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Unsung

Unsung is an hour-long music documentary program that premiered on TV One on November 27, 2008. It celebrates the lives and careers of artists or groups sharing their triumphs, their tribulations, and their truth. It uncovers the stories behind well-known R&B, gospel, and hip-hop music artists, bands, or groups which were ranked on the Billboard music charts with a string of hits, only to have their career derailed by a major crisis. After four seasons, Unsung won an NAACP Image Award in the "Outstanding Information Series or Special" category. Others nominated in this category for 2011 were Anderson Cooper 360° and Washington Watch with Roland Martin. And as of 2018, the series has garnered six NAACP Image Awards.

Genre: Documentary,

Actor:

Creator:

Country: United States of America,

Type: tv

Season: 16

Episode: N/A

Duration: 60 minutes

Release: 2008-11-30

Rating: 4.7

1"Phyllis Hyman"

2008-11-30

Phyllis Hyman’s episode traces the rise of one of soul music’s most captivating and misunderstood voices. The documentary explores her early promise, her struggles within an unforgiving music industry, and the emotional battles she fought behind the scenes. Through rare footage and intimate interviews, the episode reveals how her unmatched talent, personal resilience, and heartbreaking vulnerabilities shaped a legacy that continues to inspire long after her untimely passing.

2"The Clark Sisters"

2008-12-01

This episode traces the extraordinary journey of The Clark Sisters, the pioneering gospel group whose unmatched harmonies reshaped contemporary sacred music. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, the documentary explores their Detroit roots, the demanding musical legacy of their mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, and the personal trials that tested their unity. From groundbreaking success to internal struggles and eventual reconciliation, the episode reveals how their faith, resilience, and innovation cemented them as the most influential female gospel group of all time.

3"Donny Hathaway"

2008-12-02

This episode explores the life and legacy of Donny Hathaway, the brilliant yet troubled soul singer whose voice defined a generation. Through rare performance footage, intimate interviews, and personal reflections from those who knew him best, the documentary traces his rise from gospel‑trained prodigy to acclaimed songwriter and collaborator. It also confronts the emotional and mental health struggles that shaped his artistry and ultimately cut his life short. The episode paints a moving portrait of a musical genius whose influence continues to echo through modern R&B, soul, and jazz.

4"The Debarge Family"

2008-12-03

This episode examines the meteoric rise and painful struggles of the DeBarge family, the gifted musical dynasty behind some of the most beloved R&B hits of the 1980s. Through candid interviews and rare archival footage, the documentary traces their journey from a strict and turbulent upbringing to chart‑topping success. It also confronts the personal battles, family trauma, and industry pressures that threatened to overshadow their talent. The episode offers an intimate look at how their music, resilience, and enduring bond shaped a legacy that continues to influence R&B and pop today.

1"Minnie Riperton"

2009-06-07

Minnie Riperton’s Unsung episode offers a heartfelt look at her brief but brilliant career, highlighting her iconic vocal range and the emotional depth behind her music. It features interviews with her husband Richard Rudolph, daughter Maya Rudolph, and collaborators like Q-Tip and Ramsey Lewis

2"Melba Moore"

2009-06-14

This episode explores the dynamic career of Melba Moore, the Tony Award–winning singer and actress whose powerful voice and resilience helped her navigate fame, heartbreak, and reinvention. From Broadway stardom to chart success and personal setbacks, the documentary reveals how Moore’s artistry and determination made her a lasting force in music and entertainment.

3"Shalamar"

2009-06-21

This episode traces the rise of Shalamar, the influential R&B trio whose sharp choreography and smooth harmonies helped define the sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the documentary explores their chart‑topping success, internal tensions, and the creative legacy that continues to shape modern R&B and dance music.

4"Florence Ballard"

2009-06-28

This episode traces the powerful yet heartbreaking story of Florence Ballard, the founding voice of The Supremes whose talent helped launch Motown’s most iconic group. Through rare footage and emotional interviews, the documentary explores her rise to stardom, the internal struggles that pushed her aside, and the personal battles that shaped her tragic fall. It offers a poignant look at a gifted singer whose legacy continues to resonate long after her untimely passing.

5"Teena Marie"

2009-11-01

This episode chronicles the remarkable journey of Teena Marie, the soulful singer‑songwriter whose powerful voice and genre‑blending artistry made her a groundbreaking force in R&B. Through rare footage and candid interviews, the documentary explores her rise under Motown, her creative partnership with Rick James, and the personal and professional battles she overcame to secure her place as one of soul music’s most enduring and influential artists.

6"Bootsy Collins"

2009-11-08

This episode dives into the wild, visionary world of Bootsy Collins, the flamboyant bassist whose groundbreaking work with James Brown and Parliament‑Funkadelic helped redefine funk music. Through vibrant stories and rare footage, the documentary explores his rise from sideman to star, his creative genius, and the personal challenges behind the larger‑than‑life persona that made him a cultural icon.

7"Klymaxx"

2009-11-15

This episode explores the groundbreaking journey of Klymaxx, the all‑female band that fused funk, rock, and R&B into a bold new sound. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the documentary traces their rise from club stages to chart success, the internal tensions that challenged their unity, and the lasting influence of a group that proved women could dominate the male‑driven world of funk.

8"Zapp & Roger"

2009-11-22

This episode traces the electrifying rise of Zapp & Roger, the pioneering funk innovators whose talkbox sound reshaped R&B and hip‑hop. Through rare footage and emotional interviews, the documentary explores their musical breakthroughs, the family dynamics that fueled their creativity, and the tragic events that cut their legacy short while cementing their influence for generations.

1"Rose Royce"

2010-03-22

2"Sylvester"

2010-03-29

3"Unsung Uncut"

2010-04-05

Features full-length performances from the artists featured on the series.

