VH1 Classic Celebrates the 'Wonder' of Black History Month in February

VH1 Classic Celebrates the 'Wonder' of Black History Month in February

NEW YORK, Jan. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 Classic is kicking off Black History Month with a vintage, high-energy performance by the legendary Stevie Wonder as well as a premiere edition of "Classic Albums" focusing entirely on the making of his seminal album "Songs In The Key of Life." The channel also offers the VH1 Classic premiere of the movie "Little Richard," chronicling the rock pioneer's tumultuous upbringing, and a re-airing of VH1's critically acclaimed documentary series "And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop."

BBC Crown Jewels: Stevie Wonder: "A Night of Wonder"
Premiere: Thursday, February 8 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET

Airing for the first time in the United States, VH1 Classic will debut "A Night of Wonder," a concert performed by Stevie Wonder at the BBC's Teddington Studios. This jam session is a must-see for fans of Wonder, who delivers rousing renditions of his Motown hits for an intimate audience of less than 200 fans.

Classic Albums: "Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Life"
Premiere: Tuesday, February 6, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET

Already firmly established as a musical genius, Stevie Wonder spent over two years making this album, which was finally released in 1976 amidst great anticipation. Filmed at Wonderland, Wonder's studio complex in Los Angeles, and using the original multi-tracks, this film reconvenes all the original musicians that played on the album. "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" are both performed live in a unique performance interspersed with the musicians' own recollections of the recording of this now classic album.

Rock And Roll Picture Show: "Little Richard"
Premiere: Monday, February 5, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET

This telemovie chronicles the life and times of rock and roll pioneer Little Richard, born Richard Penniman, one of 12 children in Georgia. Heavily steeped in gospel music while growing up, Little Richard experienced traumatic loss at an early age when his father was murdered. However, the artist went on to create a new sound by mixing the fire of gospel with New Orleans-style rhythm and blues, pounding on the piano and wailing with abandon. At least twice, Little Richard quit the world of show business to become a minister. It was during one of these periods that his father's murderer came to him and asked forgiveness. Stars Leon, Jenifer Lewis and Garrett Morris.

VH1 Classic will also re-air the critically acclaimed documentary series "And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip Hop:"

Part 1: "Back in the Day"
Airs Monday Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.

Part 2: "Bring The Noise"
Airs Monday Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. & Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.

Part 3: "Gangsta Gangsta"
Airs Monday Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. & Sat., Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

Part 4: "Life After Death"
Airs Monday February 5 at 8 p.m.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at www.vh1classic.com.

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Brett Henne, +1-212-846-6752, or Maura Wozniak, +1-212-846-
7325, both of VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1classic.com/

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