Musical Guest Appearances on Urban Sitcoms

Sitcoms just wouldn't be the same without celebrity guests. Urban sitcoms in particular are noted for successfully melding black musical influences with mainstream television fare. Citing all the famous musical names associated with urban sitcoms would probably require more cyberspace than this article allows. In the meanwhile, here are a few notable guest appearances sprinkled throughout urban television over the decades.

Sitcom: What's Happening!! (1978)
Musical Guest: The Doobie Brothers
Episode Name: "Doobie or Not Doobie

The Doobie Brothers (one of the greatest blue-eyed soul groups ever) made an appearance on this 1970s hit sitcom. This was an important episode as TV audiences were treated to both a "live concert" and a lesson in musical pirating. This episode could be considered the one that ushered in the concept of bootlegging. Rerun decided to try and capture the magic of the Doobie Brothers music. Unfortunately the group got wind of his antics; and the lesson was learned. Imagine what Rerun might have done today in the era of YouTube.

Sitcom: The Cosby Show (1986)
Musical Guest: Stevie Wonder
Episode Name: "A Touch of Wonder"

How many times have you wondered what it might be like to casually bump into your favorite Hollywood celebrity? In this particular episode of the Cosby show, Denise finds out, when she has a minor fender bender with a limo containing the one and only Stevie Wonder. The obvious shenanigans ensue. But because the Cosbys are so cool, Stevie allows the family into the studio to help him sing his hit single, "I Just Called to Say I Love You." Awww.

Sitcom: Martin (1995)
Musical Guest: Notorious B.I.G.
Episode Name: "Blow Baby Blow"

Before the Notorious B.I.G.'s untimely demise, the world didn't have many opportunities to see him on screen. But Martin changed all that in 1995, when the late rapper made an appearance on the show (portraying himself) -looking for a background singer. Biggie didn't have to stretch too much where acting was concerned. But we sure had a great time watching Pam and Gina battle it out to see who would be the best singer for the job.

Sitcom: The Boondocks (2005)
Musical Guest: Quincy Jones
Episode Name: "A Huey Freeman Christmas"

Many people tend to overlook the controversial animated sitcom, The Boondocks. But this groundbreaking show is literally chock full of musical guests. Nonetheless, it is the episode titled "A Huey Freeman Christmas" in which mega-producer/musician Quincy Jones makes a special appearance as himself. The ever-rebellious Huey Freeman hires Jones as a "production consultant." There are certainly other more inflammatory episodes of this hit show containing celebrity musical guests. But somehow, watching the legendary Quincy Jones co-sign on Huey's "alternative" interpretation of Christmas is the stuff that sitcom humor is made of.

Sitcom: Girlfriends (2007)
Musical Guest: Erykah Badu
Episode Name: "Snap Back"

Erykah Badu and her Nerdy-Chic steez made a special appearance on the now defunct sitcom Girlfriends. Completely in her element, Badu does what she does best - performing at a concert at a nightclub which Joan and her girls are attending. The episode focused on Lynn's record deal offer. Erykah's song was befitting the episode's "Hollywood moment." But it's still pretty hard to tell what was more entertaining-the neo-soul star's singing or Joan's constant stream of Badu-inspired heckling throughout the song.

SOURCES:

www.imdb.com
www.tv.com
www.netflix.com
www.youtube.com