Documenting the rise and tribulation of the late R&B and Jazz recording artist Phyllis Hyman. NOTE: Episode neglects to mention Hyman's appearance in the films Lenny (film) and School Daze. NOTE: One of 4 episodes narrated by recording artist Al B. Sure!.
Documenting the trials and careers of the gospel group The Clark Sisters.
Documenting the rise and tribulation of the late influential Soul songwriter, composer, and recording artist Donny Hathaway.
Documenting the careers tribulations of the family R&B group The DeBarge Family.
Documenting the rise and finite career of late R&B recording artist Minnie Riperton.
A countdown of the 10 most exceptional episodes hosted by Donnie Simpson.
Hosted by Donnie Simpson. The episode featured a countdown of the top 10 most exceptional "Unsung" episodes – impacting profiles that were selected for their representation of the breadth and depth of the series through fan feedback, social engagement and their influence on pop culture.
The Boys are an R&B Group made UK of Brother's
The group Mtume combines jazz, funk and R&B to produce top-10 hits such as "Juicy Fruit," "You, Me and He" and "Breathless;" with the pressure to crossover, the group struggles to stay on top and disbands in the mid 1980s.
Hip-hop artist Special Ed explodes onto the rap scene in the late 1980s with a unique flow and good looks to match; then, disputes with Special Ed's label lead to legal battles that deal a devastating blow to his career.
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Singer B.B. King brings the blues out of the delta and into the mainstream along with his guitar, Lucille.
In 1988, R&B singer Cheryl Pepsii Riley makes her mark with "Thanks for My Child," a tribute to single mothers, then her willingness to address provocative subjects helps derail her career.
Singer Will Downing's 30-year career includes chart-topping singles; at the height of his career, a paralyzing bout with an autoimmune disease threatens his life; now, Downing reveals the hard-earned achievements and costs of a "soul" survivor.
Mentored by Dr. Dre, R&B singer Michel'le takes the music scene by storm with her debut album; however, her mentorship and romantic attachments prove costly; after years of silence, Michel'le opens up about life as a survivor of domestic violence.
Hip-hop artist Lloyd becomes heartthrob with hits such as "Southside," "Get It Shawty" and "You," but his ties to the Murder Inc. record label nearly puts an end to his career.
Sultry R&B singer Adina Howard becomes a star in the mid-1990s with the chart-topping hit, "Freak Like Me," but after making unsavory comments about the head of her record label, she is all but blackballed from the industry.
Made up of five brothers and three sisters of Polynesian descent, The Jets rise to success in the mid 1980s putting a surprising twist on the Minneapolis sound.
At the height of R&B singer Shirley Murdock's career, an unthinkable tragedy tests her fortitude and her faith.
With 12 No. 1 Billboard Dance Chart hits, Crystal Waters becomes one of the most influential voices in dance music; when dance music fades out in the late 1990s, she has to revive her career and reputation on her own.
R&B singer Glenn Jones lights up the airwaves in the 1980s and 1990s with love ballads that make women swoon; later, he battles financial woes and a health crisis that imperils is life.
Kenny Lattimore helps spark an R&B revival in the mid 1990s with a smooth sound and a look to match; however, a rocky divorce from singer Chante Moore eventually overshadows his career.
Tasha Cobbs' fresh mix of R&B and hip-hop infused gospel brings her crossover success while provoking controversy within her own religious community.
When their debut album produced four top singles, Dru Hill seemed destined for superstardom. But clashes with their label and each other all but derailed their career.
Documenting the rise and career of legendary battle-emcee Roxanne Shante.
Singer Christopher Williams emerges during the late 1980s with a string of new jack swing hits and a pretty-boy look, but his career is derailed by scandals and arrests.
A homegrown product of Brooklyn, New York, Skyy, scored top hits a decade apart, from 'Call Me' to 'Real Love', while dazzling fans with futuristic looks and dance moves.
With her 1983 breakthrough hit "Let The Music Play," "Shannon", was at the helm of a genre-defining dance sound that blended dance, Latin and hip hop.
With the classic 'Me and Mrs. Jones,' Billy Paul's mix of jazz and R&B helped define the emerging Philadelphia sound; but substance abuse and political controversy threatened to derail his career.
For five decades and counting Betty Wright has brought the "real" to R&B, with a powerful voice and sassy delivery that produced over ten top twenty hits.
Friends and family celebrate the life and career of music legend Al Jarreau, known as the Acrobat of Scat, who became the first singer to net Grammys for jazz, R&B and pop.
Goodie Mob changes the rap game in the mid-90s, with distinctive flows backed by dope beats, but when CeeLo becomes a solo superstar, it threatens to end the group for good.
The '80s were a decade of innovation and breakthroughs -- musically, politically and culturally -- by any means necessary, as the grittier sounds of early hip-hop were rising from the streets.
P.M. Dawn topped the charts in the early 90's with hits "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" and "I'd Die Without You", which explored the boundaries of hip-hop. Surviving member Eternal shares on the group's success and honors the life of Prince Be.
Portraits of pioneering figures in fashion, from Run-D.M.C. and Grace Jones to Karl Kani and Virgil Abloh, who helped change the game, and change the world.
Portraits of trailblazing athletes, from Jesse Owens and Bill Russell to Venus Williams and Laila Ali, who helped change the game -- and the world.
Portraits of pioneering figures in film, from Lena Horne and Sidney Poitier to Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay, who helped change the game -- and the world.
Portraits of trailblazing activists who are helping change the game and the world; Paul Robeson, Angela Davis, Maya Angelou and Thurgood Marshall.
Stories of groundbreaking films, from "In the Heat of the Night" and "Shaft" to "The Color Purple" and "Get Out," that helped change the game -- and the world.
Featuring portraits of trailblazing comedians, from Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor to Bernie Mac and Mo'Nique, who helped change the game -- and change the world.
The late great Bobby Caldwell tells the backstory of how his introduction to the world really went down. He stepped on stage with that soulful voice & the rest was history!
Cold Chillin’ Records was the home of hip-hop royalty in New York. Learn about the legendary label’s rise and fall from success.
Chuckii Booker rose to fame in the late 1980's as one of R&B's top crooners. With a voice like no other, Booker’s musical career was a story you have to hear.
Candi Staton's roller-coaster life on and off stage discussed through interviews with her peers including Melba Moore, Mavis Staples, Freda Payne, and Candi herself.
Donald Lawrence has left a legacy as one of the most important figures in contemporary gospel music But success has not come without its share of struggles.
Blaque rocked the music industry with an unstoppable wave of chart-topping hits, led by their single "808." Yet, their journey was marked by tragic setbacks that propelled them through a grueling path within the music industry and life itself.
Stetsasonic rose to stardom as hip-hop’s first band. Step back in time with the seven members as they chronicle their electrifying musical journey.