Ep 3. Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle

UnSung is a captivating music documentary series that delves deep into the lives and careers of some of the most underrated, and often forgotten, R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists of all time. Each episode of the show spotlight one such hidden gem, telling their story and exploring their musical legacy.

Season 4, Episode 3 of UnSung is dedicated to two incredible R&B singers - Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle. The episode takes a closer look at the professional and personal lives of these two artists, both of whom had achieved great musical success in the 1980s, only to be forgotten by music fans in later years.

Viewers will get the chance to learn about Alexander O'Neal's difficult childhood, which saw him grow up in a foster home and then later on the streets. Despite these obstacles, O'Neal always had a passion for music, and he pursued it with great dedication and determination. The episode will explore his early career, including his time as the lead singer of the R&B band Flyte Tyme. The band's success led to O'Neal's rise as a solo artist, with hits like "Criticize," "If You Were Here Tonight," and "Fake." This episode examines how his career flourished for a time, but it also sheds light on the personal struggles and setbacks that ultimately led to his fading from mainstream success.

Cherrelle, O'Neal's frequent collaborator, is the second artist to be celebrated in this episode. She too, had a tough upbringing, dealing with abuse and poverty as a child. Despite this, Cherrelle knew from an early age that she was destined for greatness in the music industry. She quickly rose to fame with her smash hit "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On," which was produced by the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Cherrelle then went on to work with O'Neal on many other successful tracks, including "Saturday Love," which became one of the most recognizable R&B songs of the 80s.

However, Cherrelle's personal life presented more than its fair share of difficulties. After her best friend passed away from cancer, she found herself struggling to cope with the loss, eventually turning to alcohol as a refuge. Her addiction took a toll on her career and personal life, but eventually, Cherrelle overcame her demons and continued to make music, albeit out of the mainstream spotlight.

This episode of UnSung goes into great detail about the creative process of Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, as well as their musical legacy. They both played a significant role in the evolution of R&B music, and their influence can still be heard in the genre to this day. Fans of 80s R&B music will undoubtedly enjoy the archive footage and interviews from musician colleagues and industry insiders.

As with every episode of UnSung, there are moments of sorrow and regret, along with moments of joy and triumph. Overall, viewers will be left with a sense of how two incredibly talented singers rose to fame from remarkably humble beginnings, only to see their success fade into obscurity much too soon. Both Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle left an indelible mark on the music industry, even if their names are not as well-known as they should be. This episode re-affirms the importance of recognizing and celebrating the thousands of talented musicians who have contributed so much to our cultural heritage.