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 (19)
1. Sheila E.
Aired 27 February 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and career of drummer and percussionist Sheila E. Interviews with Sheila E., Pete Escovedo, Juan Escovedo, Peter Michael Escovedo, Zina Escovedo, M.C. Hammer, Karl Perazzo, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Michael Cooper (of Con Funk Shun), Cliff Winston, Ray Obiedo, and D'wayne Wiggins. Postponed from an earlier date (February 20, 2012)
2. David Ruffin
Aired 5 March 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and turbulent career of R&B performer David Ruffin. Interviews with Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards (of The Temptations), Cornelius Grant, Clay McMurray, Robert Penn, Shelly Berger, and Larry Buford. Postponed from an earlier date (February 27, 2012). David Ruffin was a pivotal member of the Motown group "The Temptations. This was the highest rated episode of the season.
3. Whodini
Aired 12 March 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and career of pioneering rap group Whodini. Interviews with Hassan Pore, Jalil Hutchins, Ralph McDaniels, John Fletcher, Grandmaster Dee, Kangol Kid, Roy Comier, Stretch, Michael Bivins, Chuck D, Dana Dane, Doctor Ice, and Nelson George. Postponed from an earlier date (March 5, 2012)
4. Sly and the Family Stone
Aired 26 June 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and turbulent careers of music group Sly and the Family Stone. Interviews with Sly Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Greg Errico, Jerry Martini (of Sly and the Family Stone), Stephen Paley, Novena Carmel, Clive Davis, Hamp "Bubba" Banks, and Jeff Kaliss. Original bassist Larry Graham did not appear in the documentary.
5. Angela Bofill
Aired 2 July 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the career and troubles of Jazz/R&B singer-songwriter Angela Bofill. Interviews with Angela Bofill, Buddy Williams, Dave Valentin, Frank Martin, Narada Michael Walden, Maysa Leak, Jeanie Tracy, Francisco Coteno, Melba Moore, and Rich Engel.
6. Con Funk Shun
Aired 9 July 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and careers of the R&B/funk music group Con Funk Shun. Interviews with Dennis Johnson, Danny "Sweetman" Thomas, Felton Pilate, Larry Dodson (of The Bar Kays), Michael Cooper, Zebulun Pauelle Harrell, Karl Fuller, Paul Mack, Peter Michael Escovedo, Cedric Martin, Rickey Vincent, Linda Lou McCall, Jay King, Melvin Carter, and MC Hammer.
7. Kool Moe Dee
Aired 16 July 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and career of pioneer rap vocalist Kool Moe Dee. Interviews with Kool Moe Dee, LA Sunshine, Special K (of the Treacherous Three), Busy Bee Starski, Melle Mel, Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley, Quincy Jones, and Lavaba Mallison.
8. Marvelettes
Aired 23 July 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the rise and turbulent decline of Motown group the Marvelettes. Interviews with Katherine Anderson Shaffner, Wanda Young Rogers, Ann Bogan, Wyanetta "Juanita" Cowart (of the Marvelettes), Otis Williams (of The Temptations), Georgia Dobbins, Robert Bateman, Mary Wilson (of The Supremes), Joe Billingslea (of The Contours), Eddie Holland, Dyana Williams, Janie Bradford, and David Washington.
9. Arrested Development
Aired 13 August 2012 • 60 min
Documenting the careers of alternative hip hop group Arrested Development. Interviews with Speech, Rasa Don, Aerle Taree, One Love, Eshe Mothsho, Dionne Farris, JJ Boogie, Tasha LaRae (of Arrested Development), Michael Mauldin, Steven Ivory, Jason Orr, Gil Robertson IV, and Kelley L. Carter.
10. Gerald Levert
Aired 20 August 2012 • 60 min
11. Isaac Hayes
Aired 23 January 2013 • 60 min
12. Midnight Star
Aired 30 January 2013 • 60 min
13. EPMD
Aired 6 February 2013 • 60 min
14. Lou Rawls
Aired 13 February 2013 • 60 min
15. Disco Parts 1 and 2
Aired 20 February 2013 • 60 min
16. Eddie Kendricks
Aired 27 February 2013 • 60 min
17. The Whispers
Aired 6 March 2013 • 60 min
18. Mint Condition
Aired 13 March 2013 • 60 min
19. Johnny Gill
Aired 20 March 2013 • 60 min