Behind the Music

BTM Ludacris shines a spotlight on one of the South's finest hip hop lyricists. In his most revealing interview, Ludacris opens up about his struggle to achieve rap notoriety and dealing with his loving yet alcoholic father.

"Behind the Music: T.I." (aka Clifford Harris Jr.) will catch up with the prolific rapper in the eventful 3 years since his last "Behind the Music" special. T.I.'s update will include the artist and wife Tiny discussing both stints in prison and lessons learned. He also discusses his wedding to Tiny, their hit reality show, "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle," (returning to VH1 September 3 at 9pm), his life as a husband and father, as well as his growing acting career, the publication of his book and the upcoming release of his highly anticipated 8th studio album.After an adolescence of crime, violence, and drugs on the tough streets of Atlanta, T.I., channeled his frustration and sadness into rapping. In 2007, while attempting to buy a firearm, T.I. was set up in a sting operation and busted by federal agents. After serving a year in prison, T.I. was sent back in 2009 for a parole violation. Upon release nearly 2 years later, he made an important decision to change his approach and has since become a mentor, reaching out to troubled youth and preaching against the very mistakes that he made.

Alternative/hip-hop group Gym Class Heroes discuss their rapid rise to fame and the significant challenges it brought, including Travie McCoy's addiction to painkillers and his very public relationship and breakup with pop superstar Katy Perry.

Carrie Underwood speaks openly about the challenges that came along with her sudden fame. She also discusses her search for love, which led to her fairytale romance with her hockey player husband, Mike Fisher.

Despite their days of obscurity and struggles to get a record deal Train rose to rock stardom before personal losses, drugs and alcohol abuse threatened to destroy it all.

"Behind The Music: Brandy" will chronicle the Grammy Award-winning artist from her days as young girl singing in her church choir to flourishing into a successful musician and actress. It will also follow Brandy's trials and tribulations, both personally and professionally, and illustrating how she re-emergered as a dynamic, hit-making musical recording artist with a successful acting career. At the tender age of 18, Brandy found herself dealing with the high costs of fame, maintaining her "perfect" image, all the while balancing her career as a musician and coping with the pressures of starring in her hit TV series "Moesha."During this period, Brandy suffered life-altering tragic events, which are chronicled in this "Behind the Music" special. Raising her daughter as a single mom and serving as a role model in her community via her Norwood Kids Foundation, which supports music and the performing arts in public schools, Brandy is on top of her game and currently in the studio working on her debut album for RCA/Chameleon Records set for release later this spring, as well as being a go-to actress for several TV and film roles including her upcoming role in Tyler Perry's film "The Marriage Counselor," as well as her roles on "90210," BET's scripted series "The Game" and serving as a mentor on the reality TV talent show for kids entitled "Majors and Minors."

In "Behind The Music: Akon," VH1 traces the artist's early beginnings in Senegal, Africa, through his struggles forging an identify in America and his criminal past as a car thief, landing him in prison. While there he ultimately found redemption by turning to music. Under heavy media scrutiny after his commercial success, Akon was forced to defend his heritage in the wake of several controversial onstage incidents. BTM catches up with Akon for a-day-in-the-life as he promotes his forthcoming album, "Stadium." In the special, Akon opens up about his home life and addresses the notorious onstage incidents that included dirty dancing with an underage daughter of a preacher in Trinidad and tossing a fan off the stage at a concert in New York. He also talks about discovering Lady Gaga and being the last artist to record with the legendary Michael Jackson. In an effort to promote cultural tolerance and understanding, Akon is charting a career path to become hip hop's first truly global artist.

"Behind the Music: T-Pain" explores the rise of a shy kid from Tallahassee, Florida to the heights of the music industry. T-Pain was born Faheem Najm into a stable, middle class family that supported his natural curiosity and talent in music at a very young age. An outsider in school, T-Pain spent his childhood locked in his makeshift bedroom "studio," producing his own music, eventually dropping out of the 8th grade to pursue his dreams full-time. As a teenager, he found local success with a group called the Nappy Headz. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities in Tallahassee, the falling apart of his family and a tense relationship with his father, T-Pain ran away from home and signed with Akon's fledgling label, Konvict Records. Finally on the national scene, his use of auto-tune created a signature sound and he quickly became one of the most sought-after producers, working with everyone from Lil Wayne, Kanye West and Britney Spears. A multi-platinum selling artist in his own right with 2005's Rappa Ternt Sanga, 2007's Epiphany, 2008's Thr33 Ringz and his most recent release rEVOLVEr , T-Pain has produced and been featured on over 45 top ten songs and 16 No. 1′s.Those participating in the special include: T-Pain, his family including wife Amber Najm, his parents and brother, Eric "DoeBoy" Youman, Akon and BU, Akon's brother and the person who gave T-Pain his first big break with a label and Michael Blumstein, Dave Abrams and Rocco Valdez from Chase Entertainment.

It's only through struggle that resilience arises and for Armando Christian Perez, better known to the world as Pitbull, the past ten years have seen the charismatic Cuban-American rapper evolve from an embattled upstart to become one of the most entertaining acts in all of pop music. Growing up in the gang-infested neighborhoods of Miami, Florida, Pitbull saw hip hop as a way out of the streets and into a better life. With his lighter complexion and "Spanglish" rhymes, he made an unlikely battle rapper, but his quick tongue and talent for wordplay earned him his first record contract at 20 years old. He spent the next several years honing his craft and transforming himself into an international superstar whose rapid-fire rhymes, billion-dollar beats and infectious hooks continue to take the world by storm.By the time his sixth studio album Planet Pit was released this past year, Pitbull had transformed into a platinum-selling global sensation, whose knockout smash of the summer "Give Me Everything" climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Pop charts and was also a top ten hit in 15 countries. In this installment of "Behind the Music," Pitbull opens up about his family struggles and how reconnecting with his dad as an adult filled a void in his life. With interviews with Lil' Jon, rap legend Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew, and hip hop mogul Irv Gotti, along with Pitbull's family and inner circle, "Behind the Music" follows Pitbull's extraordinary journey from the negative to the positive, topping charts and touching lives all around the world.

Glam-rock powerhouse, Adam Lambert has taken pop music by storm with his handsome looks, electrifying stage theatrics and jaw-dropping vocal acrobatics. In this episode of "Behind the Music" Adam Lambert opens up to VH1 about the challenges he faced during his childhood including realizing he was gay in 6th grade. After finally coping with his identity, Adam freed himself at the age of 18, coming out to his family and moving to Hollywood, CA to pursue his dream of being an entertainer. Struggling to make ends meet, Lambert received his first big break when he landed a part in the European tour of "Hair" at age 19. The excitement of his first role brought out Adam's wild side as he began to experiment with sex, drugs and rock n'roll. For the next eight years Adam was continually cast in various stage productions including "Wicked." At age 27 and without a record deal, Adam had a realization during a psychedelic experience at the Burning Man festival that if he wanted fame he would have to take control and make it happen. In turn, Adam decided to audition for the iconic TV show, "American Idol." Making the top 13, Adam was poised to go far in the competition until scandalous photos of him dressed in drag and kissing another man leaked on the Internet. Adam remained tight-lipped about the photos to the press, determined to keep the focus on his talent. As he advanced to the final round of the competition, the media began to debate whether America would elect a gay Idol. Placing second, Adam quickly landed a record deal with RCA and 19 Recordings, taking the opportunity to come out about his sexuality in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. However, Adam wasn't done shocking the world, and during his debut television performance at the "American Music Awards" he stunned audiences by kissing his male bassist onstage. Following a huge backlash from viewers, Adam released his debut album "For Your Entertainment," which skyrocketed to #3 on the Billboard chart in its first week. Viewers of this episode of "Behind the Music" will see never-before-seen home video footage, interviews with family, friends, industry experts and musical luminaries including Barry Weiss and "American Idol" Season 8 winner Kris Allen. With constant criticism about being too bold, too offensive and too gay, Adam Lambert comes clean to VH1 about who he really is and the obstacles he has overcome to get where he is today.

Take a look inside the life and outstanding career of Mary J. Blige, the reigning Queen of R&B. Watch as VH1 captures the story of how faith, courage and a never-ending search for love and contentment helped one of the world's most talented musicians survive a tumultuous past.

Follow the three-decade-long career of legendary rapper Ice Cube from his journey as a founding member of the notorious rap group NWA to a blockbuster movie star.

Behind the Music: Missy Elliott tracks the rocky road to stardom of one of hip hop's most pioneering, successful female hip hop artists. Born in Virginia, Missy Elliott's childhood was plagued by poverty, horrific domestic abuse between her father and mother, and sexual abuse at the age of eight. Hear candid stories about how Missy used these hardships for motivation and eventually came to terms with her past, even reaching out to her father for the first time since childhood. Also learn how Missy gained a new outlook after the tragic death of close friend Aaliyah and almost losing her own life to a health crisis.Interviews with family, friends, industry executives, and music luminaries including Timbaland, Ciara, and Mary J. Blige contribute personal stories to this in-depth profile of a truly groundbreaking and gifted artist.VH1 has re-imagined "Behind The Music" to now focus on some of the top current artists of today who have had a major impact or contribution to the music scene from rock to hip-hop to pop. Expanding on the storytelling legacy that has earned the series five Emmy nominations, each episode will include verite footage of the artists at work today, connecting the past with the present, the music with the life.

From a small town choirboy who was discovered at a local talent show to one of the biggest selling R&B artists of all time, Usher is a triple threat entertainer starring in film, TV and Broadway.

Behind The Music traces Jennifer Hudson’s humble beginnings of growing up on the south side of Chicago to her early elimination from "American Idol". Interviews include Randy Jackson, Jamie Foxx, and many others.

Behind the Music: Eve tracks the rocky rise to fame of one of rap's most successful female artists. A journey plagued by bouts of depression, excessive drinking, a stint at a strip club, and painful reminders of her past.>> Eve talks openly for the first about her struggle with depression and her attempts to re-connect with her father, who left when she was a child and who she hasn't seen in many years.>> She also discusses the attempts of others to dredge up her past for profit, with photos of her stripping days and a sex tape of her and former boyfriend Stevie J.

Born Earl Simmons and raised in the notorious School Street Projects of Yonkers, NY, multi platinum rapper DMX was drawn to life on the streets. This episode of Behind the Music will trace DMX's journey from his childhood home of violent beatings and his experience with the juvenile justice system to becoming the voice of the streets. As a rapper, he battled his way to the top, becoming the first hip hop artist to have 5 consecutive records debut at Number 1 and crossing over into a lucrative movie career.But DMX's life long demons have yet to be quelled and through out his entire career, run-ins with the law have been the norm. For the first time, DMX comes clean about his criminal record, including a shooting he was a part of that the police never solved, as well as his infamous arrest at JFK Airport for impersonating an FBI agent. The artist also reveals his struggle with his 25 year-long addiction to crack cocaine. We'll see never before aired footage of DMX's earliest battles and his life in Yonkers.Candid interviews with his family, his wife as well as hip hop luminaries Irv Gotti, Lyor Cohen, Swizz Beatz and Eve contribute personal stories to this in depth profile of a troubled and incredibly gifted artist.

T.I, aka Clifford Harris Jr, grew up on the tough streets of Atlanta's Bankhead neighborhood, an area filled with crime, violence and drugs. By the time he was 18, he was a high school dropout who was behind bars for dealing crack.Stuck in a cell, he channeled his frustration and sadness into rhymes, talking about "life in the trap." Paroled, he quickly turned those rhymes into a rap career and inked a deal with LaFace Records. But after his first album flopped, he was dumped from the label and was back to square one. This time, T.I took to the streets with his own independent mix tapes and generated enough buzz to get a second chance. Signing a new deal with Atlantic Records, he broke thru with the successful 2003 release "Trap Muzik." But once again, just as T.I began to make progress, he ended up on the wrong side of the law. Busted for gun possession, he spent another six months in jail. Upon his release, his career took off and by 2006, T.I was on top of the world. Then tragedy would rock his world forever. When a bar room brawl escalated into a shoot out, T.I watched his close friend, Philant Johnson, die. Riddled with guilt, T.I went into a tailspin and suddenly his life as a celebrity was filled with paranoia and threats against his life. To protect himself, he began collecting a vast array of weapons. In 2007, while attempting to buy another firearm, T.I was set up in a sting operation and busted by federal agents. Facing 30 years in prison, T.I settled on a unique deal: one year behind bars and 1500 hours of community service. Using his charismatic personality, T.I has thrived in his role of mentor, reaching out to troubled youth and preaching against the very mistakes he once made. T.I is admittedly a reformed man, and while he says he will never get over the death of his friend, he is at peace with past, is currently serving his prison sentence and looks forward to working for a "higher cause."

