Avant came from the rough streets of Cleveland to become one of the top R&B balladeers of the 2000s. TV One’s signature, award-winning music biography series “Unsung” sits down with the smooth crooner on Sunday, April 8 at 9/8C. In this episode, Avant comes out of the shadows to reveal the man behind the music.
With a smooth yet smoldering style that drew from R. Kelly, Avant’s singing and songwriting explored the dimensions of what he called ‘uncomfortable love.’ He helped launch the career of singer Keke Wyatt with a duet on his top ten single “My First Love” – then reprised their success a decade later with the number one hit “You and I.” Despite five top ten albums, battles with record labels have threatened to derail his career, and his romantic relationships have reflected the emotional conflicts of his most memorable songs.
Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode of TV One’s signature series “Unsung” sheds much-deserved light on some of the most influential and talented R&B, soul, funk, hip-hop, disco, and gospel artists of the last 30 years. In upcoming episodes featuring Brand Nubian and Lost Boyz, season 12 of TV One’s critically acclaimed and award-winning “Unsung” uncovers the personal triumphs and struggles of these musical legends.
A reality show brand unto herself, NeNe Leakes rose to stardom with an outspoken “tell-it-like-it-is” demeanor. On Sunday, April 8 at 10/9C, the next episode of TV One’s hit new autobiography series “Uncensored” goes deep into NeNe’s world and character.
Born in Queens, New York, NeNe Leakes was abandoned by her mother and sent to be raised by her aunt in Athens, Georgia. Encounters with the law and an abusive relationship led her away from her dreams, but as a single mother trying to juggle casting calls, modeling auditions, and motherhood, she was determined to leave the pain and rejection behind. With the support of her husband, NeNe extended her reach to Hollywood and landed roles in shows like “The Parkers,” “The Amanda,” “The Game,” and “Let’s Stay Together.” Her outspoken, no-nonsense demeanor made her one the most popular cast members of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” In 2014 she would also become the highest paid reality star ever on Bravo. She landed even more roles on shows like “Glee,” “The New Normal,” “Miss USA,” “The Apprentice,” and “I Dream of NeNe,” which was produced by her own production company. With her own fashion line and a new boutique in Atlanta, she is continually making power moves.
The 10-episode autobiographical series gives unprecedented access to stars of film, television, music, and pop culture, with upcoming episodes featuring La La Anthony and Snoop Dogg as they personally reveal their own stories, in their own words, in the places their stories unfolded.
