UnSung Season 16 Episode 5 Shannon

The show UnSung takes a deep dive into the lives and careers of musicians who may not have received the recognition they deserved during their prime. Season 16, episode 5 focuses on the singer-songwriter Shannon, best known for her Billboard Hot 100 hit "Let the Music Play" in 1983.

The episode begins by exploring Shannon's upbringing in Washington D.C. She grew up singing in the church choir and idolizing the women on Soul Train. Despite her love for music, Shannon never considered pursuing it as a career until she tried out for a band in college and was instantly hooked. She began performing cover songs at local clubs in the D.C. area before eventually moving to New York City to chase her dreams.

Once in New York, Shannon struggled to make ends meet while she worked on her music career. She took odd jobs, such as waitressing and cleaning office buildings, to pay the bills while also attending auditions and performing at small gigs. It wasn't until she met producer Chris Barbosa that her career started to take off.

Barbosa and Shannon began working together, coming up with the idea for "Let the Music Play." The song was recorded in just one take, and the rest is history. "Let the Music Play" became a massive hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the dance charts. Shannon quickly became a sensation, performing on shows like American Bandstand and Soul Train.

The episode touches on the racial discrimination Shannon faced as a Black woman in the music industry. She was often compared to Madonna, who was also popular at the time, but Shannon didn't receive the same level of mainstream success. She struggled to get airplay on certain radio stations and was often pigeonholed as just a "dance" artist.

Despite these setbacks, Shannon continued to create music and tour. She released several albums throughout the '80s and '90s, including Do You Wanna Get Away and Love Goes All the Way. The episode highlights some of her lesser-known songs, such as "Give Me Tonight" and "Stronger Together," showing that she had more to offer than just "Let the Music Play."

The episode also delves into Shannon's personal life, including her struggles with addiction and abuse. She opens up about her difficult first marriage and the toll it took on her mental health. She also discusses her sobriety and the importance of faith and spirituality in her life.

Throughout the episode, Shannon's talent and resilience shine through. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she continued to create music and inspire others. She discusses the impact "Let the Music Play" had on her fans, many of whom were LGBTQ+ and found solace in her upbeat, danceable tunes.

Overall, UnSung's portrayal of Shannon is a celebration of her life and career. The episode sheds light on her struggles and achievements, giving her the recognition she deserves as a trailblazing female artist.