Growing up in the tough, poverty stricken projects of Roxbury, MA, Bobby Brown was a bad boy from the start. He experimented with drugs and idolized the gang leaders who ruled the neighborhood. He was also enormously talented. A naturally gifted singer and dancer, he became a child superstar with New Edition and lived the good life, travelling the world and enjoying the spoils of success. But Bobby quickly grew tired of New Edition's squeaky clean image and began to rebel. He wanted a tougher image, more control, and to be the undisputed lead singer. Tensions soon boiled over and Bobby was kicked out of the group. This hardly slowed him down. He thrived as a solo artist and behind the smash single, "My Prerogative," took his success to new heights. Bobby lived life fast, spending his money on women and a growing cocaine habit. And then he met Whitney Houston. When the Bad Boy of R-n-B married America's Pop Princess, it became instant headlines. Bobby soon retreated from the spotlight, deferring to his wife's career, and found himself mired in an increasingly nasty drug habit, feeling "alone." His well documented and turbulent relationship with Whitney quickly deteriorated and when they divorced, Bobby was left with nothing. His life continued to spiral out of control; the low point coming when video vixen Karrine Stephans filmed him passed out on her couch and released the clip on the internet. Humiliated, Bobby slowly began to pickup the pieces, got clean and sober, and resurrected himself with a stirring performance on the CMT reality series, "Gone Country." Inspired to be on stage again, Bobby is now back together with former New Edition members Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gil in a group they call Heads of State. Bobby also has a new romantic interest, welcomed a baby boy into the world in 2009 and, perhaps most importantly, is at peace with himself.

By the time he was 11 years old, Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., aka Lil Wayne, had lost his virginity, dealt drugs, snorted cocaine and nearly shot himself to death after accidentally pulling the trigger on a gun he found in his mother's bedroom. That was life in the dangerous, poverty stricken neighborhood on New Orleans 17th ward, where Lil Wayne grew up. A musical prodigy, hip hop was Wayne's ticket to a better life. As a nine year old, he began recording rhymes with his surrogate family and mentors, Baby and Slim Williams, who owned the fledging label, Cash Money Records. Together, they shared in Wayne's success, first as a teenage sensation with the Hot Boys, then as a solo artist. But Wayne's path to stardom was littered with personal challenges. The violence of New Orleans struck again as his stepfather was gunned down when Wayne was just 14. To support his mother he dropped out of high school and put everything he had into jumpstarting his music career. A year later, at 15, Wayne became a father and now had a family to support. Then, just as his solo career was taking flight, his hometown was decimated by Hurricane Katrina, a tragedy that profoundly affected Wayne. Rumors of an addiction to prescription cough syrup and an arrest in New York City for gun possession only fueled the controversy surrounding the outlaw rapper. Regarded as a renegade, Wayne then released a prolific and game changing record, Tha Carter III. Almost instantly, Lil Wayne rocketed to superstardom and became the pop icon of 2008. The self proclaimed "greatest rapper alive" received the ultimate validation when Wayne walked away with four Grammy Awards, completing a remarkable journey for the 27 year old.

A behind the scenes look at Nick Lachey that no one has ever seen before covering his entire life story from beginning to end in an exclusive sit down interview.

Ratt grabbed a decade of decadence by the tail, but their legendary excess came back to bite them -- it cost them their career, and, in the case of guitarist Robbin Crosby, his life. This special edition of Behind the Music contains exclusive behind the scenes footage of the band, as well as an never before seen interview with Robbin Crosby, conducted three years before his death.

The Backstreet Boys are by far one of the most famous boy bands in music history. They've sold over sixty million albums worldwide and have left millions of screaming girls love sick along the way. These five heartthrobs have managed to stay together for over eleven years but have had to overcome health scares, drug addiction, and several tragic deaths along the way. If you thought being a pop star was easy ... had better guess again.The boys back-story is as unusual as their music journey. In 1978 A.J. McClean was born in West Florida but by age two was abandoned by his father after his parents divorced. By age 8 A.J. fled to the stage performing in local talent shows and mastering the art of puppetry. It was on stage that he met 11 year old Howie Dorough. The two toured the Orlando theme park circuit for several years trying to make it big. Nicknamed the second Hollywood, Orlando had became a breeding ground for young talent and Nick Carter and his family moved to the Disney crazed environment to join in the struggle.In July 1992, with no musical background to speak of Transcontinental Airlines owner Lou Pearlman put an ad in the entertainment circular Blue Note looking for five talented boys to form a new boy band. He was looking for a New Kids on the Block look with a Boys II Men sound. A.J., Howie and Nick auditioned for Lou and were hired. The group was then rounded out by Kentucky native Kevin Richardson and his cousin Brian Littrell.But the US wasn't ready for their clean--cut sounds. In 1994 Lou shipped the boys to a pop friendly place called Europe and it was there that they became an international phenomenon. It would take three long years before The Backstreet Boys would be accepted in the United States as serious pop band. In 1997 "Quit Playin Games With My Heart" was finally played on MTV and the fan following and pressures began to grow at an enormous rate. The Backstreet Buzz had begun to grow and now there was no continent left to conquer.By March '98, the Boys had been touring for over six years straight and had sacrificed sleep, personal health and normal childhood for their fans and demanding press schedules. They were exhausted, and Brian's health suffered the most. In March 1998 he was given news that the congenital heart disease he had since birth had grown dramatically worse due to the strain of touring. Doctors advised three surgeries before Brian finally took a break from performing to undergo the operation. Meanwhile the stress of touring pushed A.J. into full-fledged cocaine and Jack Daniels dependence and after watching his grandmother pass away from cancer A.J. lost control completely. After threatening to quit he finally sought out rehab instead and his patient bandmates watched as twenty-six year old A.J. was finally getting control over his life.The exhausting tours, health problems and out of control addictions had soiled the Backstreet Boys' spirits as a group and after their last tour in September 2001, they decided it was time to take a break from each other.In their four year hiatus, Brian Littrell became a father, Kevin found the Broadway stage, Nick sought out a brief solo career and Howie has kept busy as a real estate mogul. A.J. continued battling his addictions and cleaning up his life.In 2002 the Backstreet Boys reunited again and started working on their new album. Edgier, more mature and honest, BSB hope Never Gone can recapture the same success they had years before. They are more determined to remain a family and stick together no matter where the road takes them. This is not your typical boy band ... but this is their story.

He's the first true hip-hop sensation, something like a phenomenon in the rap world. By the age of eighteen, LL Cool J had achieved the rank of platinum performer and was defining a unique, new genre of American music. Amazingly, twenty years and two Grammy's later, LL is still bustin' out ferocious rhymes and has attained a mythical status as a true pioneer of pop music.Born James Todd Smith on January 14th of 1968, the kid from St. Albans, Queens had a rough childhood. At the tender age of four years old, he watched as his mother and grandfather were injured by gunshot wounds inflicted by his own father. His mother would move on but ultimately date another man who for years physically and verbally abused the young boy, unbeknownst to his caring mother. There was only one thing that saved James Todd Smith from possible personal destruction: Rapping.Beginning at age 9, he would stand in front of a mirror and rhyme to himself. By the time he turned eleven he was mixing beats and molding a style that would dominate rap music for two decades. Calling himself LL Cool J, short for "Ladies Love Cool James," LL's career took off in 1984 when he shopped his demo tape around the recording industry. He found believers in a couple of young entrepreneurs named Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. The pair released LL's "I Need A Beat" as a launching pad for their new label, Def Jam. The record sold 100,000 copies and made LL Cool J an instant celebrity. With the success of the single, LL dropped out of high school to concentrate on music full-time and released his debut album, Radio. The catchy rhymes and innovative style propelled the album up the charts and earned LL his first platinum achievement. James Todd Smith - LL Cool J - was just eighteen years old.By 1990, with gangsta rap firmly in control of the rap scene, LL Cool J smoothly adapted his style with "Mama Said Knock You Out." Backed by a legendary, live acoustic performance on MTV Unplugged, the album peaked at double platinum and officially made the acronym "LL" part of the American subconscious.Since the mid-90's, building on the overwhelming success of his music, LL branched into other pop culture mediums, appearing in over twenty films, a hit television show and playing a presidential inauguration-while still continuing to make music for his fans.After eleven albums and countless hit singles, LL's longevity in the rap game is unprecedented. Most importantly, he's now a father of four beautiful children and has conquered the demons of his past. Behind The Music explains how the man has cemented his place in the history of American music.

Guns N' Roses emerged from thicket of the hair metal jungle on Hollywood's Sunset Strip in the mid-80s and single-handedly reinvented rock and roll with righteous riffs and a real and present element of danger. Songs like "Welcome to the Jungle" and "Paradise City" were not merely rebellious anthems; they were autobiographical snapshots of a band that lived and worked on the edge. The band's exploits became as notorious as its music as members dabbled with drugs, booze and other forms of debauchery.Guns' 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction, struck a raw nerve - enrapturing teens and enraging parents. Thanks to arena-ready tunes like "Jungle" and "Sweet Child O Mine," the album would become one of the most successful debuts ever, selling more than 14 million copies worldwide.Led by vocalist Axl Rose, Guns were a magnet for controversy - be it album covers, song lyrics, or bad behavior. And even as the band was quickly rising up the pop music food chain, internal struggles always threatened to tear the band apart. Original drummer Steven Adler was fired for his losing battle with heroin in 1990. Founding guitarist Izzy Stradlin would leave soon thereafter.In spite of the turmoil, after the 1991 release of Use Your Illusion I and II Guns N' Roses were the biggest, baddest band in the world, with expensive videos and elaborate stage show to match. Guns stayed on the road to support Illusion for two and a half years, tours that were marred by tragedy - riots in St. Louis and Montreal - Axl showing up hours late or not at all. Founding members Slash and Duff McKagen dealt with Axl's unpredictable behavior by drinking the frustration away. Soon after they got off the road in 1993, Guns N' Roses disappeared into the world of rock myth. Band members came and went, with the only constant being the mercurial Axl Rose. A decade later, the world still awaits the follow-up to Illusion.Behind the Music: Guns N' Roses tells the true story of this band of rock and roll outlaws.

They are a proud and sassy slew of songsters whose catchy dance-pop and colorful, sexy personalities made them musical superstars. Spice Girls are a British pop sensation who exploded into a worldwide phenomenon. In the summer of 1996, they released their first single "Wannabe" which became the first debut single by an all-female band to enter the charts at number one in England.As they exploded in the UK, every member of Spice Girls was given a specific identity by the British press: Geri Halliwell was called "Ginger Spice," Melanie Janine Brown (Mel B) was nicknamed "Scary Spice," Melanie Jayne Chisolm (Mel C) went by "Sporty Spice," Emma Lee Bunton was called "Baby Spice," and Victoria Addams was called "Posh Spice."Each one of these personas were exploited in the group's press articles and videos which helped send "Wannabe" climbing to the top of the charts in 1996. It remained at number one for seven weeks, and by the end of the year, "Wannabe" was a number one hit in 21 other countries.Spice Girls became media icons in Britain and in early 1997, they focused their attention on America. When they released the hit "Wannabe," they became massive stars - and role models - in the U.S.With more hits including "Say You'll Be There" and "2 Become 1," Spice Girls were a musical force to be reckoned with. Additionally, they appeared in their own feature film Spiceworld. Then, in May 1998, Geri Halliwell made a dramatic exit from the group, she departed and released a solo album, Schizophonic, a year later.Still, Spice Girls prevailed - they scored a number one hit with "Goodbye" and dazzled the media with their spectacular personal lives as well. Scary Spice married dancer Jimmy Gulzar and released a solo single with Missy Elliott called "I Want You Back." Posh Spice married soccer star David Beckham; their relationship has been a source of tabloid fodder ever since. Sporty Spice took over the English charts with her successful solo effort Northern Star, which was released in the U.S. in fall 1999. Baby Spice guested on Tin Tin Out's "What I Am" in 1999, and two years later returned with the catchy "What Took You So Long?" which shot to number one during its first week of release. The following year, the girls headed back into the studio with high-profile producers to record a follow-up to their pop-friendly Spiceworld, and Forever was released in the fall of 2000. But will Spice Girls ever reclaim their throne at the top of the pop charts? VH1's landmark series Behind The Music brings you the story of the girls' rocky past and the uncharted territory that lies ahead.

