Behind the Music Season 1 Episodes

Episode 1

Milli Vanilli

Sun, Aug 17, 1997

Revealing the rise and fall of pop duo, Milli Vanilli. Rob Pilatus and Fabrice "Fab" Morvan, were stars when "Girl You Know It's True" was released on March 7, 1989. The album sold six million copies worldwide and, spawned five top five singles. In 1990, the LP won several awards such as the American Music Awards along with a Grammy for "Best New Artist" of 1989. In the summer of 1989, at a concert in Bristol, VA their pre-recorded vocal track stuck to "Girl You Know It's..." at least 20 times through the speakers. Fans, didn't care or noticed about the incident at the concert. During the course of 1990, the truth began to unfold that Rob and Fab didn't sing a note on the LP. Despite, with all the publicity, on November 14, 1990 Milli Vanilli was stripped from the Grammy Awards. One year later, Rob and Fab recorded an album with their real voices and, the LP was simply called "Rob and Fab". When the album was released in in 1993, the album never made it to the charts due to, the steep decline of the lip syncing scandal along with, lack of publicity and, budget constraints. The album sold a paltry 2,000 copies and, Pilatus and Morvan had stopped speaking to one another. In 1998, Rob Pilatus died in a German hotel from multiple drug intoxication, he was 33 years old.

Episode 2

M.C. Hammer

Sun, Aug 24, 1997

The rise and fall of the early 90s rap superstar M.C. Hammer.

Episode 3

Boy George

Sun, Aug 31, 1997

Outlining the rise and fall of Culture Club lead singer, Boy George. George, who fronted Culture Club in the early 1980's releasing hit singles until his life spiraled out of control by a vicious drug addiction.

Episode 4

Fleetwood Mac

Sun, Sep 7, 1997

Describing rock band "Fleetwood Mac" was known for their best selling 1977 LP Rumours. Interviews, band tensions (drugs), broken relationships, etc. are summed up by the members themselves.

Episode 5

Nowhere to Hide

Sun, Sep 21, 1997

Documents celebrity stalkers such as Mark David Chapman, who murdered former Beatles member John Lennon on December 8, 1980. Along with other stalkers; John Hinckley, Jr. was obsessed with actress Jodie Foster and, he wanted to impress her by killing President Regan but, Regan survived. Robert John Bardo, was obsessed with child peace activist Samantha Smith before her fatal plane crash on August 25,1985. One year later, he turned his sights on Rebecca Schaeffer who starred in the CBS sitcom "My Sister Sam" which was a hit until it was canceled in April 1988. On July 18, 1989 Bardo went to her apartment, rang the buzzer and, shot the 21 year old at point blank range. Ricardo Lopez, stalked Icelandic singer Bjork. Enraged, he built a mail bomb to harm her because, she had an affair with another singer Goldie. On September 13, 1996 Lopez took his own life, he was 21. Includes news clips of Lennon's death, interviews with grieving fans in front of the Dakota where the deadly incident took place, tape recorded interviews with Chapman himself, etc.

Episode 6

Imagemakers

Sun, Oct 12, 1997

Episode 7

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sun, Oct 19, 1997

Southern Rock band Lynyrd Skynrd sold millions of albums along with concerts across the country. On October 20, 1977 after three days "Street Survivors" was released, their charter plane crashed; taking the lives of lead singer Ronnie Van Zandt (Lead Singer), Steve Gaines (Guitar), Cassie Gaines (Background Singer), Dean Kilpatrick (Assistant Road Manager), Walter McCreary (Pilot) and William Gray (Co-Pilot). The rest of the band mates, road manager and, road crew survived but, sustained serious injuries. After the aftermath, Steve Gaines' widow convinced MCA Records to withdraw the cover of "Street Survivors" with the band along with cities in flames. Steve was in the middle of the picture so, MCA released an alternate cover of the band on a black cover. After a 10 year hiatus, Lynyrd Skynyrd mapped out a reunion tour; Johnny Van Zant (Ronnie's younger brother) as the lead singer along with original members; Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Leon Wilkeson, Artimus Pyle and, Ed King (departed from the band before the fatal plane accident). Due to founding member Allen Collins' paralysis from his 1986 car accident, he was only able to participate as the musical director, choosing Randall Hall, as his stand-in. In return for avoiding prison following his guilty plea to DUI manslaughter Collins would be wheeled out onstage each night to explain to the audience why he could no longer perform. Collins passed with complications of pneumonia on January 23, 1990 .

Episode 8

Teddy Pendergrass

Sun, Oct 26, 1997

Episode 9

Billy Joel

Sun, Nov 9, 1997

Piano Man Billy Joel is profiled. Interviews with Joel himself, concert and video clips, marriages and, his storied career.

