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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!

Binge this in 8d 2h•Peaking at 9.3/10

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 5 Episode 8 - Marvelettes
    9.3/10(10 votes)

    S5:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Unsung Season 2 Episode 6 - Bootsy Collins
    9.2/10(14 votes)

    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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  3. Unsung Season 3 Episode 7 - Tammi Terrell
    9.2/10(27 votes)

    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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  4. Unsung Season 3 Episode 10 - George Clinton
    9.2/10(11 votes)

    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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  5. Unsung Season 6 Episode 1 - Heavy D & The Boyz
    9.1/10(9 votes)

    S6:E1

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Unsung Season 5 Episode 2 - David Ruffin
    9.0/10(25 votes)

    S5:E2

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Unsung

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  7. Unsung Season 10 Episode 8 - James Brown
    9.0/10(7 votes)

    S10:E8

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Unsung Season 11 Episode 4 - Switch
    9.0/10(12 votes)

    S11:E4

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Unsung Season 2 Episode 2 - Melba Moore
    8.9/10(13 votes)

    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 4 Episode 16 - Ray Parker Jr
    8.9/10(12 votes)

    S4:E16

    Documenting the rise and career of R&B singer/ songwriter Ray Parker, Jr. Interviews with Ray Parker Jr., David Foster, Chaka Khan, Clive Davis, Arnell Carmichael (of Raydio), Vincent Bonham (of Raydio), Deniece Williams, Cheryl Lynn, Eddie Holland, Steve Jordan, Chazzy Green, and David Paich.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Unsung Season 5 Episode 4 - Sly and the Family Stone
    8.9/10(15 votes)

    S5:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Unsung Season 6 Episode 5 - CeCe Peniston
    8.9/10(8 votes)

    S6:E5

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Unsung Season 8 Episode 18 - Nate Dogg
    8.9/10(14 votes)

    S8:E18

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Unsung Season 1 Episode 4 - The Debarge Family
    8.8/10(33 votes)

    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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  15. Unsung Season 2 Episode 1 - Minnie Riperton
    8.8/10(22 votes)

    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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  16. Unsung Season 3 Episode 5 - The Bar-Kays
    8.8/10(11 votes)

    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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  17. Unsung Season 3 Episode 8 - Heatwave
    8.8/10(18 votes)

    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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  18. Unsung Season 4 Episode 15 - Millie Jackson
    8.8/10(9 votes)

    S4:E15

    Documenting the rise and career of R&B vocalist and comedian Millie Jackson. Interviews with Millie Jackson, Keisha Jackson, Roxanne Shante, Da Brat, Latimore, A. Scott Galloway, and Nelson George.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Unsung Season 7 Episode 6 - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
    8.8/10(13 votes)

    S7:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Unsung Season 6 Episode 9 - Nile Rodgers & Chic
    8.7/10(12 votes)

    S6:E9

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Unsung Season 7 Episode 2 - Hi-Five
    8.7/10(12 votes)

    S7:E2

    Boy band Hi-Five is profiled, from their Waco origins through their work with such icons as R. Kelly and Teddy Riley. Along the way, we revisit their various musical highlights and then examine the tragedies that threatened to spell disaster for them.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Unsung Season 7 Episode 3 - The Emotions
    8.7/10(8 votes)

    S7:E3

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Unsung Season 8 Episode 2 - Otis Redding
    8.7/10(12 votes)

    S8:E2

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Unsung Season 1 Episode 1 - Phyllis Hyman
    8.6/10(20 votes)

    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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  25. Unsung Season 2 Episode 3 - Shalamar
    8.6/10(14 votes)

    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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Best Episodes Summary

"Marvelettes" is the best rated episode of "Unsung". It scored 9.3/10 based on 10 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/23/2012. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Bootsy Collins".