BET J Delivers a Sizzling Black History Month Programming Lineup for the 'Grown and Sexy'

BET J Delivers a Sizzling Black History Month Programming Lineup for the 'Grown and Sexy'

The Ultimate Lifestyle Network Offers a Diverse Mix of Specials Celebrating All Music Genres and Cultures

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- BET J announced today a sizzling programming lineup in commemoration of February's Black History Month, delivering a cool menu of specials and original programming for the "Grown and Sexy" viewer. The digital channel will roll out a myriad of unique shows, including music concert specials, documentaries, and short films. BET J celebrates and embraces Black cultural and musical contributions throughout the month of February as well as takes viewers on a riveting journey that undoubtedly lifts the spirit, intrigues the mind and excites the soul.

During Black History Month, BET J offers a full plate of music specials showcasing a wide array of musical genres sure to satisfy the tastes of every mature viewer. "BET J's Black History Month programming directly speaks to our mature audience with a variety of innovative shows catering to the adult viewer," stated Paxton Baker, President of BET J Digital Networks and BET Event Productions. "Our unique multicultural programming slate illuminates the Black experience as well as provides an appreciation of our music and culture."

Whether it's the hypnotic adult sounds of R&B to the stirring and inspirational rhythms of gospel or neo-soul, BET J is the one channel that undoubtedly brings the Black music experience closer to home. Breathtaking musical performances are featured this February in a variety of BET J music specials, including a live reunion of hit 90s R&B group Mint Condition in MINT CONDITION: LIVIN' THE LUXURY BROWN; FUNKY FRIDAYS featuring notable performances from legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Frankie Beverly; a featured concert performance from Kirk Franklin's latest album release in THE REBIRTH OF KIRK FRANKLIN LIVE; the divine and beautiful Yolanda Adams in YOLANDA ADAMS: LIVE IN CONCERT; and the soulful and sexy sounds of Anthony Hamilton and his music special, ANTHONY HAMILTON: COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM among others.

Viewers can also enjoy music specials that provide a rich historic retrospective on their favorite artists as well as memorable performances. Legendary performers such as Miles Davis and Gerald Levert are immortalized in provocative music profiles like MILES ELECTRIC: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUE and GERALD LEVERT: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE. The ground-breaking documentary series, MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC takes an up-close and chronological look at the dynamic lives and music careers of some of Black music's phenomenal musicians like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and John Coltrane.

BET J also fills the void during Black History Month with a spectacular lineup of edgy original programming highlighting today's prominent Black figures and showcasing today's hottest Black short films. In the special HISTORY MAKERS bio-series, real-life stories and experiences are profoundly documented, highlighting the success, faith and courage of such individuals as Reverend Al Sharpton, Susan L. Taylor, Harry Belafonte, and Angela Davis among others.

Following is a more detailed look at BET J's Black History Month programming, all times are ET/PT:

MUSIC/CONCERT SPECIALS:

-- MILES ELECTRIC: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUE

This music special examines the dynamic life and sounds of legendary musician, Miles Davis. Directed by award-winning producer Murray Lerner, he sits down with several performers who have worked and played with the late artist, including Carlos Santana and Joni Mitchell, who describe the impact Miles Davis had on today's music. Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m.

-- FUNKY FRIDAYS

BET J celebrates the end of each week with a festive two-hour program jammed packed with the hottest concerts from your favorite artists, including Maze, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, The Isley Brothers and many more! Viewers don't need a concert ticket to enjoy the most memorable music events of all time because BET J grants the prestige of front row access! The list of featured concert episodes includes Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Friday, February 2 at 8:00 p.m.; Mandrell. Friday, February 2 at 9:00 p.m.; The Temptations. Friday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m.; The Isley Brothers. Friday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m.; Lionel Ritchie. Friday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m.; Ashford & Simpson. Friday, February 16 at 9:00 p.m.; James Brown. Friday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m.; Marvin Gaye: Live at Montreaux. Friday, February 2 at 9:00 p.m.

-- MINT CONDITION: LIVIN' THE LUXURY BROWN

Don't miss the hottest R&B band of the 90's, Mint Condition, as they mark their historic return LIVE from DC's renowned 9:30 Club, and featuring performances of hit favorites like "Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)," "U Send Me Swinging," "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" and also songs from their latest CD titled "Livin' The Luxury Brown." Sunday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m.

-- B.B. KING IN CONCERT

The reigning King of the Blues, B.B. King rules supreme on this BET J music special! The legendary blues guitarist along with his beloved "Lucille" guitar raises the roof in a LIVE concert recorded at the BET J studios. This electrifying "Jazz Central" performance features the trademark guitar and vocal style that has undoubtedly made B.B. King the most influential blues musician of the 20th Century. Sunday, February 4 at 4:00 p.m.

-- THE REBIRTH OF KIRK FRANKLIN LIVE

Tune in for the inspirational concert showcasing the repertoire from the platinum CD release "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin," featuring fellow gospel artists Richard Smallwood, Pastor Shirley Caesar and the late Will Neal Johnson, and favorite songs like "Brighter Day," "Hosanna" and "He Reigns." Sunday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m.

-- ANTHONY HAMILTON: COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM

Phenomenal neo-soul artist, Anthony Hamilton goes back to his soulful roots in this one-hour music program. The six-time Grammy-nominated artist takes viewers on a musical journey detailing his humble beginnings in Charlotte, NC to becoming the hot artist who's critically acclaimed, platinum album, COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM, which has garnered multiple accolades, including Grammy, Soul Train, Billboard and NAACP Image Awards nominations. Sunday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m.

-- ANGIE STONE

Renowned R&B songsters Angie Stone wows the audience in this special concert taped in North Carolina from the "Silk & Sandpaper" night club featuring Anthony Hamilton and soulful classics like "I Wanna Thank Ya," "No More Rain," "Brotha" and "Stay a While." Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING/DOCUMENTARIES:

-- BLACK STORIES

Don't miss the riveting and thought-provoking short film showcase spotlighting our up and coming filmmakers and embracing the Black experience. Unflinching short stories and shocking tales will undoubtedly entertain viewers while evoking an array of emotions with this edgy short film series. Monday, February 5 at 9:00 p.m.

-- MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC SERIES

Viewers will enjoy this one-hour engaging historical profile highlighting the stellar careers and personal lives of Black music's most influential figures, including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and John Coltrane. Through historical footage highlighting their performances and intimate accounts from their fellow musicians and family, this BET J favorite will give viewers everywhere an appreciation of these musical icons' contributions to Black music! Featured artist: Billy Holiday. Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured artist: Louis Armstrong. Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured Artist: John Coltrane. Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.

-- LYRIC CAFE

BET J celebrates the "spoken word" in this fresh original program, LYRIC CAFE hosted by "Grown & Sexy" gentlemen Gary Dourdan and Malcolm Jamal Warner. Join the Lyric Cafe players as they speak their minds, express their views and stimulate your senses -- all against the jazz-infused backdrop of hot spot "Fais Do-Do." Lyric Cafe marathon episodes feature Lyric Cafe players Javon Jackson, Thea Monyee, Coco Brown, Terry Dexter, Sonja Marie, Rives, Kasim Allah and Medusa among others. Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

-- BET J HISTORY MAKERS

BET J highlights the compelling stories of many Black figures in this ground-breaking documentary series, HISTORY MAKERS. Each half-hour program explores the dynamic lives of prominent individuals like Susan L. Taylor, Nikki Giovani, Angela Davis and Reverend Al Sharpton, who often faced challenging obstacles of which they overcame to achieve their success. Through these poignant documents, viewers will learn and appreciate the untold stories of our unsung Black American history makers who have persevered through success, faith and courage. A profile on various "history makers" SUCCESS: Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" FAITH: Thursday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" COURAGE: Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.

ABOUT BET J

BET J is the evolutionary digital network providing unique and innovative programming for the mature viewer. The digital channel, a subsidiary of BET Networks and Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) is the ultimate lifestyle network providing multicultural, entertainment and music programming for the "Grown and Sexy"; a network that delivers a full menu of programs that highlight the rhythmic sounds of jazz, R&B, and the Caribbean to ground- breaking and revolutionary documentaries and short films embracing the Black experience. BET J is the home for the multicultural adult between the ages of 25 and 54. BET J, currently viewed in over 26 million households, is the only place where the cultural adult connoisseur can enjoy sophisticated programming 24/7.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B), is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop -- are brands that serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. Finally, BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: BET J

CONTACT: Lyntina Townsend of BET Networks, +1-202-608-2745,
Lyntina.Townsend@BET.net, for BET J

Web site: http://www.bet.com/

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