TV One’s longest-running and award-winning documentary series UNSUNG continues its stellar run with an all-new season premiering Sunday, February 23 at 10 P.M. ET/9C.
The season kicks off with the popular 90s R&B group Dru Hill. The season continues with memorable stories of influential artists including rap’s first female star MC Roxanne Shante; singer/actor Christopher Williams; funk and disco band Skyy; the “Mother of Freestyle” Shannon; Grammy Award-winning crooner behind the 1972 number one single “Me and Mrs. Jones,” Billy Paul; vocal powerhouse Betty Wright, best known for the 70s hit single “Clean Up Woman;” multi-Grammy Award-winning musician Al Jarreau; and Atlanta hip hop quartet Goodie Mob.
UNSUNG, nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/Information – (Series or Special), celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journeys have yet to be explored. Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight.
Some of the biggest names in film, television, and music gathered recently for a star-studded affair at the annual Urban One Honors at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The event was hosted by Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes and actor Chris Tucker and commemorated the 40-year legacy of Radio One. The show will premiere on January 20, 2020, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, at 8P.M./7C on TV One.
This year’s honorees included: veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone (Lifetime Achievement Honor); Grammy Award-winning recording artist and producer Missy Elliott (Music Innovation Honor); Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx (Entertainment Icon Honor); Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper (Represent Change Honor); and, actor/dancer and star of “Pose,” Ryan Jamaal Swain (Represent Pride Honor).
Special recognition went to music executive legend Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant (Represent Opportunity), civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton (Represent Leadership), and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Porter (Represent Excellence).
Highlights from the evening included:
A surprise performance by Grammy Award-winning icon Anita Baker, who not only serenaded Cathy Hughes with “Giving You the Best That I Got” but also had Lalah Hathaway, Billy Porter, and Jamie Foxx to join her on stage.
Actress Corinne Foxx presenting the Entertainment Icon Honor to her father Jamie Foxx, who, during his acceptance speech, remarked that his best role ever is being a father.
Rapper Lil’ Kim‘s heartfelt presentation of the Music Innovation Honor, which brought honoree Missy Elliott to tears.
A special musical tribute to the late, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, James Ingram, by Ne-Yo, Eric Benét, Chanté Moore, and Al B. Sure!
Additional performances from Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar Brandy, Grammy-nominated rapper Wale and new artist Jac Ross brought the audience to its feet. Special appearances by Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins, III, veteran radio personality Tom Joyner, entrepreneur and TV personality Ray J, rapper/radio host Da Brat, TV host Egypt Sherrod, comedian George Wallace, and Reach Media/Radio One personalities Russ Parr, Willie Moore, Jr, Dyana Williams, Darlene McCoy, and Little Bacon Bear rounded out the show.
“It is with great humility and gratitude that I acknowledge our sponsors, staff and attendees at our second annual Urban One Honors at the MGM National Harbor. We are totally aware that our 40th anniversary would not be a reality without your love and support,” said Hughes.
Ford Motor Company served as Presenting Sponsor of the event and presented a special backstage pass segment hosted by TV Personality Tai Beauchamp, featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters. Ford also sponsored the Entertainment Icon Award.
Emmy-nominated actress Niecy Nash is the next celebrity to appear on TV One’s popular series UNCENSORED.
The Claws star has learned a few lessons about persevering on and off the screen. During this intimate interview, Niecy gets real about her brother’s death, a domestic violence situation that forever changed her life and the weight of her role in Ava DuVernay‘s epic Netflix series When They See Us.
Check out her video below where she talks about playing Dolores Wise and meeting Korey Wise on set for the first time.
UNCENSORED airs tomorrow night at 9 p.m. on TV One.
TV One is pleased to announce that its annual URBAN ONE HONORS is set for Thursday, December 5, 2019 at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The two-hour telecast will air on January 20, 2020, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
URBAN ONE HONORS is presented by TV One and Radio One’s Washington D.C. market’s cluster of radio stations: Majic 102.3 and 92.7; WKYS 93.9, Praise 104.1, WOL 1450, Spirit 1340, and The Team 980 and 95.9. The televised event will herald the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, fashion, sports, education, and the community. It will also pay tribute to the 40-year history of Radio One, the radio division of the company, and its extraordinary founder, Cathy Hughes.
