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The Best Episodes of Unsung

Every episode of Unsung ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Unsung!

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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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Unsung Season 12 Episode 9 - Michel'le
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #1 - Michel'le

    S12:E9

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Unsung Season 14 Episode 1 - Dru Hill
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #2 - Dru Hill

    S14:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Unsung Season 14 Episode 3 - Christopher Williams
    10.0/10(1 votes)

    #3 - Christopher Williams

    S14:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Unsung Season 1 Episode 1 - Phyllis Hyman
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Phyllis Hyman

    S1:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Unsung Season 1 Episode 2 - The Clark Sisters
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - The Clark Sisters

    S1:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Unsung Season 1 Episode 3 - Donny Hathaway
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - Donny Hathaway

    S1:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Unsung

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  7. Unsung Season 1 Episode 4 - The Debarge Family
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - The Debarge Family

    S1:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Unsung Season 2 Episode 1 - Minnie Riperton
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - Minnie Riperton

    S2:E1

    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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Unsung Season 2 Episode 2 - Melba Moore
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Melba Moore

    S2:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Unsung Season 2 Episode 3 - Shalamar
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - Shalamar

    S2:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Unsung Season 2 Episode 4 - Florence Ballard
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - Florence Ballard

    S2:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Unsung Season 2 Episode 5 - Teena Marie
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Teena Marie

    S2:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Unsung Season 2 Episode 6 - Bootsy Collins
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Bootsy Collins

    S2:E6

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Unsung Season 2 Episode 7 - Klymaxx
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Klymaxx

    S2:E7

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Unsung Season 2 Episode 8 - Zapp & Roger
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Zapp & Roger

    S2:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Unsung Season 3 Episode 1 - Rose Royce
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - Rose Royce

    S3:E1

    Documenting the rise and career of the R&B group Rose Royce. Interviews with Kenny Copeland, Gwen Dickey, Lequeint "Duke" Jobe, and Joe Harris (of The Undisputed Truth)

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Unsung Season 3 Episode 2 - Sylvester
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - Sylvester

    S3:E2

    Documenting the rise and short-lived career of Disco recording artist Sylvester. Interviews with Joshua Gamson, Anita Pointer (of The Pointer Sisters), Walter Hawkins, Martha Wash, Jeanie Tracy, Dyana Williams, and Narada Michael Walden.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Unsung Season 3 Episode 3 - Unsung Uncut
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - Unsung Uncut

    S3:E3

    Features full-length performances from the artists featured on the series. Performances of Teena Marie w/ Rick James ("Sucka For Your Love"), Bootsy Collins ("Ain't It Funky Now"), Klymaxx ("Meeting In the Ladies Room"), Rose Royce ("Car Wash"), Debarge ("I Like It"), Minnie Riperton ("Lovin' You"), and Sylvester ("Dance").

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Unsung Season 3 Episode 4 - Stacy Lattisaw
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Stacy Lattisaw

    S3:E4

    Documenting the rise and career of R&B vocalist Stacy Lattisaw. Interviews with Stacy Lattisaw, Johnny Gill (of New Edition), and Narada Michael Walden.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Unsung Season 3 Episode 5 - The Bar-Kays
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - The Bar-Kays

    S3:E5

    Documenting the rise and tribulation of Funk band The Bar-Kays. Interviews with Ben Cauley, David Porter, James Alexander, Al Bell, Jazze Pha, and Steven Ivory. This episode shows news footage from the plane crash that took the lives of singer Otis Redding and many of the original members, as well as footage of the Bar-Kays performing at Wattstax.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Unsung Season 3 Episode 6 - Teddy Pendergrass
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - Teddy Pendergrass

    S3:E6

    Documenting the rise and turbulent career of R&B vocalist Teddy Pendergrass. Interviews with Tyrese Gibson, Dyana Williams, Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff. Teddy Pendergrass was previously featured on an episode of VH1's Behind the Music in 1997.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Unsung Season 3 Episode 7 - Tammi Terrell
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - Tammi Terrell

    S3:E7

    Documenting the rise and short-lived career of Motown vocalist Tammi Terrell. Interviews with Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Otis Williams (of The Temptations), Mary Wilson, Gene Chandler, Vance Wilson, Weldon Arthur McDougal III, Jerry Blavat, Elaine Jesmer, Harry Weinger, and Dyana Williams.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Unsung Season 3 Episode 8 - Heatwave
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - Heatwave

    S3:E8

    Documenting the rise and turbulent careers of R&B group Heatwave. Interviews with Keith Wilder, Ernest "Bilbo" Berger, Mario Mantese, Billy Jones, Keith Harrison, Byron Byrd, Roy Carter, Derek Bramble (of Heatwave), Dyana Williams, and Dr. Scot Brown.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Unsung Season 3 Episode 9 - Musical Youth
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - Musical Youth

    S3:E9

    Documenting the rise and turbulent careers of Reggae band Musical Youth. Interviews with Dennis Seaton, Michael Grant, Kelvin Grant (of Musical Youth), Dave Morgan, Pete Price, and Don Letts.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Unsung Season 3 Episode 10 - George Clinton
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - George Clinton

    S3:E10

    Documenting the rise and career of Funk superstar George Clinton. Interviews with George Clinton, Grady Thomas, Rickey Vincent, Bootsy Collins, Michael Hampton, Maceo Parker, Hank Shocklee, Robert 'Peanut' Johnson, Amuka/ Sheila Brody, and DeWayne McKnight (as Blackbyrd McNight). George Clinton was previously featured on an episode of VH1's Legends in 1999.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Michel'le" is the best rated episode of "Unsung". It scored 10/10 based on 1 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/15/2018. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Dru Hill".