Apollo was known for blues (Doc Pomus), doo-wop (The Larks), gospel (Mahalia Jackson), jazz, and rock and roll.

In the early 1940s, the Bermans and Siegel worked at the Rainbow Record Shop on 125th Street in Harlem.

[2] Apollo recorded rhythm and blues singers Dinah Washington and Wynonie Harris before they became famous on other labels.

[citation needed] Ike Berman ran the pressing plant that manufactured Apollo Records.

James Cleveland made some of his first recordings with Apollo in The Gospelaires and in The Gospel All-Stars, a session he led and arranged.

[4] Bess Berman took note of the popularity of African American vocal groups named after birds, such as The Orioles and The Ravens.

In 1954, Apollo established a division called Lloyd's Records that was dedicated to doo-wop, adding a new version of The Larks organized under their only remaining member, Gene Mumford.

Apollo produced many singles in this period by groups such as the Opals, the Romeos, the Gentlemen and the Casanovas, but few of these records made money.

Cash Box said in 1954 that Berman "was the only woman ever to break through with outstanding success in the male-dominated recording industry.

"[12] Apollo Records and its affiliated publishing company, Bess Music, was purchased by George Hocutt on May 4, 1989.

Shortly after that purchase in January 1990, Hocutt sold fifty percent of his interest to Couch and Madison Partners of the Malaco Music Group located in Jackson, Mississippi.