“I give praise and thanks to God from Whom all blessings flow for the opportunity to be of service to my community for these 40 years,” said Hughes. “I always say that Radio One is my second baby next to my son and business partner, Alfred Liggins. I am immensely grateful for the men and women who have worked to help make Radio One a success. It started as a single radio station and is now a media family with two cable television networks and various digital media platforms. I look forward to celebrating this milestone and recognizing others who are doing phenomenal work in their industries.”
The program will feature a star-studded line-up of presenters and honorees as well as special musical performances. It will serve as an annual commemoration of the achievements of black and brown people and broadcast their contributions to our culture and global society.
“African Americans have had a tremendous impact on society and culture, a fact that we’re excited to celebrate with the telecast of the annual Urban One Honors on TV One,” said Rice. “As we honor the 40th-anniversary milestone of Radio One, Ms. Hughes’ outstanding contributions as a media pioneer, and the impact of the honorees, we’re proud to continue the network’s mission to represent the richness of the black experience.”
The inaugural URBAN ONE HONORS was held on December 9, 2018, at the Anthem in Washington, DC, and was hosted by REACH Media Syndicated Radio Host DL Hughley. The 2018 class of honorees included: Jermaine Dupri, April Ryan, DJ Khaled, Rotimi, Marvin Sapp, Brandy, June Ambrose, Doc Walker, Shaun King, Benny Pough, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jade Novah, Dr. Nadia Lopez, Tracy Martin, and Sybrina Fulton.
TV One’s original auto-biographical series UNCENSORED is back for a second season with some really exciting new profiles on Tyra Banks, Niecy Nash, Tisha Campbell, Lamar Odom and LisaRaye McCoy.
It premieres on Sunday, October 6 at 9 p.m. EST.
“We’re thrilled to bring back one of the network’s top-rated and inspirational series, Uncensored,” said Executive Producer in Charge of Production Jason Ryan. “This season, we have a dynamic line up and we can’t wait for viewers to hear the raw truth and journey of some of their favorite celebrities.”
UNCENSORED delves into the lives of luminaries as they reveal secrets to their success, obstacles they faced and how they’ve navigated the perils of social media that helped but sometimes haunted their careers. Viewers will get a glimpse into the lives of celebrities as they personally reveal their own stories, in their own words.
TV One brings chills and thrills every Sunday night this July with four original movie premieres themed LOVE, LIES & MURDER. Inspired by actual events, the network that brought viewers “WHEN LOVE KILLS” and the popular true crime series “FATAL ATTRACTION,” delivers a series of stories that explore the dark side of love including deceit, betrayal, obsession and jealousy. TV One’s month of LOVE, LIES & MURDER features: SINS OF THE FATHER debuting Sunday, July 7 at 8 p.m./7C; IN BROAD DAYLIGHT premiering Sunday, July 14 at 8 p.m./7C; LOVED TO DEATH airing Sunday, July 21 at 8 p.m./7C; and DEADLY DISPATCH premiering Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m./7C.
Sparked by real events, SINS OF THE FATHER features Deitrick Haddon (The Gospel), A.J. Johnson (Baby Boy), Clifton Powell (Ray), Terayle Hill (Merry Wishmas) and Angela Davis (I Feel Pretty). The movie follows Clarence Burnett (Haddon) a pastor in Atlanta who’s happily married to Karen (Davis). The couple’s world is torn apart when Karen is brutally murdered outside their Atlanta home, sending shock waves through their close-knit community. As police delve deeper into the Burnett’s inner circle, they discover secret lives filled with lust, cruelty and unearth a sinful conspiracy of biblical proportions.
Premiere: Sunday, July 7 at 8 p.m. ET/7C; Encore: Sunday, July 7 at 10 p.m.
