Ep 2. Midnight Star

UnSung is a popular American television documentary series that explores the stories of some of the most talented and influential R&B, soul, and hip hop artists who never quite broke through to mainstream success. The series takes viewers on a journey through the lives and careers of these unsung heroes, highlighting their accomplishments and struggles along the way. Season 6, episode 2 of UnSung tells the story of one such group: Midnight Star.

Midnight Star was a funk and R&B group that emerged in the late 1970s and achieved significant success in the early 1980s with hits like "Freak-A-Zoid," "No Parking (On the Dance Floor)," and "Operator." The group was known for its infectious dance tunes and high-energy performances, which helped to make them a staple of the burgeoning electro-funk and post-disco scenes of the time.

The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the band's history, beginning with their origins in the late 1970s in Kentucky. We learn about how the band was formed by Reggie Calloway and his brother Vincent, and how they later teamed up with keyboardist Bo Watson and guitarist Melvin Gentry. The band's early years were marked by a constant struggle to get noticed, and it wasn't until they moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s that they finally got their big break.

As the episode unfolds, we get to hear from the various members of Midnight Star, as well as industry insiders and experts who weigh in on the band's legacy. We learn about the various challenges that the group faced over the years, from experiencing racism and being marginalized as a black group in the predominantly white music industry, to dealing with interpersonal conflicts and creative differences within the band.

Despite these challenges, Midnight Star managed to achieve a significant level of success in the early 1980s, thanks in large part to their catchy, danceable tunes and dynamic live performances. The group's pioneering use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments helped to define the sound of electro-funk, and their influence can still be felt in contemporary dance and hip hop music.

The episode also explores Midnight Star's later years, as the band struggled to maintain their success in the face of changing musical tastes and the shifting sands of the music industry. We learn about the band's various line-up changes and creative shifts, and how they managed to continue making music despite the odds.

Overall, season 6, episode 2 of UnSung is a fascinating and engaging look at the story of Midnight Star, one of the most unsung heroes of the R&B and funk scenes of the 1980s. Through interviews with the band members, industry insiders, and musical experts, we get a vivid portrait of the band's history and legacy, and come away with a deeper appreciation of the immense talent and hard work that went into creating some of the most infectious and memorable dance tunes of the era. Whether you're a longtime fan of Midnight Star or just discovering them for the first time, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of R&B and funk music.