Filmed mostly at the Naval Training Center and Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, Top Gun was the top grossing movie of 1986. Behind The Music explores the creation and cultural impact of the film, from the early obstacles faced by cast and crew to its high-flying debut at the box office, bringing in $344.8 million worldwide.Story highlights of Behind The Music: Top Gun include:The idea for the movie came from an article in California magazine called “Top Guns” that producer Jerry Bruckheimer had read about a group of characters at fighter pilot school. He and his partner Don Simpson bought the rights to it and eventually hired Chip Proser to do top-to-bottom rewrites of the rough script.Bruckheimer and Simpson had to go the Pentagon to pitch the idea to get the Navy on board. During the meeting, the Navy reps asked them to tell them what the story would be … but there wasn’t one yet. So, Simpson just started spinning a yarn off of the top his head … and, the Navy loved it! The eventually script was almost a duplicate of this impromptu tale.Pete Pettigrew, a real life Top Gun instructor and retired Navy admiral, was hired to serve as an advisor to the film. His attempts at keeping the portrayal of the school and its pilots realistic went unheeded for the most part in the producers’ attempts at making the movie more exciting.Unbankable since his directorial debut The Hunger flopped, Tony Scott was nevertheless brought on board for Top Gun after Bruckheimer and Simpson watched his commercial reel. It would be the first of several collaborations between the producers and Scott which would eventually establish him as one of Hollywood’s premiere action directors.Tom Cruise, recovering from his 1985 disappointment Legend, finally cemented his status as an A-list star with his role of cocky fighter pilot Maverick. Matthew Modine was originally selected to play Maverick but he turned the part down.Val Kilmer did not want to be in the movie, but Paramount exercised a right on their contract with Val for him to do the movie.Ally Sheedy was the original choice for the Kelly McGillis role but turned it down saying in an interview: “Who wants to see Tom Cruise flying around in an airplane?”Art Scholl, a stunt pilot, was killed doing an inverted flat spin for the movie. It is speculated that camera equipment affixed to the plane altered its balance, making recovery from a flat spin (normally difficult in any case) impossible. The film is dedicated to his memory.Anthony Edwards, Michael Ironside, and Rick Rossovich all went on to roles on the TV series E.R.The Top Gun soundtrack includes such hit songs as “Danger Zone” and “Take My Breath Away” and has sold more than seven million copies. The album spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts. Giorgio Moroder, who composed original music for the film, won an Academy Award for Best Song, “Take My Breath Away.”

As the MTV darling of the '80s, Cyndi Lauper became an international super-star. Behind the Music traces Cyndi Lauper's life, career, and forever evolving identity. After a tumultuous and lonely childhood in Brooklyn, NY, Cyndi became a teenager searching for her identity, and an insecure girl struggling for acceptance.Years later, she would be accepted by the world! Cyndi went on to become the poster girl of '80s pop culture. Her unusual fashion sense and wacky hairstyles sparked a fashion revolution. Her songs, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun," "Time After Time," "She Bop," and "True Colors" dominated the airwaves. She even made her mark in the world of wrestling - along with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Mr. T and Captain Lou Albano.The pressure of maintaining the same level of success helped lead to the break-up of her long-time relationship with manager and boyfriend, David Wolff. Throughout the '90s, Cyndi sacrificed major commercial success in order to pursue her strong artistic convictions. While her subsequent albums were received well by critics, they were commercial disappointments.Today, Cyndi is a wife and mother of a 5-year-old son. She is back on top of her game with a new EP release, Shine, and opening for Cher on a sold-out national tour.This episode features original interviews with Cyndi, Cher, Little Richard, Cyndi's mother, sister, husband, and former boyfriend/manager, David Wolff.

From having no water or heat in their childhood homes to having the longest-running #1 single in music history, Boyz II Men brought New Jack Swing to the classic Philly sound. Through the highs of success and the lows of losing a close friend, the group worked hard to keep their egos and integrity in check. But troubles with their label and a rapidly changing musical climate would leave Boyz II Men faced with their greatest challenge--climbing back to the top.Although they didn't meet until high school, the trials and tribulations of the Boyz were almost identical from the very beginning. Each was born into poverty in the projects of Philadelphia--Nathan Morris (6/18/71) on Philly's South side; Michael McCary (12/16/71) and Wanya Morris (7/29/73) in North Philly; and Shawn Stockman (9/26/72) in Southwest Philly. Each had an abusive or absent father which forced them to rely on their mothers for financial and emotional support. Nate's parents got divorced when he was ten and his family often went without food, heat and water. Mike's father was an ex-convict whose methods of making money weren't always legal. Shawn grew up in a fatherless family of seven brothers and two sisters. Wanya's mother and father were never married; they split up when he was only three. His mother's boyfriend often beat him for no apparent reason. To escape the dangers of their crime-ridden neighborhoods, the boys turned to music and faith, often finding safety in the church choir. The smooth tunes of Motown artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Temptations provided further inspiration. Yet their passion for music and clean-cut image did little to boost their popularity with other kids. By the time they were ready to enter high school, each of the boys came to a life-changing conclusion--the only way they would succeed was if they found a supportive environment where they could hone their talents.Their salvation came in the form of Philadelphia's High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. For Wanya, going to the school was like stepping into Fame, one of his favorite television shows. By 1985, all four boys were enrolled there, although they had yet to meet. Nate and his best friend Marc Nelson had come to the school with dreams of forming a doo-wop group like the ones they remembered from the streetcorners of their childhood. Calling themselves Unique Attraction, Nate and Marc enlisted the help of a revolving student line-up. When Wanya joined as a freshman, he became the first permanent member alongside the two founders. Shawn was quickly added after he was heard performing a solo in the school choir. By now Unique Attraction was becoming a school staple. Anxious to be the fifth official member, Mike began following the group around school, attempting to impress them with his deep bass vocals. After an impromptu performance in the boy's restroom, the others caved in and welcomed Mike into the fold (although Marc continued to view Mike as more pest than partner). Combining their classical training with the a cappella "Philly sound," Unique Attraction quickly took their graceful harmonizing style from the school to the streets, performing everywhere from local hangout The Gallery to subway platforms.Still, the streets of Philadelphia were a long way from the stages on which their heroes New Edition and Take 6 performed. The group would have to take drastic measures to ensure musical stardom. When Bell Biv Devoe held a concert at the Philadelphia Civic Center in 1989, the boys did not wait for opportunity to knock. Sneaking backstage, Unique Attraction located BBD member Michael Bivins and performed an a cappella version of New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain" before a crowd that included Will Smith and Paula Abdul. Bivins was so impressed by the group's raw talent that he contacted them a few weeks later and quickly signed on as their manager.But two important changes had to take place before the boys could evolve from high school talent shows to R&B superstars. The first was a much-needed name change. Sources vary on who was responsible for the switch in moniker, but the group eventually settled on Boyz II Men (taken from the similarly-titled New Edition song). The second major change was the departure of Marc Nelson. Nelson had never quite gelled with the other members of Unique Attraction, and it soon became apparent that his growing animosity was in danger of destroying the group. With visions of solo success dancing in his head, Marc left Boyz II Men behind (he later formed the vocal group Az Yet which was widely considered a second-rate Boyz II Men).For the next year, Bivins worked with his new proteges, developing a retro sound that would change the face of early '90s R&B. He also created the "Alex Vanderpool" style of preppy sweaters and ties based on a character from the soap opera All My Children. But unlike popular boy bands of today, the Boyz proved to Bivins that they were more than mere voices by co-writing seven of the ten tracks on the album. On April 30, 1991, Cooleyhighharmony was released on Motown Records. It entered the Billboard 200 at #58, eventually advancing all the way to #3 (it went to #1 on the R&B chart). The first single, "Motownphilly," was an instant hit and a perfect introduction to the Boyz sound. The second single, a cover of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" from the 1975 film Cooley High, gave audiences a taste of Boyz II Men's softer side. It shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This paved the way for their first record-breaking single, "End of the Road," from the Boomerang soundtrack. "Road" was another nearly a cappella love song in the "Yesterday" mold, and audiences ate it up. "Road" spent an incredible 13 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the first single to do so since Elvis Presley released "Don't Be Cruel/Hound Dog" in 1956. They did not hold the record for long; three months later, Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" stole it away by topping the charts for 14 weeks. But the Boyz had little to worry about. Cooleyhighharmony was earning them multiple awards, including a NAACP Image award, an American Music Award, two Soul Train awards, and a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.In the meantime, the Boyz joined MC Hammer on his 1992 Too Legit 2 Quit tour. It was a trip that would forever change the lives of the four young crooners. While performing in Chicago, road manager Khalil Roundtree and his assistant Qadree El-Amin were shot by robbers outside the Guest Quarters Suite Hotel. Qadree recovered from his wounds, but Khalil was killed in the attack. Nate, Shawn, Mike, and Wanya were devastated by the news. Khalil had been like a father to the group. They dropped out of the tour for two weeks to come to terms with Khalil's death. At his funeral, the group sang a tearful version of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday."After releasing a successful Christmas album in 1993, Boyz II Men returned to the studio to record their follow-up effort. This time they moved their production to California, as their popularity made it increasingly difficult to work in Philadelphia. Shaken by the extreme highs and lows of 1992, Boyz II Men avoided the sophomore slump with an album that reflected their new-found maturity. II hit the charts on September 17, 1994, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Top 200. The first single from the album, "I'll Make Love to You," tied Whitney Houston's record but was eventually dethroned by Brandy's single "I Wanna Be Down." Always humble, Wanya gave Brandy a call to congratulate her. The two would eventually begin dating, sparking rumors of marriage (they later broke up but remain friends). Other chart-topping songs from II followed, including "On Bended Knee," "Thank You" and "Water Runs Dry." II was hailed by critics as one of the best albums of 1993 and earned Boyz II Men two more Grammys (plus one to Babyface for writing "I'll Make Love To You"). In 1995, Boyz II Men finally reclaimed their record with the single "One Sweet Day," a duet with Mariah Carey. The song stayed at #1 for an incredible 16 weeks.In late 1995, the relationship between Motown Records and Boyz II Men began to crumble. Motown had gone behind their backs and released The Remix Collection in an effort to capitalize on II's phenomenal success. Boyz II Men felt betrayed by their parent company and in 1996 they established their own label, Stone Creek Recordings, a division of Sony. Although Stone Creek eventually shut down, it widened the gap between Boyz II Men and Motown.After a minor controversy at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics (their rendition of the National Anthem was called "too soulful" by the Olympic committee), Boyz II Men began work on their third album of original material, Evolution. Evolution debuted at #1 on October 11, 1997, but quickly slipped from the charts. Critical reaction was mixed, and Motown did little to promote the album. Frustrated with Motown's lack of support, Boyz II Men left the label in 1999 and signed with Universal to release their next album, Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya. The title signified a new beginning for Boyz II Men, one where they would take complete control of their career. Nathan Michael Shawn Wanya was released on September 30, 2000 and debuted at #4. But three weeks later, it had completely vanished from the charts. 2001's Legacy: The Greatest Hits Collection spent only one week on the charts (#89). The era of the Motownphilly sound appeared to be over.In 2002 the Boyz went back to work with old friend Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in an effort to regain their past glory. Having left Univeral for Arista, Boyz II Men are optimistic about their future. "We are at a point right now where we know we can only go up," Nate told Billboard. Shawn agreed. "The slate is clean, and it feels great."