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, starring and executive produced by Shad “Bow Wow” Moss (Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta), Chyna Lane (She’s Gotta Have It – Series) and Curtis Hamilton (Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le), tells the story of Jordan Boudreaux (Lane), who gets abducted by her obsessed and estranged boyfriend Steve (Hamilton). Jordan’s family rallies the community while her closest cousin, Malik (Moss), makes it his personal mission to find and bring her home safely. The family, community and police band together to find Jordan before it’s too late.
Premiere: Sunday, July 14 at 8 p.m. ET/7C; Encore: Sunday, July 14 at 10 p.m.
Inspired by TV One’s true crime programming, LOVED TO DEATH stars Malinda Williams (Girlfriends’ Getaway), MC Lyte (Girls Trip), McKinley Freeman (Hit the Floor), Tobias Truvillion (Empire) and Chrystee Pharris (Media). The film charts a newly engaged couple whose lives are cut short when they are suddenly gunned down by a crazed ex-lover at a toll booth. Upon meeting and falling in love with Dre (Truvillion), Monica (Williams) leaves a long term abusive relationship with Jackson (Freeman) to be with her new love. Tune in to find out how a once loving relationship turned deadly.
Premiere: Sunday, July 21 at 8 p.m. ET/7C; Encore: Sunday, July 21 at 10 p.m.
DEADLY DISPATCH stars Tamala Jones (Castle), Dominique Perry (Insecure) and Rapper Bone Crusher (ATL). The film chronicles the tragic murder of Shawn (Bone Crusher), a well-liked owner of a struggling taxi company. Tiffany (Jones) is a local salon owner and Shawn’s longtime, high-school best friend who becomes intertwined in the puzzling circumstances surrounding his death. Unsatisfied with the police’s classification of the case being a “robbery gone wrong,” Tiffany becomes suspicious of Shawn’s grieving widow Amber (Perry). Motivated to find out what really happened to her friend that fateful day, Tiffany embarks on a quest that will not only endanger her strained marriage, but her life as well. Will she be able to come to terms with a deep secret shared between her and Shawn while seeking justice?
Premiere: Sunday, July 28 at 8 p.m. ET/7C; Encore: Sunday, July 28 at 10 p.m.
TV One has released the trailer and official poster for its upcoming original film The Bobby DeBarge Story. It airs on Saturday, June 29 at 8 p.m. followed by an encore presentation at 10 pm.
Debuting during Black Music Month, the film’s stars include Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up, Greenleaf) in the lead role as Bobby DeBarge, Tyra Ferrell (Boyz InThe Hood, White Men Can’t Jump) as Etterlene DeBarge, Blue Kimble (Media) as Tommy DeBarge and Adrian Marcel as James DeBarge. Big Boi (Outkast) portrays legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, while Lloyd appears as Switch member Gregory Williams.
In his first role as a leading man, Fegan brilliantly transforms into the falsetto master and takes audiences inside the tumultuous life of the former lead singer of the late 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch.
“The most dynamic and powerful acting role I’ve ever portrayed,” shared Fegan. “It was an honor to tell this musical legend’s life story.”
Despite his success in music, Bobby DeBarge, the eldest sibling of the world-famous pop group DeBarge struggled with fame and fortune and found his life in peril. The film explores the highs and lows of the singer’s life in the limelight, including his rise to stardom, coping with memories of his dysfunctional childhood, romantic relationships, struggles with substance abuse, incarceration and failing health.
“It was truly amazing watching the characters unfold in front of my eyes and the incredible acting that was bestowed upon this project,” said the film’s director Russ Parr. “I think a lot of people are going to be surprised by the performances that they see. Although this is a tragic story, I believe it’s told with dignity and respect to the legacy of Bobby DeBarge.” Parr is also a writer and producer known for the award-winning The Undershepherd, Hear No Evil and 35 and Ticking.
The Bobby DeBarge Story is the latest addition to TV One’s successful slate of acclaimed original films that range from dramas and comedies to biopics and more. TV One’s highest-rated original film When Love Kills debuted #1 on cable among African-American households in its premiere time slot. Original feature films Love Under New Management and Bobbi Kristina rank at #2 and #3, respectively, in the network’s history – both were also #1 on cable among African-American households in their premiere time slots.
Check out a sneak peek of tonight’s UNSUNG featuring R&B music sensation—Glenn Jones.
Jones lit up the airwaves in the late ’80s and early ’90s with love ballads that made women swoon. A professional singer from the age of five, he toured the gospel circuit with his own group the Modulations. Jones was mentored by the legendary James Cleveland, who helped him land his first recording deal. Collaborations with Norman Connors and Dionne Warwick put him in the spotlight and he eventually went on to record classic hits such as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “I’ve Been Searching” and “Here I Go Again.” Although his music was played in regular rotation, Jones never became a household name. As the music industry evolved, he faded from the scene. Jones battled financial woes, romantic infidelities and a health crisis that ultimately imperiled his life. Despite the challenges, his voice remains timeless and he has proven to be a soul survivor who’s still in his musical prime. Along with interviews from celebrities Bone Crusher, Meli’sa Morgan and David Hollister, Glenn Jones reveals his highs and lows on this episode of UNSUNG.
UNSUNG celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journey have yet to be explored. This season promises memorable stories of influential artists including singer/songwriter vocalist Kenny Lattimore and contemporary gospel musician Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Previously featured artists on this season of UNSUNG include Lloyd,Adina Howard, The Jets, Shirley Murdock and Crystal Waters.
TV One’s award-winning docu-series UNSUNG returns for another season beginning TONIGHT at 9 p.m. with ATL heartthrob LLOYD.
Introduced to the world through a boy band at the tender age of 10, he would go on to join one of the most notorious record labels of the millennium, Murder Inc. Under the guidance of label co-founder Irv Gotti, Lloyd hit the ground running with hits like “Southside,” “Get It Shawty” and “You.” When the feds came calling to investigate Murder Inc., however, both the label and Lloyd’s career were put on hold. Although Lloyd was able to reclaim his position on the music charts for a brief time, he eventually retreated from the spotlight for several years. Now with a new label and outlook on life, Lloyd is back and ready to tell his story to UNSUNG.
After the episode, be sure to catch the tvone.tv exclusive of Lloyd’s “UNSUNG Live,” a musical performance series where UNSUNG artists perform a hit song allowing fans to experience their amazing talent. The New Orleans native will perform his latest single “Caramel” in an intimate performance and discuss his musical comeback and his celebration of black beauty.
TV One’s award-winning musical docuseries UNSUNG returns to prime time beginning March 3. The hour-long program celebrates the lives of trailblazing musicians whose full stories and journey have yet to be explored.
This new season promises memorable stories of influential artists including R&B heartthrob Lloyd, 90s songstress Adina Howard, 80s family band The Jets, singer/songwriter Shirley Murdock, house music legend Crystal Waters, crooner Glenn Jones, vocalist Kenny Lattimore and contemporary gospel musician Tasha Cobbs-Leonard.
Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight.
Check out a preview of TV One’s Living By Design Holiday Special. It airs Sunday evening at 7 p.m. EST. For the first time ever, brother/sister duo Jake and Jazz Smollett are inviting cameras to follow them for this exclusive program.
The pair will recreate down home recipes and make kicked up cocktails with celebrity guest, Grammy-nominated singer Ledisi. To really top things off, Jazz will share amazing concepts for setting a table, as well as create DIY serving trays and other entertaining ideas from scratch. Whether you’re looking for new dishes, or suggestions for adding some pop to your holiday party, Jake and Jazz have you covered!
TV One’s new “sistah” network—CLEOtv—hosted a special launch party in Atlanta Thursday night and yours truly was there to take it all in. The invitation only event took place at the swanky Gathering Spot and was attended by a number of TV personalities, media influencers and tastemakers.
CLEOtv is the brainchild of TV One’s General Manager Michelle Rice and serves as an aspirational lifestyle and entertainment cable network for Millennial and Gen X women of color. The unique name is derived from the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, who is revered as one of the most iconic women of color in history.
