Documentary

VH1's Legends

8.0(2)

First Aired:December 2, 1996

Seasons:3 seasons

Episodes:29

Status:Ended

Legends is a music biography television series on VH1. Originally sponsored by AT&T Corporation, this series documents those artists who have made a significant contribution to music history to be profiled on the show. The show goes in-depth into the entire career of the artist, with each episode containing rare concert and music video footage. The initial episodes were narrated by Kris Kristofferson, however other narrators have included Sheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, Ossie Davis, Levon Helm, Henry Rollins and James Justice. Recent episodes have been hosted by William Baldwin. Tina Turner, Elton John, Pink Floyd and John Lennon are the only artists so far to have been profiled on both Legends and Behind The Music.

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Seasons & Episodes

Hour-long documentaries detailing the lives and careers of celebrities in the music industry.

E1The Who

Dec 2, 1996

Unveiling the British rock band The Who. Member Keith Moon, was best known for his drum destruction in concerts along with, Pete Townsend's guitar smashing ritual on stage as well. The band sold millions until losing their drummer, Keith Moon on September 7, 1978 at 32 from an overdose of his medication.

E2The Grateful Dead

Dec 9, 1996

Rocking in this documentary about a rock band "The Grateful Dead". The band sold 35 million albums and selling out concerts. Front man, Jerry Garcia had been dealing with a vicious drug addiction while he was in the band. He's been in and out of rehab until, he met his fate on August 9, 1995 at 53.

E3Marvin Gaye

Dec 16, 1996

E4Eric Clapton

Dec 23, 1996

E5The Doors

Dec 30, 1996

Profiling 1960's-70's band The Doors. Charismatic lead singer Jim Morrison, was known for his poems which later became songs. Interviews with the surviving members, archival interviews with Morrison himself along with record execs. Also included are the news clips of Morrison's 1969 arrest from indecent exposure at a concert in Florida. Morrison, met his fate on July 3, 1971 while soaking in a bathtub in France.

E6U2

45m

Jan 6, 1997

Four teenage friends from Dublin navigate personal tragedy, religious conflicts, and the pressure of stardom to become one of the world's biggest rock bands. Following a path from small clubs to massive stadiums, this documentary explores the group's journey to define their own sound and purpose.

E7David Bowie

Jan 13, 1997

Unfolding the career of rock star David Bowie. Interviews and concert clips included.

E8Johnny Cash

Jan 20, 1997

E9Tina Turner

Jan 27, 1997

The story of Tina Turner, from her childhood in Tennessee, her rise and fall with Ike Turner and her ascent to solo super-stardom. It includes many interviews, pictures as well as concert and music video footage.

E10Curtis Mayfield

Feb 3, 1997

E11Aretha Franklin

Feb 10, 1997

E12Elton John

Feb 17, 1997

E13John Fogerty

Feb 24, 1997

E14B.B. King

Mar 3, 1997

E15Stevie Ray Vaughan

Mar 10, 1997

E16Queen

Mar 17, 1997

Outlining the British rock band Queen. Queen, sold millions of albums and selling out concerts. Front man Freddie Mercury, the talented star who touched fans all over the world until he met his fate on November 24, 1991, from complications of AIDS at 45. Interviews and concert clips included.

E17Bruce Springsteen

45m

Mar 24, 1997

Profile of Bruce Springsteen from his early days playing in garage bands in New Jersey to his rise as rock legend; includes rare, personal photos, interviews and classic performances.

E18Janis Joplin

60m

Mar 31, 1997

Outlining the life and career of blues/rock star Janis Joplin. Joplin, was known for her hits "Piece of My Heart" and "Me and Bobby McGee". Inside this documentary are interviews with Janis' sister Laura along with friends and band mates. Concert clips are also included along news clips about her arrest for indecent language at a concert and, her untimely death at 27 on October 4, 1970.

E19Led Zeppelin

Apr 7, 1997

Delving into the amazing career of British rock band Led Zeppelin. Interviews of the surviving members, former manager Peter Grant (died in 1995), concert clips, etc. Fans loved the band, parents hated them. In addition, John Bonham's death was included and, the announcement of the bands disbandment in 1980. Narrarated by Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler.

E20John Lennon

Apr 14, 1997

Unpeeling the life and career of Beatles member, John Lennon. Lennon and the Beatles sold millions until their split in 1970. Sadly, at age 40, Lennon met his bloody demise by Mark David Chapman.

More hour-long documentaries detailing the lives and careers of celebrities in the music industry.

E1The Pretenders

60m

Dec 6, 1999

A documentary outlining the dramatic true story of British/ American rock band The Pretenders. From Chrissie Hynde's childhood in Ohio, to the early punk years in Vivienne Westwood's Sex shop in London, to forming the Pretenders and watching the drug-induced deaths of half of her band mates.

E2George Clinton

Dec 13, 1999

E3The Clash

Dec 20, 1999

E4Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Dec 27, 1999

E5Neil Young

Jan 3, 2000

E6The Bee Gees

Jan 10, 2000

The story of the Bee Gees and their musical careers which spanned several decades.

Yet more hour-long documentaries detailing the lives and careers of celebrities in the music industry.

E1Jimi Hendrix

Dec 4, 2000

Unfolding the life and career of guitar God Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970).

E2Sam Cooke

Dec 11, 2000

This film documents the rise of legendary singer Sam Cooke, from his beginnings as a gospel singer to his crossover to the pop and R&B charts. Includes interviews with Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls and more.

E3Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett

Dec 18, 2000

The story of the early years of Pink Floyd and founding member Syd Barrett.