::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

The ongest-running and award-winning  Unsung  documentary series honors  Bobby "Blue" Bland  with a feature episode premiering  Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET.  Considered the "Elvis" and "Luther Vandross" of the blues in black music,  Bland's  career spanned 60 years with 63 charting powerful singles such as  Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City ,  Turn on Your Love Light ,  and Further Up the Road . But even with a sound ahead of his time, he needed the help of his wife to order his steps, and keep him from an early grave. Overcoming his demons and learning deficiencies, his legacy was cemented by his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Through first-hand accounts, interviews with family and friends, and archival footage, each episode of  TV One's  signature series weaves a tale of the highs and lows of a life in the limelight. The poignant stories of  Unsung ...

buzzz worthy. . . Blues legend Bobby Blue Bland, the man credited with helping pioneer the modern Blues movement, has died.   Bland's son Robb, the drummer in his band, confirmed his father died in Germantown, TN outside of Memphis late Sunday. Like numerous African American entertainers, Bland began  in the church as a member of a group that sang spirituals.  It was on Memphis Tennessee's famous Beale Street that Bland forayed into Blues and other styles when he joined the Beale Streeters.  A member of the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, i n the early 50's Bland recorded his first songs as a solo act.  Later he became the opening act for his contemporary, Blues Guitarist B.B. King. "Midnight Special ," "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City," "Cheating in the Next Room," "Cry, Cry, Cry," "I Stand Accused,"   "Turn on Your Love Light," "Further on Up the Road...