TV One, home of our favorite television series UnSung, is getting a jump on Black History Month with the premiere of their new talk show, Way Black When, tonight at 10 pm EST. Starting with a three-week run, Way Black When will shine the spotlight on black culture and entertainment from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Each week will feature a different host who will welcome various guests, comedians, and performers from the era being celebrated that week to the program.
Center
Comedian Sinbad will hold things down for all the super fly cat daddys and foxy mamas from Monday, January 31st through Friday, February 4th. The lineup of performers scheduled to appear on week one reads like a who's who from a '70s soul and funk revue, including Larry Graham, Deniece Williams, James Ingram, Evelyn "Champagne" King, The Emotions, and Jody Watley, to name but a small sampling of the talent in store.
Not to be outdone by the '70s retrospective, Niecy Nash takes over hosting duties from Monday, February 7th to Friday, February 11th with a look back at the '80s in all of its leather, lace, fat gold chains, Adidas, and neon-colored glory. R&B and hip hop acts will take over the stage with Kurtis Blow, Doug E. Fresh, The Whispers, Miki Howard, Alexander O'Neal & Cherelle (!!!), Sheila E., and the King of R&B himself Bobby Brown scheduled to appear.
Closing out the Way Black When festivities will be Christopher "Kid" Reid of Kid 'N Play fame whose episodes will air the week of Monday, February 14th until Friday, February 18th. Focusing on the those crazy days of the '90s, performers on this last week will include BBD, K-Ci & JoJo, Johnny Gill, Guy, Naughty By Nature, Ginuwine, and Tony! Toni! Tone! (!!!).
Although the hosts will change from week to week, one thing that will remain the same is house band Mint Condition who I am very excited to see in action nightly on my television screen. Be sure to check out the Way Black When microsite and also the programming schedule so that you don't miss a beat.