CLEOtv programming offers quality content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes of today’s modern women. Programs include a variety of cooking and travel shows, scripted digital series, original movies, throwback sitcoms and the popular daytime talk show—Sister Circle.
A number of the network’s talent hit the red carpet including Chef Jernard Wells, travel maven Tai Beauchamp, Rickey Smiley for Real’s Gary With Da Tea and the divas of Sister Circle Rashan Ali, Syleena Johnson and Trina Braxton. Other special invited guests included former Love and Hip Hop Atlanta starlet Althea Heart, Curls CEO and Mind Your Business star Mahisha Dillenger, actress and singer Demetria McKinney, celebrity photographer Drexina Nelson, gospel music sensation Juan & Lisa Winans and Shea Pegues from OWN’s Ready to Love.
CLEOtv will officially launch on January 19, 2019, which is the 15 year celebration of TV One’s debut and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
Check out the rest of the photos from the premiere party below:
TV One’s Rahsan Lindsay
TV One General Manager Michelle Rice
Demetria McKinney
Adrienne Alexander + Michelle Gadsen-Williams
Michelle Rice + Sister Circle hosts Rashan Ali + Syleena Johnson + Trina Braxton
Kim Ford + Tosha Whitten-Griggs
Janeé Bolden
Christal Jordan + Jess Manning + Adrienne Alexander
Michelle Rice + Gary With Da Tea
Drexina Nelson
Shea Pegues
Juan Winans + Lisa Winans + Sophia Winans
LaSandra Boykin + Kimberly Clark
Angela Watts
Autumn Bailey-Ford
Adrienne Alexander + Wanda Shelley +Lori Hall + Demetria McKinney
Check out this first look at TV One’s upcoming holiday movie Coins for Christmas.
The film chronicles single mom Madison (Essence Atkins) who’s saved all year to make sure her teenage kids have the best Christmas ever. That is until she gets fired from the bookstore she manages and comes home to find that the IRS has frozen her bank account due to delinquent taxes her ex-husband failed to pay. Desperate to pay bills and buy gifts for her children, Madison jumps into the ever-popular “gig economy.” That’s when she meets and eventually gets hired by arrogant, sidelined former professional football player Alec Darby (Stephen Bishop), who is also secretly on the verge of going broke. This odd couple butts heads time and time again but can the Christmas spirit help these two get past their bickering, learn from each and ultimately forge a lasting friendship?
Coins for Christmas also stars TC Carson, Kelly Price and Karlie Redd.
Coins for Christmas airs Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
David and Tamela Mann are teaming up with TV One this holiday season for a new movie – Merry Wishmas. It airs Sunday, December 2 at 7 p.m. EST.
Merry Wishmas revolves around a successful businesswoman Kenni (Tamela Mann) who hasn’t returned home to the quaint town of Columbia, South Carolina in years. She’s hoping for a peaceful visit when she finally returns home, but unresolved family issues threaten to make the Christmas holiday not so bright. She’s reacquainted with Jessie (David Mann), an old high school friend with a fledgling wellness facility – the Beverly Living Center. She’s instantly thrown into the lives of the center’s residents and meets a host of colorful characters. When Jessie is faced with losing the Beverly Living Center, Kenni steps in to try and help save it. Family conflicts and relationship woes, however, threaten Kenni’s efforts. It looks like only a miracle can save the center and mend broken relationships in time for Christmas.
Merry Wishmas also stars Kim Fields and her husband Jonathan Freeman, Towanda Braxton, DeEtta West, Chrystale Wilson, Terayle Hill, Elisabeth Omilami, Ashton Leigh and Yung Joc.
It is executive produced by Roger M. Bobb, produced by David and Tamela Mann and directed by Terri J. Vaughn. The movie is one of several holiday films playing all month long on TV One.
CLEOtv 
Michelle Rice + Sister Circle hosts Rashan Ali + Syleena Johnson + Trina Braxton
David and Tamela Mann are teaming up with TV One this holiday season for a new movie – Merry Wishmas. It airs Sunday, December 2 at 7 p.m. EST.
