Video Soul (1981–2000) User Reviews

Shoot for the Moon...

[athomas1 · 19 July 2002]

..even if you miss, you will still be among the stars. That was what Donnie Simpson always ended his show with. This show made up my teen years and early adult hood. I used to hate that it came on at 9pm cst, because I had to go to bed at 10 and would miss the 2nd half. Many people don't understand that back in Music Video's early years, you just didn't see Black videos on MTV unless it was Michael Jackson and that here, you could see all the new fresh up and coming artists. I also liked the start of every season just to see the new set and hear the new theme song. And the guests? Who could ever forget the episode where Donnie visited Flyte Tyme studios?? And Sherri Carter and Sheila Banks? Whooo!!

In The Beginning.. of Video Soul

[Svelte10 · 12 February 2006]

When cable came to Cincinnati, OH around 1981, friends said that B.E.T. (Black Entertainment Television) was the station to watch. And, then came "Video Soul" - wow! Donnie Simpson, with his beautiful hazel eyes had us captured. Then there were the music videos - outstanding! Michael Jackson, Sade, Prince, Midnight Star, the Isley Brothers, Chaka Khan, The Whispers, Aretha, Atlantic Starr, Cherelle, The Tyme, Alexander O'Neal, Loose Ends, S.O.S. Band, Shalamar, Earth Wind & Fire,Luther Vandross, the Pointer Sisters, Kashif, Roger & Zapp, and sooo many more! I loved you all then - and I love you now for the creativity and inspiration through Video Soul that you brought to my life. Thank you.....

Rememberable

[IrockGswift · 19 February 2007]

This was one show that helped put R&B artist on the map besides "Video Music Box". The show was hosted by Donnie Simpson for many years till Sherry Carter took over in the mid 90s. It featured up and coming R&B artists,live performances,personal interviews,and music videos. Video Soul was the best thing on television since "Soul Train" to African-Americans. The most memorable thing about Video Soul was in the late 80s early 90s hi-top fade Donnie Simpson wore and the artists who appeared on the show like New Edition,Al B. Sure,Jodeci,Babyface,and Keith Sweat. Back then the videos were more clean but sensual. Now these people in the videos hardly have any clothes on and being disrespected in almost any kind of way. I caught Video Soul on the new channel BETJ a music channel that derives from BET,and I see how so much has changed since then. The songs were more cheerful,light-hearted,and fun-loving compared to todays aggressive hardcore raunchy style. It's great to watch these old videos(with montages of Donnie Simpsons but without the live performances and personal interviews) and reflect back on how things use to be. Thanks Video Soul you made history.