.jpg)
“’Unsung’ teaches that they’re sad and they’re happy. Their [stories] are triumphant and they are painful. When you see when you see what happened with Melba Moore, its mind blowing. I was crying in the Minnie Riperton piece. I championed her career and recognized her majesty early on.”
*Radio legend, producer, reporter, Dyana Williams launched her career in the mid-70s, pioneering the airwaves as one of the first female rock DJs on DC’s WRXQ. She became a staple on the air and moved into programming and hosting radio talk shows and has served as a reporter and consultant. In 1990 she co-founded the International Association of African American Music (IAAAM) and helped launch Black Music Month in 1979.
“I am at Radio One Philadelphia’s AC station 107.9 WRNB where I host the award-winning 'Soulful Sunday Show,' which is vintage soul music with interviews from songwriters, producers, the music makers, the personalities that define our music and our culture. I also do artist development and media placement with many of the top artists on the charts in all genres from gospel to hip-hop to R&B to rock, pop. And finally, I am president of the International Association of African American Music – IAAAM.”
.jpg)
Minnie Riperton
Williams returns this month to the TV One series “Unsung” sharing her radio and music wisdom of the storied career of some very successful artists or groups who, as the network describes, “despite great talent, over the years have been under-recognized or under-appreciated.” Williams appeared in all but one (The Clark Sisters) of last year’s episodes of the show and is back, featured in all this season’s features.
“They are airing several in June for Black Music Month. And then in the fall, they will be airing the rest of the series.”
For Black Music Month, TV One is airing “Unsung” episodes celebrating Minnie Riperton, Melba Moore, Florence Ballard, and the group Shalamar.
“‘Unsung’ has resonated with people all over the place,” Williams said. “I love it. I’m honored to be a part of it. With most of the artists I’ve had some exchange, interaction, and some involvement. This season, with the exception of Florence Ballard, I’ve met the principals.”
Williams got involved with the television series when word got to the show’s producer that she knew soul legend Donny Hathaway. The network contacted her and she signed up. The show came back to her time and time again to speak on the lives and careers of music stars such as Phyllis Hyman and the group DeBarge, who’s “Unsung” episodes scored major ratings.
“When I was on the air at WHUR, we helped break Minnie Riperton’s music,” Williams said of the season premiere featured artist. “I was on the air at the heyday of her career, so they called me and asked if I would be interested in being involved and I said, ‘Of course.’ Besides, TV One is part of the Radio One family and anything that has to do with documenting our history, our music, our culture, I’m all for it. The fact that I had a personal interaction with most of these people made it more significant.”
Williams shared with EUR’s Lee Bailey that after the great response to the first season, TV One called again.
“They called me at the end of season one and said that the response to me was very strong. I was honored,” she said. “I’m speaking from an informed position as a professional of over three decades of experience, but also as a fan. I happen to have been involved in many of these people’s careers, playing their music, talking about them, interviewing them. But I’m also a consumer. I still buy CDs. I’m a fan just like the people who are viewing the show.”
Williams shared that she not only finds the series fascinating, but that she is often touched by the stories and hardships of the artists, which the show delves into.
“’Unsung’ teaches that they’re sad and they’re happy. Their [stories] are triumphant and they are painful. When you see when you see what happened with Melba Moore, its mind blowing. I was crying in the Minnie Riperton piece. I championed her career and recognized her majesty early on.”
The “Unsung” episode featuring Minnie Riperton premieres this Sunday, June 7 at 8pm Eastern.
“She was a trendsetter, who had a five-octave range. She was classically trained, but still had the soul. She represented the conversion of styles, from opera to pop to gospel to R&B to rock – all of it. She synthesized all those genres of music. And she did it with such grace and style.”
The four new episodes of the acclaimed original series premiere each Sunday night in June at 8 p.m. ET.
“’Unsung’ gives the opportunity to gain more insight and information about these extraordinary talents, who in many cases, as the title of the series suggests, were not lauded and totally celebrated in the manner that they should of. Some of them are dead or just have been forgotten. What the ‘Unsung’ series is doing is giving them the praise that they and their families and their loved ones who were a part of their process so richly deserve.”
For more information on TV One’s “Unsung” go to the network website at www.tvoneonline.com. For more on Dyana Williams, check out her artist development website at www.influenceentertainment.com or at her online radio home, www.1079WRNB.com. And for more on Minnie Riperton, click here.
Watch clips from the Minnie Riperton "Unsung" episode HERE.
Ballard Custom Footwear
One pair at a time…High quality…Individually made
High quality shoe and boot service to a selective
Clientele. Handcrafted footwear made to measure
with your choice of fine leather or exotic skin,
style, and design. www.ballardfootwear.com/
THE EUR INDIE PROMOTER
Promote your independent projects
at EURweb.com without busting your
budget. Take advantage of our 120x90
banner Indie package, discounted
at 70%! Call 323-230-9368 or
email eurIndieSale@eurweb.com