TV One will premiere a two-part documentary titled Unsung Presents: Music & the Movement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to showcase artists who have fought for justice and equality through music.
The documentary uses archival footage, interviews, and vocal performances to explore powerful anthems across centuries — from stirring Negro spirituals like “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” to soul and funk anthems during the Black Power movement performed by Aretha Franklin (“Respect”) and Curtis Mayfield (“People Get Ready”), to viral music videos calling for action and awareness during the Black Lives Matter movement.
In a trailer for the documentary, images of Public Enemy, Alicia Keys, Chance the Rapper, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix, N.W.A, Beyoncé, James Brown, Common, and others are combined with footage from the civil rights movement and the BLM protests.
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“Black music has been a way to document your existence on this Earth,” a voice says in the trailer.
Songs from Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron and others will be featured, with commentary provided by Erica Campbell, Rev. Al Sharpton and more.
The documentary will also feature the broadcast debut of the original track “KliKKK KlaKKK” by Sunny Dizzle and the group Steaksawse.
Unsung Presents: Music & The Movement will premiere on Monday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET. Part two will air immediately after at 9 p.m. ET.
Watch the trailer below for the TV One special:
