Who Needs an Unsung episode?

[Cincinnati_Kid]

I would nominate Joe Tex. My parents loved that guy when I was a youngster... I can hear "Skinny Legs and All" playing in my head now.

[Optimal Saint]

Isley Brothers

Allen Toussaint

Sade

James Carr

denise lasalle

clarence Reid "blowfly"

Roy Ayers

shuggie Otis

zZ Hill

Lattimore

anita Baker

Brothers Johnson

[Optimal Saint]

I would nominate Joe Tex. My parents loved that guy when I was a youngster... I can hear "Skinny Legs and All" playing in my head now.

i gotcha and loose caboose are my fave Tex tunes

[marv2]

I would nominate Joe Tex. My parents loved that guy when I was a youngster... I can hear "Skinny Legs and All" playing in my head now.

Yep, definitely Joe Tex!

[Optimal Saint]

I’m disappointed in the picks for the new season

I’d rather see any of the great suggestions in this thread than what the network picked

I know his heyday predates most of those listed by Billy Eckstine?

I love Numero’s Eccentric Soul series and I’d love a documentary on any of the labels they featured

Mothers Finest

For Hollywood

Louis Gossett Jr

Levar Burton [[roots, reading rainbow and Star Trek, I always thought he should’ve been bigger than he was)

Eriq LaSalle best known for ER

Alphonso Riberio Silver spoons fresh prince and that michael Jackson Pepsi commercial

[Cincinnati_Kid]

I’m disappointed in the picks for the new season

I’d rather see any of the great suggestions in this thread than what the network picked

I know his heyday predates most of those listed by Billy Eckstine?

I love Numero’s Eccentric Soul series and I’d love a documentary on any of the labels they featured

Mothers Finest

For Hollywood

Louis Gossett Jr

Levar Burton [[roots, reading rainbow and Star Trek, I always thought he should’ve been bigger than he was)

Eriq LaSalle best known for ER

Alphonso Riberio Silver spoons fresh prince and that michael Jackson Pepsi commercial

Who did they pick for the new season?

[lockhartgary]

Who did they pick for the new season?

Season starts March 3, 2019.

Those showcased will be:
Lloyd
Adina Howard
The Jets
Shirley Murdock
Crystal Waters
Glenn Jones
Kenny Latimore
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

[PeaceNHarmony]

Esther Phillips.

[Guy]

Nona Hendryx
Roy Ayers
Patti Austin
Randy Crawford

[caliluv]

Don Covay!!

[Optimal Saint]

Not an unsung episode but I just read that Robert Townsend finished a documentary on the Five Heartbeats

Can’t wait to see it

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Nona Hendryx
Roy Ayers
Patti Austin
Randy Crawford

All of these would be great, especially Roy Ayers, whom I thought was underrated.

[Optimal Saint]

Is Chubby Checker worthy of an unsung?

I just know him for the twist

But I think he was a huge deal at the time and was a massive influence on that era

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Is Chubby Checker worthy of an unsung?

I just know him for the twist

But I think he was a huge deal at the time and was a massive influence on that era

Maybe. But I would think, longevity and number of hit songs aren't in his favor. He was only popular for a few years.

[marv2]

All of these would be great, especially Roy Ayers, whom I thought was underrated.

I vote for Roy Ayers also. He made some incredible music.

[marv2]

Chubby Checker is an American Music Icon even without a long list of hit records.

[arr&bee]

The artistics

[edafan]

James Jamerson & his influence on later bass players

[Ngroove]

Still hoping for one on Sam & Dave. I really, really, really want to know, in Sam Moore's words, his thoughts on Atlantic owning them all along over Stax, Stax splitting from them, and afterwards.

[nativeNY63]

Don Covay!!

Yes! "Your love is like a Seesaw, baby...up, down..!

[nativeNY63]

Here's my picks, guys:

Unsung -

Case
Unifics
G C Cameron
Jerry Butler [[The Iceman)
AWB
Rare Earth
Jesse Johnson
Alexander O'Neal
Billy Stewart
Rockwell
Musiq Soulchild
Calvin Richardson
Brainstorm
Grover Washington, Jr

Unsung Hollywood -

Tatiana Ali [[Fresh Prince of Bel Air)
Aries Spears ,[[comedian/actor/impressionist)
Jayne Kennedy

Enjoy!

[sansradio]

Hey native, I believe Alexander O'Neal did have an "Unsung" ep a few years back. If memory serves, it was a joint program with Cherrelle.

[Optimal Saint]

Was there more to Rockwell than I think?

Which is he was Berry Gordy’s son who had one hit song that was only a hit because Thriller era Michael Jackson was on it

[nativeNY63]

Hey native, I believe Alexander O'Neal did have an "Unsung" ep a few years back. If memory serves, it was a joint program with Cherrelle.

Thanks, sans. Missed it.

[nativeNY63]

Was there more to Rockwell than I think?

Which is he was Berry Gordy’s son who had one hit song that was only a hit because Thriller era Michael Jackson was on it

Yup. And the only other asterisk to his "career", was that he enjoyed beating the tar out of his live-in girlfriend! Girlie-man hit her with a chair! "I always feel like somebody's watching me. And I get no privacy!" [[cue Michael)

[StuBass1]

Did anyone say Ronnie Dyson? Would be a very compelling episode...

[nativeNY63]

Add Miche'le and Diddy balladeer, Carl Thomas. Pearl Bailey too.

[lockhartgary]

Add Miche'le and Diddy balladeer, Carl Thomas. Pearl Bailey too.

Michel'le has an Unsung episode.

[nativeNY63]

Michel'le has an Unsung episode.

Thanks, lockhartgary.

[glencro]

I've decided that I'm going to die on this hill.

I'll grant the argument against the post Motown Four Tops.

Every artist that has been recording for decades has a "heyday" that the majority of the hits and fame came from.

Other than Standing on the Top, I couldn't tell you a single post 1980 Temptations song. But I don't think that 80s and beyond Temptations need an unsung episode. So I get excluding the tops. i'd like to see it but I get it

I think that the Supremes and Miracles are a different story.

When a group loses it's lead singer that is a line in the sand, a clear division between eras

There is a definite difference between Diana leaving the Supremes versus Flo

And as far as the general public is concerned at least 95% of the hits and fame and being "sung" comes from the Diana & Smokey eras

I'd love to find out more about the transitions. I think that Smokey wanted to leave the Miracles 2-3 years before he finally did

How was Jean Terrell chosen as the new lead?

I'd heard that's not who Berry Gordy wanted. If that's true who did he want?

Who else was in the running? Was Mary becoming the new lead not an option?

was there competition between new Supremes and Diana solo? both in and outside Motown?

the Miracles losing Smokey meant not just losing their lead singer but also their main writer and producer.

How did they decide what direction to move in?

Personally I would still like to see a deeper dive into that time period of both groups

I have to agree with you. I would love to hear more about the post Diana Supremes and post Smokey Miracles, even the challenges they had in their attempt to move forward. They both seemed like completely different groups after their leads left. Unlike the other groups mentioned, these two groups not only lost the member but the name that defined the groups.

[jboy88]

The Impressions, who rebounded after losing not one, but TWO lead singers!

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Add Miche'le and Diddy balladeer, Carl Thomas. Pearl Bailey too.

Pearl Bailey is a good call....

[Cincinnati_Kid]

The Impressions, who rebounded after losing not one, but TWO lead singers!

Them too !!

[Optimal Saint]

I have to agree with you. I would love to hear more about the post Diana Supremes and post Smokey Miracles, even the challenges they had in their attempt to move forward. They both seemed like completely different groups after their leads left. Unlike the other groups mentioned, these two groups not only lost the member but the name that defined the groups.

Looks like it’s just you and me on this

We’re like Denzel at the end of glory

[nativeNY63]

William DeVaughn and D'Angelo

[mr_june]

The Intruders
Billy Butler
Major Lance
Sonji Clay [[Royce)
Gene Chandler
The Brothers of Soul
5 Stair Steps

[nativeNY63]

Black Ivory.

[Cincinnati_Kid]

Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Would love to see one on him.

[splanky]

I don't know why I didn't think of Roy when I first responded to this question but he
would be perfect for an unsung. He's produced what has become a standard [[Everybody
Loves The Sunshine) and worked with a variety of other folks, from the legendary Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti to Rick James....I agree, he could use an Unsung....but I still want New Birth...

[mr_june]

If not listed:

Johnny Pate big time.

[arr&bee]

The moments..the flamingos..clyde mcphatter.

[marv2]

MC Lyte

Angela Bofil

Keith Washington

[sansradio]

Angela Bofil

Angela was given an "Unsung" episode years ago.

[marv2]

Angela was given an "Unsung" episode years ago.

Really? Good, thanks. I have to find that.

[sansradio]

Really? Good, thanks. I have to find that.

Yeah, the cameras even accompany her to post-stroke therapy. It's wrenching to watch, but, at the same time, her tenacity shines through, which makes the episode bittersweet.

[marv2]

Yeah, the cameras even accompany her to post-stroke therapy. It's wrenching to watch, but, at the same time, her tenacity shines through, which makes the episode bittersweet.

I saw Angie in concert at the Masonic Auditorium in Toledo years and years ago. It was one the best shows I had seen. She really could sing and was very personable.

[nativeNY63]

Forgot to add Ben E King and Bill Withers

i don't know if it's unsung but I'd love a documentary on in living color [[has Jim Carey ever talked about his time in the show?)

like the idea of shaft and superfly if the wont do them separately maybe a 2 hour on blaxploitation as a whole? Maybe two 2 hours one of the films the other on the soundtracks

theres a rocky marathon on now - I'd add Mr. T. A true mid 80s phenomenon. The man had his own breakfast cereal

id also love to see one on Sam Cooke

There's a good documentary on YouTube on In Living Color. It was a reunion of sorts. Carrey & Jamie Foxx were a no show. Too big for such small potatoes!! Har har.

[nativeNY63]

Definitely Harold Melvin and the Blue notes! I’ve heard too many stories about Harold! The chill, laid back demeanor displayed on the recordings was the opposite of his true self.

Also, Sam & Dave and Sanford & Son for the same reasons. So much tea!

Supposedly, Harold was throwing shade on TP singing lead. "Who's in charge here?" - Al Haig

[nativeNY63]

Love Brenda Sykes, love Lola Falana both beautiful, talented women. They need to be recognized.

Toss in the ultra-gorgeous Jayne Kennedy of those '70's prison flicks. And her wacky then husband too!

[nativeNY63]

The super underrated Calvin Richardson. And equally underrated Eric Roberson.