Ep 8. The Manhattans

UnSung, a music documentary series, is back with its seventh season, and episode eight is all about one of the most famous R&B groups of the 70s and 80s, The Manhattans. The group, which started as a doo-wop quintet in New Jersey in the 60s, went on to create some of the most iconic songs in the history of R&B music.

The episode takes a deep dive into the group's rise to fame, exploring their early days and the challenges they faced along the way. It features interview clips from several members of the group, including lead vocalist Gerald Alston, who joined the Manhattans in 1970.

The episode begins with a brief history of the group, introducing the original members and highlighting their early successes with the doo-wop hit "I Wanna Be (Your Everything)." It then moves on to explore the group's transformation into a soul/R&B act in the 70s, with the addition of Alston and the departure of some of the original members.

Throughout the episode, we see how the Manhattans continued to evolve and adapt, releasing a string of hits that topped both the R&B and pop charts. From classics like "There's No Me Without You" and "Kiss and Say Goodbye" to lesser-known gems like "Shining Star" and "You'd Better Believe It," the Manhattans were a force to be reckoned with.

But the road to success was far from smooth, and the episode doesn't shy away from exploring the challenges the group faced. From personal struggles and creative differences to the changing landscape of the music industry, the Manhattans faced many obstacles along the way.

Despite these challenges, the Manhattans remained committed to their music and to their fans. The episode paints a picture of a group that was passionate about what they did and grateful for the support they received from their fanbase.

Overall, UnSung's episode on the Manhattans is a captivating look at one of the most enduring and influential R&B groups of all time. It combines insightful interviews with electrifying performance footage to tell the story of a group that made an indelible mark on the music world. Fans of the group and R&B music in general won't want to miss this episode.