Teddy Riley readies 'emotional' return to Apollo in Harlem
NEW YORK (AP) — Teddy Riley is on the brink of tears. Happy tears.
The singer and producer behind hits for Michael Jackson says now that he's just days away from his big show at the Apollo Theater — a return to his hometown in Harlem after more than 20 years — he's struck with emotion, and fans will see that onstage.
"I get really emotional because I'm in such disbelief. I'm from the projects, man. To make it out of the projects, not too many people could say that," said Riley, who grew up near the Apollo. "It's going to be tears of joy."
Riley, 51, spearheaded the New Jack Swing era in music in the '80s and '90s, bringing on a new and hitmaking sound that dominated radio and the charts.