Background
He was born on January 16, 1908 in New York City.
He was born on January 16, 1908 in New York City.
He worked as a dancer in small downtown clubs near New York University, which he attended for one semester.
In 1935 he started the Apollo"s Amateur Night which ran every Wednesday night. The Apollo closed in the 1970s, but the contest was restarted in 1985 after the renovations were completed. He was again the master of ceremonies.
He died on August 4, 1992.
Tino Balio has written that, "Million Dollar, more than any other company, moved black filmmaking away from a marginalized form towards the mainstream, advancing considerably its reputation and ability to attract audiences."
He is interred in Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City.