"Behind the Music: Bob Marley" tells the story of the rasta rebel with rare and never-before-seen photos, film, news video, performance footage and more, plus new interviews featuring The Wailers' co-founder Bunny Wailer, Keith Richards, I-Threes vocalists Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths, pioneering ska artist Joe Higgs, reggae historian Roger Steffens, lawyer and friend Diane Jobson, author Chris Salewicz, recording engineer Tony Platt, friend Neville Garrick, record producer Coxson Dodd, friend and music publisher Danny Sims, and Cindy Breakspeare, plus Bob's mother Cedella Booker, wife Rita Marley and children Sharon, Ziggy and Stephen.A former colony steeped in profound social inequity and abject poverty after three centuries of British colonial rule, Jamaica was awakening to freedom when Bob Marley was born to a single mother in a tiny rural shack with a dirt floor. Later moving to the Trenchtown section of Kingston where his mother sought better work opportunities, a young music-loving Marley eventually hooked up with Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh to start a group that became Jamaica's top band by the late '60s, cranking out hit after hit of ska-based country, rock, and pop.But the hits didn't make a lot of money for them, as the studio owned their recordings. Marley objected and turned his back on the recording industry's cozy arrangements. He followed his mother to Delaware and labored in hotels and on an auto assembly line -- while becoming more politicized in the turbulent America of the time -- and saved his money to start a label with The Wailers. Marley also came to embrace the Rastafarian religion, with its dreadlocks and marijuana rituals, and its goal to spread the word of the Lion of Judah. Battling oppression and injustice with reggae anthems of empowerment and inspiration, Marley was still known only in Jamaica -- until Island Records' Chris Blackwell intervened and gave Bob Marley to the world.Though co-founders Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh split after the release of the band's second album, Marley held The Wailers together and conquered the music charts. Hugely influential back home in Jamaica, he refused to align himself with what he felt was a corrupt Jamaican political scene. Two days before a 1976 concert that he hoped would unify the citizenry -- a show that was instead co-opted by prime minister Michael Manley and made to appear as an endorsement of his party -- Marley and his wife were shot in an attempted assassination. The assailants were never caught. Now a larger-than-life legend, Marley left for a world tour in 1977. When he badly injured his foot during an impromptu soccer game in Paris, Marley received word that he was also suffering from cancer. Despite surgery and treatment, the cancer spread to his brain and lungs, and finally stilled reggae's most vibrant voice on May 11, 1981.Among the highlights from "Behind the Music: Bob Marley":Wailers co-founder Bunny Wailer, on Marley's struggle to be heard: "Bob was geared for it -- whatever sacrifices he had to make, he was determined to make those sacrifices."Keith Richards, on first hearing The Wailers: "There's definitely a buzz in there -- and you can't keep me away from a buzz ... 'Catch a Fire' caught fire, and Bob just basically exploded."Rita Marley, on first meeting Bob: "You come in as a female, young girl, everybody wants to lay you down -- but Bob had a different attitude, and a different approach, and we started to share letters. He would send little notes, 'cause he was shy, very shy."Judy Mowatt, on Marley's mission: "This is of God. People need to know that Bob understood his God- given purpose, and that was what propelled him and pushed him."Neville Garrick, on Marley's use of marijuana: "He would just explain it by saying that, you know, we smoke herb not for giddiness or happiness but to heighten our consciousness."Keith Richards, on Marley's global superstardom: "Bob struck a universal chord. I mean, why are Scandinavians leaping around to 'No Woman No Cry' or 'Buffalo Soldier,' eh? It's in the genes."Cindy Breakspeare, on Marley's brief life: "Looking back now, you have to wonder what more could he have done? It seems that he really did do it all, he accomplished what he set out to do."Nelson Garrick, on Marley's infidelities: "Bob loved women. Like Solomon, that was his weakness. Being a handsome man, women gravitated to him."

As the larger-than-life goddess tells it, behind her Bob Mackie flash and brazen personality she's still a shy girl and at 50-something she still looks like one. This newly updated episode of Behind The Music documents Cher's early years with Sonny Bono (oh, those fur vests!), through her tear-jerking eulogy at his funeral and her recent emergence as a dance-pop diva for the 21st century.

Garbage was the brainchild of Madison, Wisconsin producers Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker. But it wasn't until they hooked up with Angelfish singer Shirley Manson that their alternative/techno venture turned golden. Shirley is the band's central charm - angry but needy, wounded but enduring, a little jaded but somehow guileless. Behind The Music presents the story of a band that has reinvented its sound with each album, building on its loyal fan base every step of the way.Additional NotesIn Garbage's Behind the Music, Shirley Manson describes her experience with self-mutilation or "cutting." If you want to know more about this condition, VH1 recommends the following Web sites:Secret ShameMy Friend - My EnemyAmerican Journal Of Psychiatry

For more than twenty years, the band Anthrax has been called the underdogs of heavy metal. Now, after post September 11th events, Anthrax is not sure what to call themselves as their name has taken on a meaning they never imagined. This hour documentary follows the band from the birth of thrash metal; through the violence of moshing; into the fusion of metal with rap music; and arrives at a bio-terrorism scare called Anthrax that threatened to ruin the band. See how the heavy-hitting metal heads from New York have battled blows throughout their tumultuous career, and somehow managed to continue slugging.

Hall & Oates are the best selling Pop Duo of all time. In the 80's they ruled the MTV airwaves,and dominated the record sales charts with 6 #1 singles, and 16 top ten hits. Critics dismissed them as nothing more than a hitmaking machine...but their music was deeply rooted in the R&B based Philadelphia sound, and they were the epitome of what became known as Blue Eyed Soul. After landing hits in the 70's with Sara Smile, She's Gone and Rich Girl, Hall & Oates peaked in the 80's with the chart toppers: Kiss On My List, One on One, and Say it Isn't So. But, by 1986, Daryl and John felt they were drowning from the pressures of fame. So, at the very pinnacle of their career, the duo called it quits, leaving fans wondering where they went. Once off of the public radar, the duo discovered their finances were in a terrible mess and dwindling. They also suffered the excruciating loss of a cherished writing partner and friend to cancer. It was time to re-evaluate their careers and their lives.

If you only judged Sublime by their breakthrough hit, "Date Rape", you might dismiss the band as just another a novelty act. But the trio was much more than that. Led by their charismatic lead singer, Brad Nowell, Sublime turned the traditional sounds of Southern California rock on their head. Hip-hop beats and punk melodies embodied the band's post-modern sound, while a devotion to all night parties personified their offstage style. A trio of self-described alcoholics, Sublime not only played every club and house party south of L.A., they brought one with them, too, draining every beer keg within reach of the stage. It was when Brad Nowell traded his beer for heroin that the bands' fortunes drastically changed. Heroin infested every inch of Brad's life, and nothing -- not even the birth of his son, Jakob, or his marriage to his longtime sweetheart, Troy Dendekker -- could permanently break the devastating cycle of abuse, recovery, and relapse. In May of '96, while on tour with his band, Brad Nowell died of a heroin overdose. He was just 28 years old. Two months later, Sublime released their third album, simply called, "Sublime". An instant hit, the record spawned 5 hit singles, and sold 5 million copies -- becoming one of the biggest albums of 1997.

Legendary Fleetwood Mac guitar player, singer and songwriter Lindsey Buckingham juggled his multi-platinum record selling sound while struggling with his love affair to band member Stevie Nicks. Craving more creative control of his music, he broke away from the band to become a critically acclaimed solo artist. Includes never-before seen footage of Stevie's and Lindsey's first local bay area band.

For the first time, Puff Daddy sits down to tell VH1 his entire, dramatic life story. From his mother teaching him how to fight in the family kitchen to building a mini-empire as a paper delivery boy to becoming the youngest executive in the music biz at 19, this episode traces Puff Daddy's meteoric rise from Harlem to the top of the hip hop world. Covered are the tragic loss of his best friend, rap giant, Biggie Smalls, his storybook romance with Jennifer Lopez and their heartbreaking split, as well as the NYC nightclub arrest that almost put him away for good. From the tough streets of Harlem to the boardwalks of East Hampton High Society, we'll uncover what drives the hardest working man in hip hop. Interviews include Mary J. Blige, Rev. Run (Run DMC), Clive Davis, Jon Favreau, Lyor Cohen (Def Jam), Andre Harrell (J Records) and more.

In the spring of 1990, five diversely talented musicians with small town roots banded together in the heart of LA's Glam rock scene. Within months of forming, Blind Melon signed on with Capitol Records and dubbed the next big thing in Rock and Roll. Thrust into the spotlight by their charismatic front man Shannon Hoon and his wild on-stage and off-stage antics, Blind Melon lived up to the hype in the summer of 1993. Their quirky video featuring an irresistible dancing bee girl shot their single "No Rain" to number three on the charts and their debut album to multi-platinum sales. But their reign on success would crumble as the band endured the endless on again, off again cycle of Shannon Hoon's drug addiction which would ultimately lead to his death in 1995. In the wake of Shannon's death, Blind Melon called it quits while reflecting on what could have been.

Twisted Sister ruled the world of Heavy Metal Hair in 1984 and when the "Animal House" based parody video "We're Not Gonna Take It" hit the MTV airwaves, the make-up laden head-bangers were catapulted to superstardom. The album "Stay Hungry" sold nearly 4 million copies that year making an indelible impression on rebellious teens worldwide. However, eighteen months later Twisted Sister disappeared from view - dismissed by critics as a flash in the pan. What few people know is that Twisted Sister was nearly a decade in the making - they rose to the top by playing rock clubs in the New York City area almost every night and were a major hit in Europe before they broke in the U.S. In this episode of Behind The Music, Dee Snider and the rest of Twisted Sister speak candidly about their fall from grace: how the fight to label albums with explicit content left the band stigmatized with a reputation of being violent; how Dee became so dominating that he alienated the rest of the band; and how a video that was supposed to just be fun branded the band as nothing more than a bad cartoon. Dee also discusses how success and money doused the anger that gave him the passion to write those rebellious teen anthems.

Pat Benatar broke into the music industry boy's club with songs of feminine fury and reigned as the queen of rock and roll in the 1980's. As she shook up the music world with her striking sound and sexy image, Pat Benatar won four consecutive Grammy Awards as best female rock vocalist and has six platinum and four gold albums to her credit. Perhaps more impressive than all of her accolades is the fact that she swam against pop's prevailing tide and won. Includes interviews with Melissa Etheridge, Lydia Lunch, and others.

Green Day built their own buzz with a do-it-yourself punk rock attitude in the early 90's. Centered in Berkeley, CA, they became a part of a counter-culture community as regulars at 924 Gilman Street, an old warehouse that was converted into a club for abrasive music. Even though they had no managers or agents, they managed to organize their own tour and within a couple of years Green Day sold over 70,000 copies of their independent record. Soon, the major labels came knocking and Green Day found themselves at a crossroads. Although they were eager to have their music heard by larger numbers, they were not prepared to be rejected by their anti-establishment community as sell-outs. As Green Day became more successful, the backlash grew stronger. The band reacted with a harsh album, "Insomniac", which referenced the treatment they were getting from all directions. Eventually they chose to follow their own musical instincts with their next album "Nimrod" which features one of their biggest hits, "Good Riddance" (Time Of Your Life). Through it all, the members of Green Day became fathers and husbands. However, they have managed to balance family life with time in the studio as demonstrated by the completion of their latest album "Warning."

Looks at the life and career of rock & roll's first teenage idol, from his meteoric rise as a young rockabilly heartthrob in the late 1950's, to his 70's country-rock comeback with "Garden Party", his tragic death in a flaming plane wreck on New Year's Eve, 1985 -- and his posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rick's one-of-a-kind story is told by his family, friends and fellow musicians, including his brother, David, and his four children, Tracy, Mathew, Gunnar, and Sam Nelson. Others interviewed for the episode include John Fogerty, Chris Isaak, Don Everly of The Everly Brothers, Sun Record's Sam Phillips, guitarist James Burton, The Jordanaires, and original Stone Canyon Band members Tom Brumley and Randy Meisner.

It was the year 80's excess reached critical mass and rock n' roll led the party. In 1987, the stock market swelled, scandal reigned and pop music turned a blind eye. 1987 saw heavy metal go light... and hip hop go white. In a sea of party rap and peroxide pop, music critics finally found their saviors. Then, black monday signaled a sobering end to america's lost weekend. 1987 was a year that saw the rise of the Hair Bands, the comeback of The Grateful Dead and the marriage of music and politics exemplified by bands such as U2 and R.E.M. Also features interviews and or clips of George Michael's "Sex" video, Guns 'N Roses, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Poison and Whitesnake.

First joining forces as a basement band in 1983 in Princeton, New Jersey, Blues Traveler charted a course that would have them playing 250 plus concert dates a year throughout the late 80's and 90's. With their brand of high-octane improv rock mixed with jazz, blues and funk, the band earned a massive following of loyal free-spirited fans. In 1995, Blues Traveler jumped on to the super stardom highway with their rollicking hit "Runaround". Spending an amazing 49 weeks on the Billboard charts, the single propelled their album "Four" to multi-platinum status. But Blues Traveler hit a few detours in the years following this success. Front man, harmonica great John Popper and bassist Bobby Sheehan were racing to death's door as they battled addiction and health problems. Popper's weight ballooned to 420 pounds as he indulged an addiction to junk food. Chest pains led to an emergency angioplasty in July 1999 to clear an artery to his heart found to be 95% blocked. Bobby Sheehan's more traditional Rock & Roll excesses, drugs and alcohol, finally took their toll in August of 1999. He was found dead in his New Orleans home from a deadly mixture of cocaine, Valium and heroin. Sheehan's death devastated the band and had them on the verge of calling it quits. But Popper was scared into confronting his health problems and in April 2000 had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Within a year, Popper lost close to 200 pounds and gained control of his food addiction. Ready to return to the stage with the slimmed down John Popper leading the way, Blues Traveler refueled with two new members in May 2000. Their new album "Bridge" is set for release in May 2001 and Blues Traveler is geared up for the next ride on their Rock & Roll journey with Bobby Sheehan's spirit a guiding force.

1972 was the year idealism gave way to cynicism. The once vibrant youth movement was feeling bitter and betrayed and rock & roll was losing faith in the revolution. America's innocence was dealt a series of punishing blows; as the U.S. began its slow retreat from Vietnam, a music scene long united by opposition to the war was dividing. Some rockers lashed out, other songwriters looked inward. 1972 was an election year and a White House under siege conspired to silence John Lennon - an outspoken critic. Impervious to politics, the original rebels of rock - the Rolling Stones - came rollin' down main street. Times had certainly changed - fashion statements were in, political statements were out.

Right from the start, Billy Idol has been a rebel with a cause and a yell. From his early days running with the likes of the Clash and the Sex Pistols in London's punk scene, to his years as the most famous face in rock, he has become as much an icon as an idol. This episode will tell Billy's story in his own words, chronicling his rise from the son of a middle-class traveling salesman to being one of the most identifiable symbols of rock in the 1980s. Behind the hair, the sneer and the leather was a man the public didn't know, a smart, thoughtful artist who has demonstrated a miraculous ability to overcome adversity.

The 1983 smash film "Flashdance" was the blue-collar Cinderella story of the 80's - Jennifer Beals plays a welder-by-day, dancer-by-night who follows her dreams and captures the heart and spirit of audiences across the country. The dance-driven soundtrack sold millions and Irene Cara's "What A Feeling" along with Michael Sembello's frenetic "Maniac" made the film a must-see. But behind the simple story of "Flashdance" was the complex tale of a low budget film that studio executives didn't believe in. With a multitude of writers and producers, an inexperienced director, and an unknown star, "Flashdance" was expected to be just a flash in the pan. Yet with a unique tie-in with the then-fledgling MTV, which coupled clips from the film with music from the soundtrack - a new way of marketing films was born. The instant music videos gave the film much needed publicity, the singles shot up the charts, and "Flashdance" exploded -- becoming an unexpected hit. Includes interviews with Jennifer Beals, Michael Nouri, director Adrian Lyne and more.

One of America's most popular bands in the 1970s, the Doobie Brothers personified good times and brotherhood. They took it to the streets with 11 gold albums (eight of which were in the Top 5 on the charts), rocked with a dozen top ten singles (two of which hit #1) and won 4 Grammy awards. However, as the 70's came to a close, the good times and the brotherhood got left behind and innocuous "doobie" smoking turned to harder drugs that nearly crushed the band. They finally broke up in 1982, only to reunite in the late 80's to tour and continue to spread their trademark feel good message of their earlier music.

Tells the story of six boyhood friends who lived the American male fantasy--to grow up and become rock & roll stars. While playing harmonica for his supper in Casabanca, Huey Lewis realized that his greatest dream would be to make a living playing the music he loved. For 11 years he played in a Bay area band called "Clover", only to see it eventually fail and break up. Shortly after, he formed Huey Lewis and the News, a group that took control of its own destiny by staying away from Los Angeles music scene and producing their own records. Their big break was with their album "Sports," one of the most successful records ever, which led Huey Lewis & The News to became one of the very first MTV music video stars. After twenty years, the band remains intact and continues to thrill audiences with their unique blend of R&B style rock.

Formed in 1992, Everclear was the last attempt by lead singer, Art Alexakis, to carve out a career in rock and roll. At age 30, the chance for success was slim, but the odds had always been stacked against him. After Art's parents split up, his father took off and refused to pay child support, forcing the poverty stricken family to move into the projects. Art's older brother died of a heroin overdose when Art was just 12 years old; then, Art battled his own drug addiction for the better part of a decade, nearly dying of an overdose when he was 22. Once clean, Art got serious about music, and eventually moved to Portland with his family before founding Everclear. Since then, Everclear has built a loyal fan base through years of grass roots touring and national promotion resulting in two platinum-selling albums and continued success. While the trio nearly broke up onstage during a show in Australia in 1998, Everclear quickly regrouped and are stronger than ever today.

Follows the meteoric rise of rock's biggest feel-good band. Creed, made up of three guys from Florida, have managed to sell over ten million albums in just five years. They've done it all on their own with hard music and a heavy message. However, it is a message of substance - one that has garnered them an almost religiously devoted fan base. Consequently, the band has been stigmatized as "Christian Rockers" by critics and the media. Charismatic frontman Scott Stapp insists the songs are written out of his personal search for truth and meaning in life.

Brian Setzer has made a career of going against the grain. A pop pioneer who has defied the naysayers, rolled the dice and hit it big every time. For twenty years, Brian Setzer has followed his heart up the charts. Along the way, he's single-handedly resurrected not one but two musical genres: Rockabillly & Big Band Swing. From the ups and downs, breakups and reunions, the retro music of the Stray Cats endures. Brian's big band, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, has become more successful than the pioneers he emulates and won him 2 Grammy awards. This BTM focuses on the man who's passion for music superseded the musical forces of the 80's & 90's.

Tiffany, the teeny-bopping mall rocker, was so hot she knocked Michael Jackson out of the #1 spot on the record charts. Girls all across the globe wanted to be like her. She was on the cover of teen magazines, there were Tiffany dolls, and she sold millions of records. Her hit single "I Think We're Alone Now" sealed her place in recording history. But the speed of her meteoric rise to the top was matched only by the velocity of her fall from the pinnacle of fame. Behind the camera, the picture perfect Tiffany was hiding a tumultuous private life. Her family was a nightmare, stalkers made her afraid for her safety and, then, as her popularity waned, she fell into abusing drugs. Eventually, her bodyguard befriended her and helped her turn her life around. Today, Tiffany is married and has an 8 year old son.

The rock group Chicago is a musical institution, playing their unique brand of horn-based rock and roll for over thirty three years. The bands career has been defined by unimaginable success and marked by unthinkable tragedy. In 1967 Chicago musicians Robert Lamm, James Pankow, Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane, Terry Kath, Peter Cetera and Danny Seraphine formed a group with one dream. By 1978 Chicago was one of the biggest acts in the world, garnering Grammy Awards and platinum albums. But tragedy would soon follow. On January 23rd, 1978 founding member, singer and guitarist Terry Kath died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Although Chicago continued on without their friend and band mate, things would never be the same for the band. The following 3 years would be a struggle with lackluster record sales, and a lack of direction. The 1980's, however, would spell a new era of popularity and success for the band. Throughout the years Chicago has endured many changes but after 33 years of touring and recording they continue to ROCK!

Cat Stevens: Behind The Music tracks the musical and spiritual journeys of the '70s superstar singer-songwriter, born as Steven Georgiou and now known as Yusef Islam. Steven's early pop chart successes in the late '60s were followed by a year with tuberculosis complicated by his own vague discontent, but he followed his near-death experience with rebirth as a huge international star in the '70s, with hits like "Wild World," "Lady D'Aarbanville," "Moonshadow," "Peace Train," "Morning Has Broken," "Miles from Nowhere" and many others. But another near-fatal incident, however, when Stevens almost drowned while swimming in the Pacific, changed his life forever. He answered the call to the Muslim faith, and became Yusef Islam. Back in his native London, the former idol has established a school for Islamic children, is an activist for war orphans from Bosnia, among other humanitarian efforts, and is busy recording new music.

"Styx: Behind the Music" traces the rise and fall of what was once America's most popular band. The first group to ever have four consecutive triple platinum albums (not even the Beatles or Stones did that), Styx was a crowd-pleasing favorite. But their fans loved them more than they loved themselves. The band began to split into two different directions: tugged one way by the melodic, theatrical, ballad side of keyboard player / composer / singer Dennis DeYoung, and pulled the other by the rhythmic, hard rockin', kick out the jams side of Tommy Shaw. The band hit rock bottom in 1984 after a disastrous tour that favored an anti-censorship dramatic spectacle instead of straightforward rock n' roll. The band regrouped in 1996 and recaptured some of its success, but also some of its old tensions, and now Dennis DeYoung has been forced out of the band he founded.

They were four California girls who dreamed of being the Beatles. They were an all-girl all-American garage band with a unique chemistry on and off stage. They were all for one and one for all until one of them became a star. They reached the top of the charts, yet it tore them apart. "The Bangles: Behind the Music" profiles how The Bangles lost control of their music and lost each other.

With a radical dose of 60's Black Nationalism, Public Enemy carved hip-hop from dance music into the angry voice of a generation. As revolutionaries, Chuck D., Flava Flav and Professor Griff launched an all-out assault on hypocrisy unlike anything ever heard before. Public Enemy used the blunt force of rap lyrics to reach across the rigid boundaries of race, appealing to Black and White fans alike. To this day, they remain one of the most influential groups in music history.

They were four young men hired by Hollywood to play a make-believe band but their critics dubbed them "the pre-fab four". They fought to make their own records -- seizing control in a high-stakes musical mutiny. The phony foursome stopped faking -- and started playing. They won the battle to be a real band -- but the victory led to their destruction. When the 60's ended, The Monkees were history. They weren't hip. They weren't cool. But two decades later -- they were back. Then, their comeback fell victim to bad blood, and bruised egos.

Born out of small-town, blue-collar New Jersey, Bon Jovi emerged as a revolutionary force in '80s rock and roll. They sold over 80 million albums, and scored eight top 10 hits between 1986 and 1989. However, the group's grueling schedule nearly tore them apart: in 1990, after four consecutive albums and two major world tours, Bon Jovi split up. After several members pursued solos efforts, Bon Jovi regrouped in '92 with a another multiplatinum album, but the band's problems didn't disappear and "Behind the Music" covers it all. In '94, they fired their close friend and original bass player, Alec John Such. Today, the members of Bon Jovi continue to live fruitful lives: Tico Torres has turned a passion for art into a second career as a painter and sculptor; Dave Bryan has been trying his hand at scoring Broadway plays; Richie Sambora released his second solo album in 1998; and Jon Bon Jovi has turned to acting, landing memorable roles in movies like, "Moonlight and Valentino" and "U-571." Bon Jovi's new album, "Crush" will be officially released in U.S. stores in June 2000.

A behind the scenes look into the life of a superstar, offering unprecedented access to a week in his life on the road, as he reflects on the ups and downs of his career from his days in Menudo to the success of La VIda Loca. He also responds to the rumors about his sexuality and for the first time, opens up about his romantic history. Features an exclusive interview with his longtime girlfriend, Rebeca de Alba.

1977 - the Year of the Outsider. In 1977 an eclectic group of original do-it-yourself (DIY) bands rose up to challenge the tired, bloated world of corporate rock ruled by the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, and Linda Ronstadt. The year saw diverse debut albums by the Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Pere Ubu and Television, along with second albums by the Ramones, Blondie, and Patti Smith. These outsiders brought rock and roll both back to its roots and to new highs of creativity.1977 was also a peak year for disco. The music and the culture that came from the outsider minorities of blacks and gays gained a world-wide audience with the opening of Studio 54 and Saturday Night Fever. Donna Summer, Thelma Houston, the Trammps and the Bee Gees had huge hits with "I Feel Love", "Don't Leave Me This Way", "Disco Inferno" and "Stayin' Alive". Jimmy Carter marched into the White House in 1977, backed by Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels and the Allman Brothers. As a Southerner and born-again Christian, he was certainly an outsider, and after the reign of Richard Nixon, he seemed a breath of fresh air in '77. 1977 was also the year the King died. Elvis Aaron Presley died at 42 years of age, the result of prescription drug abuse. The way was now clear for the new guard to stake their rock revolution. 1977 - the year behind the music.Includes interviews with Joe Strummer, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Joey Ramone, Roberta Bayley, Danny Fields, Siouxsie Sioux, and Malcolm McLaren, not to mention Jerry Falwell, Jerry Brown and Camille Paglia.

"1970: Behind the Music" traces the musical and social currents of a year which has come to represent a fascinating watershed in American life, one reflected by concurrent shifts of politics and popular culture, and one in which a climate of militant confrontation and violence ultimately gives way to quieter, soul-fulfilling journeys. Interviews include Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney, Bernie Taupin, James Taylor, Isaac Hayes, Judy Collins, Tom Hayden, Paul Krassner, Bobby Seale, G. Gordon Liddy, Erica Jong and Robert Altman.

No Doubt was originally a high school band formed in 1986 by John Spence. The band included brother and sister Eric and Gwen Stefani on keyboards and vocals. "No Doubt: Behind the Music" tracks the band's early days in Long Beach all the way to their current chart-topping album "Return of Saturn." Topics include: John Spence's suicide; Gwen Stefani and bassist Tony Kanal's 7 year secret romance; Eric Stefani's departure from the band and the tension generated by the media attention paid to Gwen Stefani.

His name was Reginald Dwight, a shy, boy from an unhappy home in suburban London, who grew up to be one of the most prolific, flamboyant, successful, and at times, one of the most maligned recording stars in the world. In this one hour "Behind the Music," Elton John talks candidly about his alcohol & cocaine problem, his bout with bulimia, his failed suicide attempts, his relationships with men and women and how he has remained clean and sober for the last 10 years. Includes interviews with songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, Sting, Jeffrey Katzenberg, band mates and Kiki Dee.

A candid first-hand account of rock 'n' roll tragedy and triumph, featuring rare and never-before-seen archive video, film and home movie footage, concert clips, and songs, plus exclusive interviews with Tina's sister Aileen Bullock, her son Craig Turner, Ike Turner, Sir Elton John, Cher, Phil Spector, Al Green and The Ikettes.Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tenn., Tina Turner moved to St. Louis as a teenager and sang in honkytonks and nightclubs, where she was discovered in 1956 by guitarist Ike Turner, already an R&B star with hits like Rocket 88. In 1960, the band was renamed "The Ike & Tina Turner Revue" (though they duo didn't marry until 1962) and scored a #1 hit with A Fool in Love. For the next 14 years, Tina charted numerous hit singles and albums, raised four children, became the Rolling Stones' favorite opening act, appeared in films like The Who's "Tommy," and toured relentlessly in a wild, raucous stage show with her backup singers The Ikettes, the band and the ever-volatile Ike.Along the way, there was violence, depression, despondence, a suicide attempt -- and redemption. At the top of their fame, Tina left Ike, who had made her life a living hell for years, and struggled for four more years to remake herself as a solo artist. With the help of Australian management wizard Roger Davies, Tina Turner again burst onto the international scene in 1984 with her megahit Private Dancer album, spawning the blockbuster song What's Love Got to Do with It (later the title of the feature film based on her life). She has since followed with several Grammy Awards, more movies like "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," her best-selling autobiography I, Tina, recordings with Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In her most recent gig, Tina Turner played to an audience of almost a billion worldwide when she opened the show for Super Bowl 2000.

A look at the life of Q (as his friends call him)-- from the tough streets of Chicago to New York City to Europe where he performed as a trumpet player, working with such greats as Lionel Hampton and Ray Charles. Over the years, Jones arranged and composed compositions, working with legends such as Frank Sinatra. Jones discovered Lesley Gore and produced some of her biggest hits like "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me." He nurtured talent like Michael Jackson and produced the biggest selling album of all time, "Thriller," and the number one selling single, "We Are The World." But his dedication had its price: Jones almost died when he had to undergo surgery for two brain aneurysms. Several years later, after producing "The Color Purple," he had to escape to Tahiti because he was simply burned out, exhausted. Jones says his love of his work also disrupted his family life. He has been married and divorced three times. Now, Jones plans to take it easy-- spend more time with his seven children and to give back to the family that has loved him and supported him all of these years. Interviewees include: Peggy Lipton (his 3rd wife and former star of the TV series, "The Mod Squad"), Nastassja Kinski (film star and mother of Jones' youngest child), Tina Sinatra (daughter of Frank), Will Smith, Lesley Gore, Gloria Estefan and four of his children: Quincy Jones III, Jolie, Rasheeda and Kidada.

"Celine Dion: Behind the Music" tells the story of the incredible rise of the diva of pop music and the relationship, with her husband and manager, Rene Angelil. "Behind the Music" delves into their relationship's transformation as Rene and Celine grow together, achieve huge success and ultimately fight a life threatening illness, Rene's cancer. Dion also talks about her retirement and her last performance in Montreal on New Year's Eve. The show is documented by interviews with Rosie O'Donnell; David Foster (music producer); Celine's husband/manager; Rene Angelil; Celine's mother Therese Dion and brother Michele Dion; Tommy Mottolla, President of Sony and Polly Anthony, President of Epic Records; Billboard Live music critic Chuck Taylor and "Saturday Night Live's" Ana Gasteyer.

In the 1970's the Partridge's were America's favorite singing family, but their sound and image were manufactured solely for the public. The actors featured on the sitcom weren't the musicians creating The Partridge Family records. The wholesome cast, struggled with serious real-life problems. Although Screen Gems and its affiliate, Bell Records, never concealed the fact that the Partridge Family was a manufactured group, many people still believed the actors made their own music. Truth is, the Partridge Family records were created by some of the industry's top studio musicians and background vocalists. Interviews include: Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce, Dave Madden, Brian Forster, Suzanne Crough; Studio Musicians: Mike Melvoin and Hal Blaine; Studio Singers: John and Tom Bahler; TV Show Executives: Bob Claver, Paul Junger Witt, Rene Valente and Dale McRaven; Brothers of the musical family on which The Partridge Family was based on Bob and Paul Cowsill; Radio personality and 70's expert, Barry Scott.

Behind the Music wraps up the year with a recap of the trends and talents that made 1999 so significant. You'll see sexy teen bands like 'N Sync and the Backstreet Boys as well as belly-baring temptresses like Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. Of course, everybody went loco for Latin music in '99 – making Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez household names. The decidedly less photogenic Carlos Santana stepped back into the limelight as well. And punk-funk godfathers the Red Hot Chili Peppers showed their scars to the whole world and closed Woodstock '99, the concert that would officially put an end to the peace and love era. The year's darkest hour was the massacre at Columbine High, around which the music community rallied in defense of free expression. MP3 shook up the music distribution world, but one thing remained constant: Cher, who topped the charts this year with "Believe."

A look at the trials and tribulations surrounding one of rap music's most successful artists/producers. Dr. Dre discusses his early years as an LA dee-jay, his first rap group, World Class Wreckin Cru, starting Ruthless Records with drug dealer turned rapper, Eazy-E and bringing Ice Cube on board to form N.W.A. N.W.A's gangta rap albums sold millions and their hardcore lyrics found an unexpected audience -- white, middle-class, suburban males. Along his road to fame, Dr. Dre ran into controversy and trouble including multiple assault charges, fines and an eight month jail stint for a DUI and violating probation. In 1992, following a dispute over the ownership of Ruthless Records, Dre parted ways with Eazy-E and formed his own record label, Death Row Records, with Marion "Suge" Knight. Death Row's first release, "The Chronic," was a huge commercial success and garnered Dre a Grammy for best rap solo performance. In 1996, Dre surprised the rap world when he left Death Row Records & Suge Knight, citing differences in music philosophy. Dre started his own label, Aftermath Entertainment and continues to produce and create successful rap artists/music. Includes interviews with Dr. Dre, his family, rap artists Warren G, Snoop Doggy Dog, Eminem, Daz and Kurupt and Jerry Heller (NWA Manager).

Inspired by the Fredericks of Hollywood catalog, the Rocky Horror Show stage musical hit London at the height of the glam era, intstantly attracting the likes of David Bowie and Elvis. The subsequent film, starring a na•ve Susan Sarandon as well as Meat Loaf and Tim Curry reprising his Frank N. Furter role, was a box office flop until a young movie exec saw late-night potential in the gender warping rockstravaganza. Thus the midnight madness began: movie theaters around the U.S. were turning into haunted houses of hedonism as audience members found freedom through the film's flamboyant characters and exuberant soundtrack. BTM is doing the time warp again, exploring the phenomenon through interviews with the show's stars and producers; a former seminarian-turned-Artist Pages president; and Dori Hartley, the fan who became a star in her own right. One of many episode highlights is creator Richard O'Brien's solo version of "Time Warp" - unplugged.

In 1978, a fledging trio called The Police "couldn't get arrested in England," as their booking agent put it. So the band flew to the U.S. for a cheapo club tour that began at Ameripunk's ground zero, CBGB. They had spikey hair, a boyishly handsome singer who called himself Sting, and a repertoire of tunes that provocatively mixed rock, reggae and ska. They also had an incredibly catchy tune called "Roxanne." This three-week tour took the Police from low rent to world class, and in only a moment or so, Sting was a star. Behind The Music follows the singer from those tempestuous times with Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland, through his wide-ranging, ever-evolving solo career. A coming of age story if we've ever seen one.PRODUCER NOTESPaul BarrosseStingSting was interviewed at his Paris recording studio while he was in the mixing stage for his latest album "Brand New Day". While we were there his French Artist Pages "Outlandos" came by for a very-important 1st-time meeting with him. They all sat in a circle indian-style on the floor and talked to their idol, which we caught on camera and gave them a tape of.

A look at the Goo Goo Dolls' "overnight success" after nearly a decade of endless touring, nasty legal battles and bitter breakups. Lead singer, Johnny Rzeznik, discusses his troubled childhood, meeting bass player Robby Takac at Buffalo State University and forming the Goo Goos, firing founding member and drummer, George Tatuska, suing their first label, Metal Blade, for breach of contract, his bout with depression and finally overcoming his writer's block by penning the Goo Goo Dolls' biggest hit, "Iris." Their current album, "Dizzy Up the Girl", debuted at #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has sold over 2 million records to date. Interviews with band members John Rzeznik, Robby Takac and Mike Malinin. Also, Peter Paterno (band's attorney), Bill Berrol (label attorney), John's sisters, Robby's parents, Artie Kwitchoff (former manager), Kevin Weatherly (KROQ) and Rob Cavallo (label exec/producer).

A look at one of the most high-profile supergroups of the '70's. They were the first band to sign with Led Zeppelin's fledgling label, Swan Song. Under the guidance of Zeppelin's manager, Peter Grant, Bad Company achieved super-stardom with songs such as "Can't Get Enough of Your Love," "Shooting Star" and "Ready for Love." They released six albums before lead singer, Paul Rodgers, grew tired of their frenetic touring schedule and left the band. To further complicate matters, Zeppelin drummer John Bonham died, leading to the demise of Swan Song and the end of Bad Company. A new Bad Company with lead singer Brian Howe formed in 1983. They achieved phenomenal success with the release of a greatest hits album, "10 from 6." Howe sang with the band for 9 years, but the new Bad Company never approached the previous success of the original group. Following the death of former manager Peter Grant in 1996, the four original members reunited, and Bad Company's 1999 tour is the first time the original members have been on stage together since 1983. Interviews with all four original bandmates: Paul Rodgers, Mick Ralphs, Simon Kirke and Boz Burrell. Interviews also include former Swan Song executive Danny Goldberg, Bad Company's second lead singer Brian Howe and Blues musician Edgar Winter.

A look at one of the '70s biggest teen idol bands. Originally from Edinburgh Scotland, the five band members made teen fashion statements with plaid, tartan tunics, platform shoes and cheesy grins. On the surface they had it all: fame, fortune, girls, cars, champagne and luxury. However, behind the music there were stage fights, court cases, prison time, money disputes, drug overdoses and accusations from critics who claimed the Bay City Rollers did not perform their own instruments. In 1974 when "Rollermania" was at its peak, the group reached #1 on the US charts with their hit, "Saturday Night". However, their success was short-lived. Fans outgrew the teeny-bopper Roller image and tension in the band grew out of control. They broke up and pursued solo careers. In 1982, five years after their breakup, the band reformed only to be dealt a hard blow when their manager, Tam Paton was sentenced to 3 years in prison after he was convicted of gross indecency with teenage boys. The Bay City Rollers re-united once more in 1997 with a new manager, and are currently working on a new album, hoping to make up for lost time and lost money.

This Behind the Music tracks Melissa EtheridgeÍs journey from a young Kansas girl to an international rock star. Early on, Melissa discovered her musical talents, as well as her attraction to other girls. Determined and uncompromising, Melissa established herself as one of the worldÍs leading female rock stars. Show highlights include MelissaÍs early years as a young singer and songwriter, her college life in Boston, her early club gigs that ultimately led to her contract with Island Records, her relationship with longtime partner Julie Cypher, going public about her sexuality, and finally becoming the parent of two children. Interviews include MelissaÍs long-time manager, Bill Leopold; Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell; Ellen Degeneres and Anne Heche; Julie Cypher, plus others.

A look at the first metal band to release a #1 US album. Entitled Metal Health (1982), the album sold roughly 7 million copies-- the high point of Quiet Riot's success. The band discusses their many band member changes, the tragic plane crash death of original guitarist Randy Rhodes, lead singer Kevin Dubrow's drug addiction, the band's break-up and their ultimate reunion in 1997. Includes interviews with Quiet Riot members Kevin Debrow (vocals), Carlos Cavozo (guitar), Rudy Sarzo (bass), Frankie Banali (drums), and producer Spencer Proffer.

Weird Al is widely recognized as a performer who creates inventive music videos and as music's most productive comedy artist. "Weird Al Yankovic: Behind The Music" highlights Yankovic's unique styles and demonstrates how he has redefined the meaning of musical comedy through the use of parodies and comical video clip counterparts. Yankovic launched his career with "My Bologna," a spoof of The Knack's "My Sharona," and has gone on to release nine albums with such other critically acclaimed parodies as "Another One Rides The Bus" (Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust") and "Eat It" (Michael Jackson's "Beat It.") He has also won two Grammys, earned 20 gold and platinum awards, produced three best-selling home videos and several television specials for MTV, ShowTime and Disney Channel. Weird Al is also history's most prolific and successful comedy artist, having sold more funny albums than any another person.

Donna Summer was disco's first lady of love. With her sultry voice, sexy image and passionate songs, Donna provided the quintessential soundtrack to the decade of decadence. But when "the last dance" ended, Donna faced her darkest demons. She retreated from sight to reinvent herself as an artist, wife and mother. "Donna Summer: Behind The Music" takes a close look at the many sides of the resilient singer, from disco queen to domestic bliss, from mogul's creation to musical icon.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers - Hillel Slovak, Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, John Frusciante -- burst onto the early 80s L.A. scene, taking their love of outrageous and spontaneous behavior and fusing it with in-your-face hardcore punk, resulting in a totally new brand of funk. "The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Behind The Music" explores the light and dark sides of their go-for-broke attitude. Some of the band members succumbed to the lure of heroin, with guitarist Slovak losing his life to the drug.In 1991, the band released the album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik," featuring the #2 single, "Under the Bridge," based on vocalist Anthony Kiedis' experiences with both drugs and loneliness. The massive, hugely successful tour that followed almost destroyed the band. Guitarist Frusciante quit abruptly on the Japanese leg of the tour, and also descended into drugs and depression.While the band's future has often looked bleak, the Peppers are older, wiser, and funkier than ever. John Frusciante is back, the band is rejuvenated, and they have completed work on their latest album, with producer Rick Rubin at the helm."The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Behind The Music" includes interviews with all the band members, Rick Rubin, Louis Mathieu, tour manager; Patricia Urban, Flea's mother; Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal of No Doubt.

Spotlights the highs and lows of this prolific musician's career. Petty discusses his early bar band, Mudcrutch, the formation of the Heartbreakers in 1975, the record company battle in which he was sued for breach of contract and his bankruptcy. He also talks about the devastating fire that destroyed his home and the creation of The Traveling Wilburys with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne. "Tom Petty: Behind The Music" includes interviews with members of Petty's family, his band mates, record producers Jimmy Iovine and Rick Rubin, and manager Tony Dimitriades.

A look at a one of rock's most theatrical artists. Alice Cooper's music and boa constrictor antics on-stage are legendary. Here, Cooper discusses his band getting signed by Frank Zappa, the friction that erupted between Cooper & his band, forcing him to go solo, his bouts with alcoholism and his sanity, and the depression that overcame him when Heavy Metal music became passe in the late 70's and early 80's. Cooper also discusses his final battle with alcohol in a rehab-center in Arizona that has kept him sober ever since. With the release of his 1986 album "Trash", Cooper made his comeback and has been rockin' ever since. Includes interviews with the original band, Cooper's wife and mother, Shep Gordon (Manager), Joe Smith (Warner Bros. Records), Slash, Rob Zombie and Dee Snyder.

The story of three girls from modest means and broken homes, whose fame came virtually overnight. Their first album went multi-platinum and their follow-up album, CrazySexyCool launched them to superstar status, selling 10 million copies. However, along with their success came many hardships ... bankruptcy, arson and Tionne Watkins' battle with Sickle Cell Anemia.This episode of BTM catches up with the band shortly after Fanmail (their first CD in five years) debuted at #1 and Chilli reunited with the father she never knew.Interviews include all the TLC members and their mothers, Pebbles (their former manager), LA Reid (co-owner LaFace Records), Babyface (songwriter, producer, co-owner LaFace Records), and Sally Jessy Raphael (talk show host).

A look at the career of super group Duran Duran, from their early days in Birmingham, England to their international stardom. It has not been a smooth ride for the fabulous five-some. The group splintered into two bands in 1985 forming, Power Station and Arcadia, and in the process, lost two original members. Lead singer, Simon Le Bon, suffered a near-death experience as his yacht capsized in an around-the-world race and John Taylor conquered his battle with cocaine and alcohol. The band is still going strong, having just completed a major UK arena tour and is preparing to release a new record this Spring (Hallucinating Elvis). John Taylor has gone on to form his own band and landed a role in a feature film. Includes interviews with Lou Reed, Bryan Ferry, Pavorotti, Andy Warhol.

Born James Jewel Osterberg in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1947, Iggy has been shocking audiences since he emerged on the Detroit music scene in 1968 as front man for his original band, The Stooges. He has been known to do just about anything on stage, including spit, strip, swear, smear himself with peanut butter, and cut himself with a knife. Iggy's off-stage life has been equally tumultuous. He conceived a son backstage at a performance in 1968 whom he has cultivated a relationship with over the years. He has struggled with drugs and almost lost his battle with heroin in 1975, when he ended up homeless on the streets of L.A.In 1983, Iggy married a fan he met at a show in Japan and soon after, kicked drugs. Just as he began straightening his life out, his son Eric took a turn for the worse in his own battle with drugs, until 1994 when Iggy intervened and got him the help he needed. Now Eric is training to be Iggy's tour manager. Iggy's career has received renewed attention during the past decade, from his late 80's hit, "Real Wild Child," to the inclusion of two songs on the popular "Trainspotting" soundtrack in 1996, to last year's duet with Lenny Kravitz on David Bowie's "Rebel, Rebel" at the "VH1 Fashion Awards."The revealing "Iggy Pop: Behind The Music" includes interviews with Iggy's son Eric and all of the surviving members of The Stooges, together for the first time ever in one program. Also included is exclusive, never-before-seen clips.

The bandmates discuss their musical influences and lead singer Dave Gahan talks about his heroin addiction, his near brush with death due to a drug overdose and his arrest on felony drug charges. The band was nearly destroyed until Dave cleaned up his act in 1996. In 1998, they released their second greatest hits album and continue to have a massive worldwide following. "Depeche Mode: Behind The Music" includes interviews with: Dave Gahan (lead singer), Martin Gore (song writer), Andrew Fletcher (keyboard player), Alan Wilder (former member), Vince Clarke (former member), Anton Corbin (famed video director), and Richard Blade (KROQ DJ).

This episode follows the successful career of the "first sisters of Rock & Roll". Includes interviews with Ann and Nancy Wilson, all of the original band members, Cameron Crowe (Nancy's husband), family and friends. The sisters discuss the friction that resulted when Nancy left her boyfriend (the lead guitarist) and began a relationship with the group's drummer, plus Ann talks about her weight and their label's concern that it would hurt the band's image and record sales. Nancy & Ann currently perform with their other group, The Lovemongers.

He had a golden mane, a sparkling smile and an unforgettable name (pronounced Lafe). His movie star looks made young girls' hearts skip a beat, and he made his way to teen idol glory before he was old enough to drive a car. But just four years after his singing debut, Leif Garrett lost his luster."I was gonna be a rock star, I was gonna be Mick Jagger, I was gonna be Robert Plant, but that's not the way it went."Haunted by his inability to move beyond his unwanted teen idol status, and a devastating car accident that left his friend Roland Winkler partially paralyzed, Leif experienced a decade of self-destruction that included an addiction to heroin. For the first time ever, in "Leif Garrett: Behind The Music," Leif, his family and friends publicly discuss his rise and fall. "Leif Garrett: Behind The Music" also includes an emotional and revealing meeting between Leif and Roland, their first encounter in 20 years. "Leif Garrett: Behind The Music" includes interviews with Leif's mother, Carolyn Stellar, his former manager, Stan Moress, guitarist Don Cugini, Leif's cousin, Peter Underwood and record producer Michael Lloyd.

In 1968, Lionel Richie left the self-sufficient black community of Tuskeegee, Alabama and headed for New York City with his college band, The Commodores. With their fluid funky grooves and outrageous costumes, they didn't go unnoticed for long; the group's big break came when it opened for the Jackson 5 on a world tour. They impressed all within earshot, and walked away with a Motown Records contract. The Commodores' first #1 hit was the lush ballad "Easy." It's success suggested the split to come. After "Three Times a Lady" and "Still" were embraced by the world, it was clear that Richie's remarkable voice was taking him toward a solo career. He continued to rise from there, seemingly unstoppable until a triple blow - the loss of his father, a tabloid scandal, and divorce from his college sweetheart - sent Richie into a tailspin of depression and reflection. Factor in a health scare during which he couldn't sing, and you have a real crisis. It took five years before Richie began making music again... and married his girlfriend Diane. After the birth of their son Miles, the singer says his "heart finally started working again." He also shares a tip for fledgling songwriters: "I Love You" never goes out of style. Richie's mother and his wife talk about the man, while Kenny Rogers and Dick Clark talk about the power of his songs.

Tells the story of four friends from Athens, Georgia who formed a band in 1979 because they loved to play music together. For almost two decades, R.E.M. blended four personalities into a group that was greater than the sum of its parts, and while they never took themselves too seriously, they gave their music everything they had. They refused to compromise, and the more they resisted taking the easy road to fame and fortune, the more their legend grew. Through celebration and adversity -- including the near death of drummer Bill Berry, who suffered a brain aneurysm while on-stage and who left the band in 1997 -- R.E.M. has proved itself to be one of the great rock bands of our time. "R.E.M.: Behind The Music" includes new interviews with all three band members as well as ex-band member Bill Berry, The B-52's Kate Pierson, manager/lawyer Bertis Downs, who has been with the group since the beginning, producers Don Dixon, Mitch Easter and Pat McCarthy, Ian Copeland (brother of Miles Copeland, who signed R.E.M. to their first record contract) and Athen's mayor, Gwen O'Looney.

We're just four lucky fans that got together and started playing; this could be you, says James Hetfield, co-founder of Metallica, which built its success on an uncompromising musical vision and the fierce loyalty of its fans. For Metallica, hard rock meant playing hard, on-stage and off. Their drinking became the stuff of legend, and the rock press dubbed them "Alcoholica." Amid the mayhem, the most popular heavy metal band in the world endured its share of hardship and tragedy, including the death of bassist Cliff Burton and an on-stage accident in which Hetfield suffered serious second and third degree burns. "Metallica: Behind The Music" charts their rise from garage band to global stadium phenomenon, always on their own terms.Two things that kept Metallica going, according to Hetfield, are "honesty and selfishness; we're doing this for ourselves." Through it all, they set the standard for straight ahead heavy metal mastery. "Metallica: Behind The Music" includes interviews with the band, former members Ron McGovney (bassist) and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth (guitarist), Anthrax's Scott Ian, Primus' Les Claypool, Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, Jerry Cantrell, Ozzy Osbourne, Torben Ulrich, co-founding member Lars Ulrich's father and producer Bob Rock.

She was crowned the queen of Rock & Roll. A country girl who cast a spell on the world of pop music. She ascended to the top with Fleetwood Mac, then stole the spotlight when she struck out on her own. Stevie Nicks accomplished the unprecedented feat of launching a successful solo career while still a key member of one of rock's most successful bands. Then her fairytale life was turned upside down, first by cocaine abuse, and later by a debilitating dependency on tranquilizers. But Stevie turned her pain into song, reclaiming her confidence and her career.

