UnSung Season 18 Episode 17 Solar Records

UnSung is a music documentary series that focuses on the lives and careers of African American singers, songwriters, and musicians who did not receive the recognition they deserved during their careers. The show uncovers the stories of these artists, their struggles, their triumphs, and the impact they have had on music history.

Season 18, episode 17 of UnSung is titled Solar Records. The episode shines a light on the legendary music label Solar Records, which was founded in 1977 by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius. Solar Records was responsible for launching the careers of several R&B and soul music legends, including The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside, and Midnight Star.

The episode begins by exploring the early days of Solar Records, which was initially known as Soul Train Records. When founder Don Cornelius left the label in 1977, Dick Griffey changed the name to Solar Records and started signing new artists. The label quickly became one of the most successful and influential music labels of the 1980s.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from several artists who got their start at Solar Records. The Whispers, who were signed to the label in the late 1970s, talk about their early days and how they landed their first record deal. The group had several hit songs during their time with Solar Records, including "And The Beat Goes On" and "Rock Steady."

Shalamar, another popular group from Solar Records, also shares their story. Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel formed the group in the late 1970s and quickly became one of the biggest acts on the label. The trio had several hit songs and music videos, including "A Night to Remember" and "The Second Time Around."

Lakeside, a funk band from Dayton, Ohio, also got their start at Solar Records. They were known for their unique sound and for incorporating elements of humor and storytelling into their music. The group had several hit songs, including "Fantastic Voyage" and "Outrageous."

Midnight Star, a synth-funk group from Kentucky, rounded out the roster at Solar Records. They had several successful albums and singles, including "No Parking on the Dance Floor" and "Midas Touch." The group talks about their experiences on the label and how they managed to stay relevant for so many years.

In addition to exploring the careers of these artists, the episode also delves into the business side of Solar Records. Dick Griffey was a savvy businessman who was able to turn Solar Records into a successful and profitable enterprise. He worked closely with the artists on his label and was known for being fair and supportive.

Overall, UnSung season 18, episode 17 takes viewers on a trip down memory lane, exploring the careers and legacies of some of the most influential R&B and soul music artists from the 1980s. The episode pays homage to Solar Records and its founder, Dick Griffey, who helped shape the sound of music during that era. It's a must-watch for any music lover looking to learn more about the history of R&B and soul music.