About this season
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.
Episodes (8)
1. Minnie Riperton
Aired 7 June 2009 âą 60 min
Minnie Ripertonâs 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
Aired 14 June 2009 âą 60 min
This episode explores the dynamic career of Melba Moore, the Tony Awardâwinning 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 Mooreâs artistry and determination made her a lasting force in music and entertainment.
3. Shalamar
Aired 21 June 2009 âą 60 min
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 â70s and early â80s. Through candid interviews and archival footage, the documentary explores their chartâtopping success, internal tensions, and the creative legacy that continues to shape modern R&B and dance music.
4. Florence Ballard
Aired 28 June 2009 âą 60 min
This episode traces the powerful yet heartbreaking story of Florence Ballard, the founding voice of The Supremes whose talent helped launch Motownâs 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
Aired 1 November 2009 âą 60 min
This episode chronicles the remarkable journey of Teena Marie, the soulful singerâsongwriter whose powerful voice and genreâblending 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 musicâs most enduring and influential artists.
6. Bootsy Collins
Aired 8 November 2009 âą 60 min
This episode dives into the wild, visionary world of Bootsy Collins, the flamboyant bassist whose groundbreaking work with James Brown and ParliamentâFunkadelic 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 largerâthanâlife persona that made him a cultural icon.
7. Klymaxx
Aired 15 November 2009 âą 60 min
This episode explores the groundbreaking journey of Klymaxx, the allâfemale 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 maleâdriven world of funk.
8. Zapp & Roger
Aired 22 November 2009 âą 60 min
This episode traces the electrifying rise of Zapp & Roger, the pioneering funk innovators whose talkbox sound reshaped R&B and hipâhop. 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.