NEW YORK – November 18, 2008 – VH1 Soul has joined forces with Black Girls Rock! Inc. to pay tribute to the ladies throughout the month of November, with programming and premieres devoted to the “Sisters of Soul.†Black Girls Rock! Inc. is a non-profit, youth empowerment mentoring organization established for young women of color. With the premiere of “Soul Story: Keyshia Cole†and VH1 Soul program favorites like “SoulStage†and “Storytellers,†November will be a celebration of the great women of soul and hip hop in a very special way.
VH1 Soul “Soul Storyâ€- Keyshia Cole and Mary J. Blige
“Soul Story†features the body of work of a core VH1 Soul artist. Beginning with their first video and continuing to their most recent work, “Soul Story†uses the artist’s own words to offer insight into their personal journey. Driven by the artist’s personal anecdotes, stories and memories, “Soul Story†incorporates clips of their videos to bring a new perspective to the artist’s career. Prominent videos from the artist’s catalogue serve as a backdrop as they discuss their career and personal journey. VH1 Soul’s “Sisters of Soul†month will feature the premiere of “Soul Story: Keyshia Cole†on Monday, November 24 @ 9pm as well as encore airings of “Soul Story: Mary J. Blige†on Wednesday, November 26 and Friday, November 28.
Black Girls Rock! Special Segment
Black Girls Rock! Inc. is a non-profit, youth empowerment mentoring organization established for young women of color. A 2-minute news piece with highlights from the 3rd annual Black Girls Rock! Awards which took place on Sunday, November 2 in NYC celebrating the accomplishments of exceptional women of color who have made outstanding contributions in their careers and community. Some of this years honorees were Erykah Badu, Bethann Hardison, June Ambrose, Estelle, Keyshia Cole, Iman and Pam Grier. The Black Girls Rock! Special Segment will air throughout the month on Vh1 Soul.
Special Beyonce Programming
With Beyonce’s new album, “I Am Sasha Fierce†debuting on Tuesday, November 18, VH1 Soul will air 30-second interstitials throughout the week highlighting Beyonce’s views on topics from soul music, music videos, her music influences and her feelings about performing live. In additional to these
special interstitials, Beyonce’s two new music videos “Single Ladies†and “If I Were a Boy,†will air in power rotation in celebration of the release of her new album.
Vh1 Soul will also re-air the 2-hour documentary “Urban Soul,†which features a stellar cast of interviewees, including and spotlighting Beyonce Knowles. “Urban Soul†is a groundbreaking journey through contemporary American music culture. It is the first documentary to tell the story of the most glamorous pop music in the world today: R&B. “Urban Soul†airs on Tuesday, November 18, Thursday, November 20, and Saturday, November 22. This special Beyonce programming can be enjoyed on VH1 throughout the week of Monday, November 17- Saturday, November 22.
“Soul Cities†–VH1 Soul’s New Original Series
vh1 Soul is hitting the road to visit some of the most famous metropolises around the country with its first original series “Soul Cities.†Viewers will accompany host Nelson George as he embarks on his search to experience the soul in some of America’s greatest cities. Nelson, an award-winning author, filmmaker, television producer, and African-American culture critic, will provide viewers a unique perspective of the music, culture, history, food, people, and famous spaces and places that makes each city soulful in its own way. The season premieres in Philadelphia, and will visit Chicago, New Orleans, Memphis and the Bay Area (San Francisco/Oakland). VH1 Soul new original series “Soul Cities†premieres on Tuesdays starting Tuesday, November 11 at 9 PM ET/PT.
“Soul Deepâ€
The six-part documentary explores the different eras in the evolution of “soul music†from the creation of rhythm and blues to today, via gospel, southern soul, Motown, funk and hip-hop soul through the words and performances of its greatest artists, producers, musicians and commentators. This documentary tells the story of the rise of black popular music by combining rare archival footage with over 100 contemporary and never-seen-before interviews. “Soul Deep†airs on Wednesday, November 26 and Friday, November 28.
“Soulphradisiac: Tamiaâ€
Tune in as Grammy-nominated R&B singer Tamia hosts a video block of her favorite love songs and slow jams. Tune in as she fills us in on what sexy, soulful songs get her in the mood for love. “Soulphradisiac: Tamia†airs on Monday, November 17 and Friday, November 21.
“Rock Docs: The Last Days of Left Eyeâ€
In the days leading up to her tragic death on April 25, 2002, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes was on a spiritual retreat in Honduras. She had gone to her home away from home in order to distance herself from her problems, escape the chaos of the media and to face her inner demons. With the aid of a video camera and the support from those closest to her, she documented what would become her final days in journals and private home movies. Often viewed by the media as outspoken and controversial, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes is posthumously given the opportunity to silence her critics and set the record straight. “Rock Docs: The Last Days of Left Eye†airs on Sunday, November 23.
VH1’s “Storytellersâ€
Grammy nominated artist, Mary J. Blige treated fans to an intimate performance during a taping of VH1 Storytellers at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The hour-long show features Mary J. Blige performing songs from her critically-acclaimed and Grammy nominated album “Growing Pains,†in addition to past hits. Following in the “Storytellers†format, viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration and stories behind each song. “Storytellers: Mary J. Blige†on Wednesday, November 26 and Friday, November 28.