The classic rags to riches story. Shania grew up poor in Canada, spending much of her childhood on the Mattagami Indian Reservation where many of her stepfather's relatives lived. At 21, she had to care for her siblings when her parents were killed in a head-on car collision. Yet she overcame these hardships when a successful Nashville entertainment attorney discovered her performing in a Las Vegas style review in Huntsville, Ontario. He helped her land a contract with Mercury Nashville. Although her first album was not a huge success, legendary rock producer, Mutt Lange spots her talent. They meet, fall in love and he helps Shania cross over from country singer into Pop superstar. Shania is currently touring to sell out crowds. Includes interviews with Shania's sibling, relatives, Richard Frank (the lawyer who discovered her) and Norro Wilson (producer on her first album).

Steppenwolf was a band of rock and roll wild men whose high times and big hits, "Born to be Wild" and "Magic Carpet Ride", could not hold the pack together. We hear from former lead bandsman, John Kay, who retired the band in the late 70's, and band mates Goldy and Nick, who attempted to bring Steppenwolf back to life, signed away their record royalties in order to do so, yet failed in the end. Today, John is touring with his band John Kay & Steppenwolf, while Nick and Goldy are still fighting to get their royalties back.

Madonna's blonde ambition was born when she was still a brunette living in Detroit. Her desire to "rule the world" drew the dancer and fledgling musician to New York's East Village, where she became a fixture on the early '80s punk scene. Those who knew her back then recall that she turned heads with a sexy ragamuffin look that would eventually spawn a world of wanna-bes. Always leading the pop zeitgeist, Madonna's music has evolved from dance-pop to earthy R&B to balladry to techno. From club scenester to cultural icon to mother (her most satisfying role yet), Madonna's moves are endlessly fascinating. She talked with BTM about the price of fame, the great love of her life, and the one "m" word she never wants to hear again.

Singer/songwriter Harry Chapin made a successful career out of setting short stories to music with hits like "Taxi," "W.O.L.D.", "Cats in the Cradle" and "Sequel." A staunch supporter of the socially disenfranchised, Chapin raised over five million dollars for various causes, yet in an ironic twist, he died in an auto accident on July 16, 1981, while on his way to perform at a benefit concert. We hear from Chapin's wife, friends and family as they discuss the musical storyteller whose life ended too short. Features interviews with Chapin's wife, friends and family.

The triumph and tribulations of a "Diva" who has come to symbolize the American dream. Highlights include Gloria discussing her accident, her fatherÍs death, the birth of her son in 1980 and her involvement in raising money for families devastated by the wreckage of Hurricane Andrew. Includes rare home movies footage plus interviews with family members, Jon Secada and other music associates.

The biggest selling pop band of the '80's lived the text book rock star life: limos and liquor, drugs and groupies – hedonism defined their daily ritual. But even record sales over 20 million couldn't prepare these former factory workers from Sheffield, England for the consequences of their excesses. Behind The Music revisits the devastating overdose of guitarist Steve Clark and talks to Rick Allen about how he managed to continue drumming after the loss of an arm.

An intimate look at one of the most successful and respected female rockers, from her early roots in Blues to her current pop/rock stardom.

It has been more than twenty years since Studio 54 first opened its doors on April 26, 1977, driven by a disco beat and ruled by the unlikeliest of overlords: gay, sociable restaurant chain owner Steve Rubell and straight, shy real estate lawyer Ian Schrager. Former college friends Steve and Ian, through a combination of business savvy, good timing and luck, quickly established Studio 54 as "the" place to be, where the wannabe crowd outside was as much of a show as the privileged party inside.Studio 54 became the embodiment of the phrase, "if it feels good, do it," fueled by the prevailing liberated, birth-controlled, drug-infused, pre-AIDS atmosphere of the era. Or, as described by eyewitness Michael Musto, Studio 54 was "a Felliniesque crossed with Busby Berkeley playground filled with everything for your hedonistic needs.""Studio 54: Behind The Music" features new and exclusive candid interviews with many of those who not only observed but helped to create the Studio 54 experience, including Grace Jones, Liz Smith, Jerry Hall, Robin Leach, Anthony Haden-Guest, Nile Rogers, and many of the bartenders and doormen who had front row seats to the Studio 54 spectacle. The program also includes the last known interview of Rubell, who died an AIDS-related death in 1989 at the age of 45.Rubell's and Schrager's Studio 54 flashed brilliantly and crashed hard, with the two eventually convicted of tax evasion and forced to turn in their evening wear for prison garb. As disco is making an unexpected comeback, and everything 70's is popular again, "Studio 54: Behind The Music" examines the highs and the lows, the innovations and disappointments, that went beyond the velvet rope to capture the attention of the entire world.

The dramatic ups and downs of Cocker's career including a recent interview before launching his April '98 tour, behind the scenes footage from his world-famous "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour, a candid look at his infamous, drug-fueled "drop-out period," and a rare, voyeristic glimpse into his personal life through the eyes of his wife, family and close friends.

A look at this heavy metal legend, from his early days as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, to his controversial concert acts as a solo performer (he bit the head off a live bat onstage as well as a live dove during a Columbia Records publicity meeting!) Osbourne discusses the lawsuits brought on by three different families, all claiming that their sons had been inspired to commit suicide after listening to his songs. He spent some time in the Betty Ford Clinic in the mid-80s to battle his drug addiction and alcoholism. Although Osbourne is currently clean & sober, he has not completely cleaned up his image.

Includes first-time interviews with all 6 members of the classic Jefferson Airplane line-up as well as an interview with Grace Slick.

An advanced pop musician by anyone's standards, David Crosby has become a poster boy for a crash and burn hippie culture. From his early days with the Byrds, he had a wild twinkle in his eye, and while recording political and romantic hymns like "Wooden Ships" and "Guinevere" during the '60s and '70s, the superb vocalist was sewing the seeds of the profoundly drugged-out lifestyle to come. Crosby's friend Carl Gottlieb describes him as a fundamentalist hedonist, awash in stimulants and free sex. At first, he was able to make great music with Graham Nash and Stephen Stills, but eventually his addiction overtook his passion for music. By 1985, after his friends attempted to intervene, an Olympian appetite for cocaine had taken him from the comfort of stardom to the cold arms of the Texas prison system. Behind the Music is there as Crosby's subsequent redemption fails to prevent a life-threatening liver transplant, but ends up yielding a son he had abandoned 32 years before.

Four decades have passed since the release of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire," but it's fair to say that no one has matched the sheer rock and roll excitement of the pioneering piano pounder Jerry Lee Lewis. It's also fair to say that no one has matched his misadventures: On a trip to Britain in 1958, it was revealed that Lewis had married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Hindley without divorcing his wife. Immediately afterwards, radio stations refused to play his records, only relenting when he made the move to country music. It wasn't long until Lewis began living even harder than he previously had, hitting the bottle and guzzling pills with abandon. After 13 years of marriage (which included the death of their son) Lewis divorced Hindley, only to lose several more wives and children in tragic circumstances that would shatter lesser men. But Lewis has survived as a family man and a giant in the annals of American music.

Her career spans more than 50 years, 37 of which were spent headlining "Gladys Knight and the Pips." She has collected four Grammys, 12 gold records and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Gladys Knight's life has never been easy. On this episode, the other Queen of Soul reveals the hardships she has battled since her career took off at the age of seven, and why, in spite of them all, she has always come out on top.In "GLADYS KNIGHT: BEHIND THE MUSIC," Knight candidly discusses the ordeals that have turned so many of her successes bittersweet, beginning with her first brush with racism after winning a televised singing competition at the age of seven. Knight goes on to recount more personal as well as professional trials: her near rape at age 15; her unplanned pregnancy and miscarriage at age 16; the pain of three failed marriages; the custody battle that cost her youngest son; her legal battle with Motown; and the ten year gambling addiction that cost her hundreds of thousands of dollars. Interviews with Little Richard, friend Dionne Warwick and Knight's children also shed light on how a woman who suffered through so much can continue to rise to such heights.

A look at the trials & tribulations surrounding one of folk rockÍs most talented groups. Interviews with the remaining band members, Michelle Phillips, John Phillips and Denny Doherty. They speak openly about how the band came together, their drug use and the love triangle that existed between them. For the first time ever, Mama CassÍ sister, Leah Kunkel puts to rest the real cause of Mama CassÍ death.

In 1970 The Carpenters won the Best New Artist Grammy, and for five years it seemed as though they were indeed on "Top of the World" as song after song continued to ride up the charts. Easy listening lovers of all generations found the clean-cut combo's orchestrated melodies and Karen's warm voice irresistible; even President Richard Nixon was a fan. But behind the smiles and the string of soft pop hits is the tragic tale of a woman whose quest for love and acceptance led to anorexia and finally, death at 32. In 1983 Karen Carpenter suffered a fatal heart attack while seemingly on the road to recovery, leaving Richard alone to mourn the loss of his sister and all the songs that would never happen. Now happily married and back on the road performing Carpenters songs to adoring fans, Richard reminisces about their early jazz trio, and speaks frankly about his past addiction to pain killers. Singers Olivia Newton-John and Dionne Warwick pay tribute to Karen's talent.

He was the prince of Pop idols and by the tender age of 22, Andy Gibb had three #1 songs under his belt. But over the next 8 years, his career would falter, the love of his life, Victoria Principal, would leave him, and the world would learn that this the teen idol with the honey voice had a devastating drug and alcohol problem. For the first time ever, all three of Andy's brothers, The Bee Gees speak about Andy's lifelong battle against drugs and alcohol and for the first time since their breakup nearly 15 years ago, Victoria Principal talks about the Andy she loved and what finally broke them apart. Interviews also with: Pam Dawber, Marilyn McCoo, Marie Osmond and Andy's producer, Robert Stigwood.

He has penned enough hits to fill three Greatest Hits compilations. Yet, Billy Joel's rise to fame has been anything but smooth sailing. Behind the Music chronicles the ups and downs of the pop star's career and life... from his earlier days as a solo performer when he signed away many of the rights to his songs... to his incredible rise to fame and fortune... to the betrayal of his manager that nearly left Billy Joel broke.

This episode marked the 20th anniversary of the infamous plane crash (10/20/77) with a special episode on the bad boys from Jacksonville, Florida who put Southern Rock and Roll on the map with classic songs like Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama. During the seventies, they released a string of million-selling records and performed to sold out audiences in the U.S. and Europe. Fronted by their charismatic leader, Ronnie Van Zant, Lynyrd Skynyrd had it all until the pressures of stardom led them down a road of violence and alcohol abuse that resulted in countless fights, arrests, and car wrecks. Interviews with the surviving members of the band and the families.

This cautionary episode of Behind the Music documents the growing menace of stalkers. Considered by some the "prototype" for fans who take their celebrity obsessions to dangerous and often criminal extremes, John Lennon's murderer, Mark David Chapman, is the focus of this investigative piece. With a detailed account of the events of the day he shot the former Beatle; to interviews with Chapman conducted during his prison sentence; comments from his psychiatrist and the photographer who caught Lennon and his killer on film; BTM paints a frightening picture of a deranged individual who is up for parole this year. Security consultant Gavin de Becker outlines warning signs. Lilith founder Sarah McLachlan comes forward about her own terrifying experience and the song ("Possession") that came out of it. Two real-life stalkers explain their motivations. Bjork's victimizer records himself on video just moments before his suicide.

In 1984, George O'Dowd accepted a Grammy Award for Culture Club by quipping that America "knows a good drag queen" when it sees one. And Boy George was not just a good drag queen, but a drag queen with a tremendously soulful voice, fronting one of the '80s' best pop bands. And yet, there was trouble from the start. If George's affair with Culture Club drummer Jon Moss lent emotional authenticity to the band's hits, it also jeopardized the band's ability to work together, as each Clubber attests to Behind the Music. Once Moss rejected George once and for all, the singer rapidly descended into an abyss of heroin addiction. At a 1986 anti-apartheid benefit, George was so out of it that fellow pop stars recoiled from him. After his brother publically spoke of George's problems, the singer finally took the steps to recover. Healthy and happy these days, George only regrets now that Moss has yet to acknowledge the extent of their relationship.

Girl, you know it's true…but unfortunately it wasn't, for the 80's dance duo whose Grammy-winning triumph turned sour when their producer revealed that his hunky proteges were shaking their booty to someone else's song. The ensuing humiliation led to the suicide of Rob Pilatus, whose anguish is palpable in these final interviews. Milli Vanilli, Rob Pilatus and Fabrizio Morvan won the hearts of millions, but when their deception was revealed after their win of a Best New Artist Grammy, the public’s shock and disappointment gave way to contempt. The two lip-synching hunks became the butt of jokes and were ostracized by the music industry.