Roots: Celebrating 25 Years (2002) TV Special

The power of 'Roots': Special celebrates 25th anniversary of landmark miniseries
Tuesday, January 15, 2002
By Monica L. Haynes, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

For eight consecutive nights in January 1977, millions of Americans watched the groundbreaking, history-making saga of an American family who did not come over on the Mayflower or pass through Ellis Island. "Roots," the story of Kunta Kinte, a West African enslaved in the United States, and his descendants, captivated the American television audience as no other dramatic program had done before.

LeVar Burton, who starred as the young Kuntu Kinte in "Roots," says he "had no thought or expectation of what it would lead to." It was television at its best -- controversial, thought-provoking, entertaining and a ratings hit. At some time during the miniseries' eight nights, 130 million Americans watched "Roots," and the series went on to garner countless awards including nine Emmys and a Peabody.

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Roots: Celebrating 25 Years (2002) TV Special
Cast: LeVar Burton, Tina Andrews, Maya Angelou, Alex Haley, Will Smith, Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams

David Foster's Christmas Album (1993) (TV)

This is one of the best if not THE BEST of the many, many Christmas offerings. Mr. Foster is still one of Hollywood's most prolific music men today and twenty years ago his muscle was just as apparent as can be discerned by this gathering of heavyweights. Of the ten guests there isn't a slack among them although there is a flack, Roberta Flack singing a fantastic version of "I'll Be Home For Christmas" with Peabo Bryson. But not before Tom Jones comes out and sings a traditional selection that will remind you of his greatness, what a voice. When you see the opening, a single ballerina against a full orchestra with DF front and center at the piano you gotta know something good is coming. It just rolls like that, Johnny Mathis is next with his standard, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" sung against a very frenetic background. A very, very beautiful Vanessa Williams steps up to show her many talents with an "old negro spiritual" performed with a ballet dancing accompaniment. Next we lament along with Wynonna as she laments not being available for those whom she is close with a lovely "Blue Christmas". One of my favorites follows, "The First Noel" sung by Peabo and Ms. Flack, whom is by the way, just absolutely beautiful on this formal evening. After a break, Michael Crawford performs a very traditional "O Holy Night" very traditionally, complete with a mob of altarboys. The television evening culminates with the standard group-sing of one of the most standard of all Christmas standards, "White Christmas" with each handpicked guest taking a turn. I think I've mentioned in other reviews something about "celebrity-driven glomfests" but that doesn't always have to be bad as this is evidence. A beautiful production, two thumbs up. Merry Christmas.
 

David Foster's Christmas Album (1993) (TV)

Cast: Peabo Bryson, Michael Crawford, Celine Dion, Roberta Flack, Tom Jones, Johnny Mathis, Ben Vereen, Vanessa Williams, Bebe & Ce Ce Wyans, Wynonna, David Foster

Salute to Our Troops, A (1991) (TV)

Not to be confused with "All-Star Salute to Our Troops" also from 1991, this is a local production of KABC7. Though the production values are noticeably low or no budget (Tony Orlando is wearing a jogging suit) they still were able to get a pretty good draw for a 9AM weekday freebie. Hosted by the long-running stud Steve Edwards and local TV icon and 1976 Miss America, Tawny Little. Who was coincidentally a former wife of John Schneider, just one of the musical performers on this celebratory morning. Along with Ben Vereen dancing his ass off, Susan Anton, Clint Black, Tony Orlando, Sheena Easton, Billy Vera and others make for a nifty version of a morning show. Extremely rare!

A Salute to Our Troops (1991) (TV)
Cast: Ben Vereen, Susan Anton, Carol Burnett, Charlton Heston, Sheena Easton, Steve Edwards, Tawny Little, assorted

J.J. Starbuck (1987) TV series 1987-1988

Texas billionaire J.J. Starbuck drives around the country in a 1961 Lincoln convertible, with horns on the hood, acting as a private detective solving crimes. He charms the police and anyone else in his way and never charges the victims anything for solving the crime. In 1988, he acquired an assistant, "Tenspeed" Turner, a con man who helps him out, often in a disguise.

AVAILABLE EPISODES

Season 1, Episode 2

A Killing in the Market

29 September 1987

Season 1, Episode 4

The Blimpy Who Yelled Blue

27 October 1987

Season 1, Episode 6

Incident at Sam September

10 November 1987

Season 1, Episode 7

Gold from the Rainbow

5 December 1987

Season 1, Episode 8

Graveyard Shift

15 December 1987

Season 1, Episode 9

The 6% Solution

26 December 1987

Season 1, Episode 10

The Circle Unbroken

16 January 1988

Season 1, Episode 11

Murder by Design

23 January 1988

J.J. Starbuck (1987) TV series 1987-1988
Cast: Ben Vereen, Dale Robertson, Jimmy Dean, Shawn Weatherly

Ellis Island (1984) TV mini-series

Ellis Island (1984) TV mini-series
Cast: Ann Jillian, Ben Vereen, Claire Bloom, Emma Samms, Gregory Paul Martin, Joan Greenwood, Judi Bowker, Kate Burton, Melba Moore, Milo O'Shea, Peter Riegert, Stubby Kaye