Since its February 15, 1926 opening, the Orpheum has played host to some of the most venerable names in show business – from burlesque queen Sally Rand, a young Judy Garland (as Francis Gumm) and comedian Jack Benny, to jazz greats like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. The 1960s brought a completely new dimension to the theater – "rock and roll" – with performers such as Little Richard, Aretha Franklin and Little Stevie Wonder.

In more recent years, television, film and music video stars have added another new feature to the theater’s history – location filming. Today, the Orpheum continues to build on its entertainment industry memories and stands ready once again to welcome live performance and many other special events to its legendary stage.

The theater is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer, the last of the great theater organs remaining on Broadway. It is one of only three original theater organs still existing in Southern California theaters.