2010-04-12

2010-04-19

2010-09-13

2010-09-20

A profile of Tammi Terrell.

2010-09-27

2010-10-04

2010-10-11

2010-10-18

2010-10-25

2010-11-01

2010-11-08

2011-06-06

2011-06-13

3"Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle"

2011-06-20

4"Big Daddy Kane"

2011-06-27

5"The Ohio Players"

2011-07-04

6"Evelyn Champagne King"

2011-07-11

2011-07-25

2011-08-01

2011-08-15

2012-01-02

2012-01-09

2012-01-16

2012-01-23

2012-01-30

2012-02-06

2012-02-13

2012-02-27

2012-03-05

2012-03-12

4"Sly and the Family Stone"

2012-06-26

5"Angela Bofill"

2012-07-02

Angela Bofill is profiled.

6"Con Funk Shun"

2012-07-09

7"Kool Moe Dee"

2012-07-16

8"Marvelettes"

2012-07-23

9"Arrested Development"

2012-08-13

2012-08-20

2013-01-23

2013-01-30

2013-02-06

2013-02-13

15"Disco Parts 1 and 2"

2013-02-20

2013-02-27

2013-03-06

2013-03-13

2013-03-20

1"Heavy D & The Boyz"

2013-10-30

2"Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam"

2013-11-06

2013-11-13

2013-11-20

2013-11-27

2014-01-29

2014-02-05

2014-02-12

Poet Gil Scott-Heron is profiled.

9"Nile Rodgers & Chic"

2014-02-19

1"Montell Jordan"

2014-07-30

2"Hi-Five"

2014-08-06

Boy band Hi-Five is profiled, from their Waco origins through their work with such icons as R. Kelly and Teddy Riley. Along the way, we revisit their various musical highlights and then examine the tragedies that threatened to spell disaster for them.

3"The Emotions"

2014-08-13

4"Martha Wash"

2014-08-20

5"Troop"

2014-08-27

6"Bone Thugs-N-Harmony"

2014-09-03

7"Wilson Pickett"

2014-09-10

8"The Chi-Lites"

2014-09-17

The Chi-Lites are profiled, from their Chicago origins through a 1970s stardom characterized by wild costumes, signature harmonies, and such hits as "Oh, Girl" and "Have You Seen Her." The episode then details how tragedies afflicted the group.

2015-01-14

2015-01-21

2015-01-28

2015-02-04

2015-06-03

2015-06-10

2015-06-17

4"Chuck Brown and Go-Go"

2015-06-24

5"Unsung Revisted"

2015-07-01

Full Force, Zapp & Roger, Sylvester and Miki Howard are visited.

6"Xscape"

2015-07-08

7"Kid 'N Play"

2015-07-15

8"Al B. Sure!"

2015-08-26

9"Yarbrough & Peoples"

2015-09-02

10"Force MDs"

2015-09-09

11"YoYo"

2015-09-16

12"KC and the Sunshine Band"

2015-10-07

2015-10-14

2015-10-28

2015-10-28

2015-11-04

17"Jennifer Holliday"

2015-11-11

2015-11-18

2016-02-10

2016-02-17

2016-02-24

2016-03-02

2016-06-01

2016-06-08

2016-06-15

2016-06-22

2016-08-17

2016-08-24

2016-11-23

8"Frankie Knuckles and the Roots of House"

2016-11-30

2016-12-07

2017-01-04

2017-01-11

2017-01-18

2017-01-25

2017-02-01

2017-02-08

Dave Hollister is profiled.

2017-02-15

2017-02-22

2017-07-09

2017-07-09

2017-07-16

2017-07-23

2017-07-30

2017-08-06

2017-08-13

2018-02-18

2018-02-25

2018-03-04

2018-03-11

2018-03-18

2018-03-25

2018-04-08

2018-04-15

2018-04-22

2018-05-20

2018-05-27

2018-06-03

2018-06-10

2018-06-17

2018-06-24

7"Cheryl "Pepsii" Riley"

2018-07-01

8"Will Downing"

2018-07-08

9"Michel'le"

2018-07-15

Michel’le stormed the music scene with a voice like no other, and scaled the charts with help from romantic attachments in high places. But that success came with a terrible cost.

2019-03-03

2019-03-10

2019-03-17

2019-03-24

Shirley Murdock is a rare singer-songwriter who is revered by fans of pop, R&B, dance music and gospel. But at the height of her career, an unthinkable tragedy tested her faith.

2019-03-31

2019-04-07

2019-04-14

2019-04-21

2020-02-23

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.

2"Roxanne Shante"

2020-03-01

3"Christopher Williams"

2020-03-03

Christopher Williams emerged during the late 1980s with a string of new jack swing hits and a pretty boy look. But scandals and arrests would derail his career.

2020-03-15

2020-03-22

2020-03-29

2020-04-05

2020-04-12

2020-04-19

2021-03-21

2021-04-04

2021-04-11

2021-04-18

2021-04-25

2021-05-02

2021-05-09

2021-05-23

2022-02-27

2022-02-27

2022-03-06

2022-03-13

Monie Love made her own lane as a rap star in the late '80s and early '90s with a unique style and socially-conscious lyrics; Monie tells her amazing story, which started as a dream and ended up changing the world of hip-hop.

5"Thelma Houston"

2022-03-20

Thelma Houston has been performing and entertaining fans for over 50 years with her soulful and powerful voice; Thelma comes together with friends and family to tell the story of her incredible journey.

2022-03-27

2022-04-03

2022-04-10

2022-04-17

10"The Decades 2000's"

2022-04-24

11"Tony Terry"

2022-09-25