Diana Ross Don't Explain

Apollo Hall of Fame 1993

Videotaped in New York by Radiovision in association with Ken Ehrlich Prods. Exec producers, Kevin Wall, David Wyler, Ken Ehrlich, Leon B. Denmark, Charles B. Rangel; producer, script, Ehrlich; co-producer, Tisha Fein; director, Stan Lathan; lighting director, John Morgan.

Hosts: Bill Cosby, Danny Glover.
America's foremost showcase for black entertainers gets a long-overdue tribute on this handsome, tune-filled production. The two-hour show is so hip that one wonders how it wound up on network TV, the first of what could become the kind of annual event that music fans usually find interrupted by pledge breaks, if they find it on TV at all. Huzzahs to NBC for putting it on.
Loose format has guest stars honoring Hall of Fame winners by singing their songs, with some exceptions: Ray Charles pays tribute to himself by performing his 1959 "What I Say"; and Smokey Robinson demonstrates the relationship between gospel and R&B by singing "This Little Light of Mine" with the Dixie Hummingbirds and "Little Girl of Mine" with the N.Y. doo-wop group the Cleftones.

Robinson, who mentions that unlike some white artists, Bryan Adams always acknowledges his roots in black music, later performs a duet with the Canadian star on Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me." Adams pulls the material off convincingly.

Al Green, Chuck Jackson, Ben E. King and Teddy Pendergrass sing their hits, Brian McKnight sings his recent "Love Is," and all join together for a version of King's "Stand by Me." Flamboyant Green is downright amazing on room-rocking "Let's Stay Together."

Diana Ross pays tribute to Billie Holiday, Regina Belle trips lightly through Ella Fitzgerald hit "Mister Paganini," and young group Shai dress up in natty suits for a witty rendition of the Ink Spots' 1940 "Java Jive."

Notably missing among performers is James Brown, another of this year's Hall of Fame winners.

Show includes tributes to Apollo's amateur night and the blues.Blues jam, headlined by B.B. King, features guitarists Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins and Jeff Beck.Sentimental high point may be tribute to comic Pryor. Show is hosted in casual, seemingly ad-lib fashion by Bill Cosby and Danny Glover. Tech credits, other than the occasional odd camera shot, are fine; sound is especially good.


More than one option(Person) John Morgan
Lighting Director, Lighting
(Person) John Morgan
Swing Gang, Cinematographer, Grip
(Person) John Morgan
Music
(Person) John Morgan
Scenic Artist
(Person) John Morgan
(Person) John Morgan
Finance ManagerMore than one option(Person) William Smokey Robinson
(Person) William Robinson
More than one option(Person) Ray Charles
Actor
(Person) Ray Charles
Original Music, Song, Song Performer
(Person) Ray The Other Charles
More than one option(Person) Bryan Adams
Original Music, Song, Song Performer
(Person) Bryan Adams
(Person) Bryan Adams
Co-Executive Producer, WriterMore than one option(Person) Al Green
Song, Song Performer, Actor
(Person) Al Green
Boom Operator, Stunt DoubleMore than one option(Person) Billie Holiday
Actor, Book as Source Material, Music
(Person) Billie Holiday
ActorMore than one option(Person) Jim Brown
(Person) James Brown
Song, Song Performer, Actor
(Person) James Brown
Driver, Transportation, Transportation Captain
(Person) James Brown
Assistant, Production Assistant
(Person) James Brown
Property Master
(Person) James Brown
Actor
(Person) James Brown
Hair Stylist, Makeup
(Person) James Brown
Sound Mixer
(Person) James Brown
Carpenter
(Person) James Brown
Actor
(Person) James Brown
Actor, Security
(Person) James Brown
Camera Assistant
(Person) James H Hall
(Person) james Brown
(Person) James Brown
ActorEditor, Scott Reynolds; production designer, Bruce Ryan; sound, Paul Sandweiss; musical director, Harold Wheeler.




With: Bryan Adams, Regina Belle, Thelma Carpenter, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, the Cleftones, Mark Curry, Dixie Hummingbirds, Al Green, Chuck Jackson, Ben E. King, Brian McKnight, Teddy Pendergrass, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Shai, Jessica Wilson, Jeff Beck, Albert Collins, Robert De Niro, Buddy Guy, Richard Pryor, Robin Williams.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Diana
• Ross

[pnyc1969]

I'd sort of forgotten this show. And I definitely didn't remember how good she sounds. Her voice has such character, depth, elegance and precision. This is not amateurish stuff. This is the type of sophisticated, expert singing that is completely misunderstood by those who make silly comparisons between Ross and Patti, Aretha, et al. I like those other ladies, esp. Aretha, but Ross has a completely unique type of talent. Shading, colors, bends, curls, deep lyrical interpretation...that's Ross!

[Eboney1990]

love this song sung by her. love her outfit - these sleeves rock.

[whatigot2say]

she looks exactly like she did in her movies from the 70's here only more beautiful.

[erdnre]

@pnyc1969 I am reading your comment a year after your post. It's as if you are speaking my thoughts! I wonder if you sing?. . . I do. It isn't 'cause I want to be famous, tho that would be welcomed, and perhaps even lovely, but because that is who I am. I don't have a big booming voice, so I've learned texture and nuance, and yes, even colors. I want you to want to lean in as if I am telling you a secret. I believe that is also Ross.

[angelialvares]

melancholic, sweet with a voice as smooth as silk. Equally outstanding is, Nina Simone's rendition of this song, very different style and even more heart-rending!

[konumers]

It's performances like this that need to be pulled out when someone has the nerve to suggest she "can't sing"

[namcasithienphu]

The reason I find this so impressive is how Miss Ross' voice is not particularly meant for jazz or blues. From early on in her career, the world was introduced to her voice with a long list of Supremes tunes. Her soft, gentle voice stood out from all the other Black female vocalists reaching huge crossover stardom. After going solo, then "Lady Sings the Blues", etc., etc., she has continued to surprise and dazzle us with her diverse talents. Here is just one example of her enduring magic.

[mnmcv1]

when people makesuch comparisons, they usually have a very narrow view what constitutes vocal talent- i.e. if you're not a "belter", gospel trained or able to pull off extended vocal riffs or runs, your not a great singer.

this is STUPID.

Diana Ross is a great singer. She proves it here, period.

[littleprincey]

I recorded and have this Apollo Hall of Fame Special on VHS; however, this is strange: Diana's singing of 'Don't Explain' is not included on my tape. All I have of her Billie Holiday Tribute--following Bill Cosby's introduction of her--is her singing 'God Bless The Child' and 'Fine and Mellow.' Now, true enough, I began recording the program a shortly after it began.

[paul51]

Excellence . . .