Melba Moore: A Part of New 'Unsung' Crop

Melba Moore is getting another shot in the limelight.

The Tony Award-winning star of the 1970s musicals 'Purlie,' 'Timbuktu' and 'Hair' will be the subject of an episode of TV One's critically acclaimed biographical series 'Unsung.'

BlackVoices.com has learned that the 5-year-old digital cable network has signed a pact with A. Smith & Co. Production for eight more episodes of the show, which celebrated the ups and downs of once-successful black music acts.

The first four episodes of 'Unsung' featured compelling and tragic chronicles of Motown Records family group DeBarge, soul crooner Donny Hathaway, powerhouse vocalist Phyllis Hyman and crossover gospel group the Clark Sisters. Airing last fall, the episodes were viewed by 1.1 million people, and the Hyman premiere was TV One's highest-rated original program in 2008, according to data released by the network.

Mel B Pictures

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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"'Unsung' really resonates with our audience," said TV One's Programming Chief Toni Judkins. "When it first aired, we may have gotten more comments and positive feedback about it than any other entertainment program since we aired the 30th anniversary telecast of 'Roots.'"

Moore, who rose to major stardom after her Broadway success –starring in TV shows, recording hit songs ('This Is It,' 'You Stepped Into My Life' and 'Falling'), performing at the Metropolitan Opera House and even endorsing her own clothing line – hit rock bottom in the 1990s and was forced to apply for welfare after a devastating divorce battle with her husband and manager Charles Huggins. She even was sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating a gag order.

The three-time Grammy Award nominee has been on the comeback trail over the past decade, releasing acclaimed gospel music recordings and performing her one-woman stage play across the country. On March 6 and March 13, she will be the featured headliner at Lee Summers 'Just A Piano' showcase at New York City's famed Triad Theater. She's also featured, alongside other 1970s and 1980s chart-toppers Jody Watley, Teddy Pendergrass, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Howard Hewett and Freddie Jackson, on the new Time Life inspirational compilation 'Songs 4 Worship --Soul.'

"Melba Moore's resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity is truly inspiring," noted biographer David Nathan told BlackVoices.com. The renowned "British Ambassador of Soul" has chronicled many "soulful divas" throughout his writings over the past three decades. He, along with Preston Glass, produced 'Songs 4 Worship.' "I've known her since the mid-70s," Nathan said. "How she's overcome both personal and professional challenges is a reminder of the title of that Jerry Butler classic, 'Only The Strong Survive.'"

"There are so many more remarkable artists who have had the raw talent of Diana [Ross], Aretha [Franklin] or Stevie [Wonder] but whose circumstances have prevented them from attaining that iconic status. We are delighted to be teaming up again with A. Smith to be bringing our viewers more of those incredible, real-life stories," Judkins added.

Minnie Riperton will also be among those featured in the new 'Unsung' episodes, which are expected to begin airing on TV One in June, recognized as Black Music Month. The 'Loving You' chanteuse died at 31 after a three-year battle with cancer. Other music acts will be identified in the coming months.

The series promises to reveal the multiple factors that kept the selected artists from achieving the iconic commercial status they deserved. And, in the process, it will sing the praises and celebrate the artistry that has kept fellow artists and fans talking about them for years. 'Unsung' features exclusive interviews, musical clips and archival footage.

BUY IT, TRY IT: Best of Melba Moore

Black Music Notes Mar. 3

3/3/09: Diddy
When it comes to making an event out of an album, Diddy sure knows how to put on a show. And for his forthcoming project, 'Last Train to Paris,' the multitalented mogul is following in the vein of Prince's classic flick and album 'Purple Rain.' "It's definitely going to be an album you can seamlessly see," he recently told MTV News. "Not after the fact. When you get the album on that day, September 22, you will be able to see the whole album on your computer. ... You know how when you're on your computer and you're listening to an album, you have your screen saver on instead of screen save, you'll be able to see the album in motion. And the presentation of the album will be different from the videos." Hopefully, Diddy will make it in time on Sept. 22 to catch the 'Last Train to Paris' once the album hits stores.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage

3/3/09: Janet Jackson
Recently there has been speculation that Janet Jackson was likely to sign a new multirights deal with Live Nation. However, contrary to reports, Live Nation senior VP of communications John Vlautin denied the claim. "We have not signed a deal with Janet, nor are we currently in discussions with the artist," Vlautin said. Jackson departed from her former label, Island Def Jam, in September, 14 months after signing to the record company.

The Canadian Press / AP

3/3/09: Black Eyed Peas
Despite previous reports that Grammy Award-winning pop group Black Eyed Peas would release a new album, 'The E.N.D.' (The Energy Never Dies), in March, it now appears Will.i.am and company will release the project on June 9. Billboard reports that the album's first single, 'Boom Boom Pow,' will soon be released, and that the group is planning an international tour. Will.i.am, the Black Eyed Peas front man, described the album as having "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that."

Peter Kramer, AP

2/27/09: MC Hammer
MC Hammer is back! This time the multiplatinum-selling rapper is heading to network television for his new unscripted A&E reality series 'Hammertime.' Hammer's new half-hour series will feature Hammer, his wife and five children – reminiscent of the Huxtable family from 'The Cosby Show,' says executive producer J.D. Roth. "Here's a dad with five kids, married to the same woman for more than 23 years, living in the same place where he grew up and going to church every Sunday," Roth says. "He's had his ups and downs, and it's what makes him such a character you root for." MC Hammer's 'Hammertime' is set to premiere on A&E later this year.

2/27/09: Jazmine Sullivan
Although she didn't walk away with an award at this year's Grammys, singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan is bound for Hollywood for her upcoming film 'Red Tails.' According to Billboard, Sullivan will travel to Prague to start shooting the film, which is based on the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. "I play a singer who entertains soldiers," she said. "I'm really just entertainment for them, but I kind of get a little relationship going with one of them. So that's very exciting." As for now, Sullivan has an exciting relationship going on with R&B crooner Ne-Yo -- on tour that is. The two are currently touring through March 1. At press time, there was no release date for 'Red Tails.'

Charles Sykes, AP

2/27/09: Tupac
With the Notorious B.I.G.'s biopic in the can, fans are now anticipating a biographical movie on his rival Tupac. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait a little longer before a Tupac flick hits the silver screen. A legal dispute has surfaced involving the production company Morgan Creek and Amaru Entertainment, the company run by Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur. The lawsuit, which was filed by Morgan Creek, states that Amaru Entertainment reneged on an agreement to sell the rapper's life rights for a movie. Amaru Entertainment released a statement clarifying the recent media reports: "This lawsuit has no merit. We felt it was important to bring the story of Tupac Shakur, one of music's most remarkable icons, to life onscreen, and in realizing this vision, we sought to find the best partner who would be true to Tupac's vision and bring his unique story to life on the big screen. In doing so, we have taken every step to ensure that our partner in this process is committed to the integrity of Tupac Shakur's legacy and, more importantly, that they are the right people. To that end, we have been in discussions and negotiations with several major studios and production companies, including Morgan Creek Productions. However, at no time did we have an agreement with Morgan Creek."

Time Life Pictures / Getty Images