimert-Vision Theatre stands tall and mighty, as if a symboic gesture of the culture which surrounds it. Best wishes and good luck in regards to the renovation efforts and the neighborhood development plans,long live the Leimert-Vision Theatre.
I drove by the location yesterday. The arches are gone, and yes, it is a Washington Mutual Bank. I believe there is a great loss here. The design of the Baldwin Theater with the arches and all was a true piece of art, too bad it could not have been preserved.
More great memories, more great history. The Leiment, the Baldwin, the Vermont. All of these theaters were monuments of fun, excitment, and thrills in my childhood and teen years. When I saw the photos of the Leiment on this page I topped out. It’s the neighborhood in which I have grown up that these buildings once glimmed with life. These days you can not find a new building crafted with the personality that was carved into those theaters. Thank you all for the look back.
Another great ad, another great piece of history. Thanks
Great Ad, great history. Thanks
In the Mid 1970’s the Warner Theater served as stage for many top R&B shows. As a member of the group New Birth, we performed there a number of times during that period. The Warner was an excellent host, and I can remember the acoustics of the building being very responsive to our instruments. I would always look forward to performing at the Warner because the audience in DC was so full of life, real party people. When I think of the Warner Theater, I have nothing but good memories. Long live the Warner Theater!!
RR website: home.earthlink.net/~rrussell007/
That’s the Wiltern for sure, thanks much!!
The El Rey Theater, still standing, still living. I only know the performing Theater side of the El Rey, never went when they were showing movies. I performed at the El Rey in the late 1980’s. It was sort of a reunion for the group that I was a member of. That group, New Birth, aka “Wildflower” “I Can Understand It” “Got to Get a Knutt” etc. Anytime I play a Theater such as the El Rey, it always reminds me of playing the Apollo in New York. I remember that night well, the house was filled with happy fans and we had a good time. The El Rey is in a excellent location, and it a fun place to perform. I have also visted the El Rey for other concerts, and always have a good time there. Keep on Keeping on…. El Rey Theater!
My website: home.earthlink.net/~rrussell007/
I remember my first time setting foot inside the Wiltern Theater. It was in the summer of 1972, at a sound check for “Little Richard”. I was playing drums for Richard and the Wiltern Theater was my first big gig with the King. The sound in the theater was air tight and the feel of the room was warm and vibrant. I remember sitting in the balcony looking down at the stage while the instruments were being set up. As I sat there, relaxed and in a dream like state of mind, I could only imagine how the audience would respond when we hit the stage. I have also attened many concerts at the Wiltern Theater and each show has been spectular. I have nothing but good memories when I think of the Wiltern Theater, long live the Wiltern!
My website: home.earthlink.net/~rrussell007/
I remember the Vermont Theater very well. During the mid to late 1960’s, while attending 59th Street Elementary, and Horace Mann Jr. High School, my brothers (Ed and Printle) and I used to visit the Vermont Theater quite often. I can remember one year at halloween watching some horror movies at the Vermont. We made sure to catch the early show so we wouldn’t get spooked walking home in the dark. The Vermont was a fun place to visit, leaving a lot of good fun memories. It’s ture, there is no trace of the Theater today, it would be nice if someone could post a photo of the Vermont Theater on this site. Thank you very much.
Back in the day, and especially during my teen years 1968-1970, I remember the Baldwin Theatre very well. It was a very popular spot. During that period most of us were either pro black power movement, or from the hippie life style movement. There was not a lot of violence going on back then, so we were able to go out and enjoy places like the Baldwin Theatre. Prior to the years mentiioned, I also remember one Christmas when the Baldwin Hills Dam broke. The Baldwin Theatre and most the surrounding businesses were unfortunately submerged in water. Somehow, with a lot of hope and hard work, the area survived this ordeal. It brings back a lot
of good memories seeing the photo of the Baldwin Theatre on this website, thank you very much.