Episode 10

Lilith Fair

Sun, Nov 16, 1997

Episode 11

Andy Gibb

Sun, Nov 30, 1997

Andy Gibb, the younger brother of the Bee Gees was a pop teen idol. Gibb released four albums and, four top 10 singles. Throughout his popularity, he started to throw it all away on a series of cocaine binges. After his last two albums "After Dark" (1980) and "Greatest Hits" (1981) were released, he was dropped from the RSO Records roster due, to his drug addiction. When his recording career dried up, he took a hand at co-hosting the long running syndicated TV Series "Solid Gold" along with stage shows such as "The Pirates of Panzance" (Opposite Pam Dawber) and, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". Those vehicles were short lived due to, absenteeism and cocaine binges. During that time, he dated "Dallas" star Victoria Principal and, the relationship lasted for a year. While making a comeback, he started having violent chest pains and, was admitted to the Hospital. On March 10, 1988 Andy Gibb passed away, he was 30 years old.

Episode 12

Jim Croce

Tue, Dec 2, 1997

Describing the life and death of singer, Jim Croce. Croce, was best known for his hits "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" and "Time In A Bottle". Croce, met his demise at the age of 30 when his plane hit a pecan tree.

Episode 13

The Carpenters

Thu, Jan 1, 1998

Delving into the pop duo The Carpenters. The duo had belted out hits such as "(They Long to Be) Close To You and "We've Only Just Begun" and others. Interviews with family, friends, record producers and, Karen's untimely death at 32.

Episode 14

Sonny Bono

Sun, Jan 11, 1998

Episode 15

The Mamas & the Papas

Sun, Jan 11, 1998

Profiling 60's rock band "The Mama's and The Papa's". The group was best known for their hits "Monday Monday" and "California Dreamin'". Fame, fortune, drugs and, jealousy ripped the band apart. Cass Elliott's death was also mentioned.

Episode 16

Meat Loaf

Sun, Feb 1, 1998

Meat Loaf (Marvin Lee Aday), speaks openly about his childhood and successful music career. Interviews with family, friends, record executives and, videos.

Episode 17

Gladys Knight

Sun, Feb 15, 1998

Episode 18

Willie Nelson

Sun, Mar 1, 1998

Episode 19

Jerry Lee Lewis

Sun, Mar 8, 1998

Episode 20

Rick James

Sun, Mar 15, 1998

Episode 21

David Crosby

Sun, Mar 22, 1998

Episode 22

Selena

Sun, Mar 29, 1998

Identifying the death of Tejano star Selena (1971-1995). Selena, had it all until she was gunned down by Yolanda Saldavar on March 31, 1995. Narrator James Forbes, interviews the murderer in a Texas prison where she was incarcerated.

Episode 23

Jefferson Airplane

Sun, Apr 5, 1998

Episode 24

Takin' It to the Streets

Sun, Apr 12, 1998

Episode 25

Ozzy Osbourne

Sun, Apr 19, 1998

Heavy Metal gross out king, Ozzy Osbourne was identified. Osbourne, was best know for his stint in Black Sabbath and a successful solo career. Interviews with his family, band-mates, record executives, etc.

Episode 26

Ted Nugent

Sun, Apr 19, 1998

Episode 27

Joe Cocker

Sun, May 3, 1998

Episode 28

Studio 54

Sun, May 24, 1998

In this hour and a half documentation about, a New York discotheque called Studio 54. The club opened in February 1977 and, it owned by Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell on 54th street. Their guest were celebrities, locals, etc. In 1980, the club was raided and Rubell and Schrager were arrested for skimming $2.5 million and tax evasion. One year later, they had been sentenced for 13 months in prison for the matter. The club remained opened until it shuttered for good in 1985. Steve Rubell died at 43 on July 25, 1989 from complications of AIDS.

Episode 29

Keith Moon

Sun, May 31, 1998

Describing The Who drummer Keith Moon (1946-1978). Moon, was best know destroying his drum kit at concerts. Summing up, Moon's excessive drinking and drugs had finally caught up with him at age 32.

Episode 30

Bonnie Raitt

Sun, Jun 7, 1998

Episode 31

Culture Club Reunion

Sun, Jun 14, 1998

Episode 32

Robbie Robertson

Fri, Jun 19, 1998

Episode 33

Def Leppard

Sun, Jun 21, 1998

British rock band Def Leppard, sold millions of albums along with concerts. Def Leppard, had big tastes of success in the 1980's until, alcohol and drugs had taken their toll. Those vices drove a member out of the band in 1982 and, another to an early grave in 1991. The surviving members discuss frankly about their beginnings and success. In addition, drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car accident while taking a break from recording their fourth album fourth LP "Hysteria".

Episode 34

Tony Orlando

Sun, Jun 28, 1998

Episode 35

Gloria Estefan

Sun, Jul 5, 1998

Episode 36

Jan and Dean

Sun, Jul 12, 1998

Episode 37

Harry Chapin

Sun, Jul 19, 1998

Episode 38

Gloria Gaynor

Sun, Jul 26, 1998

Episode 101

Frank Sinatra: News Special

Sun, May 17, 1998

Episode 102

Milli Vanilli - News Special

Tue, Apr 7, 1998