Smallscreen News

PBS brings nine new My Music specials to the smallscreen

By April MacIntyre Jul 26, 2010, 6:02 GMT

A picture made available on 15 June 2010 shows US Singer Aretha Franklin EPA/PETER FOLEY

PBS has extended its 20-year relationship with veteran producer T.J. Lubinsky and has entered into an agreement to license nine new musical entertainment specials in a multi-year deal with TJL Productions, LLC, producer of the popular MY MUSIC series of programs seen nationally on PBS member stations.

“PBS viewers love and support the My Music programs presented by TJL Productions,” said John F. Wilson, PBS Senior Vice President & Chief TV Programming Executive. “PBS has a commitment to provide wide-ranging perspectives on the arts and culture, and this series of specials celebrates many of popular music’s most beloved genres.”

Already scheduled for broadcast are My Music programs Aretha Franklin Presents: Soul Rewind (August 2010), John Sebastian Presents: Folk Rewinds (December 2010), My Music:  Rock, Pop and Doo Wop (March 2011), and The Last Doo Wop Show on Earth (December 2012), featuring archival performances from the famed Dick Clark archives.

Under the terms of the new agreement between PBS and TJL Productions, TJL productions will deliver nine additional titles to PBS over a three year period beyond those already announced.

“On the surface, our programs are about music, but like the best of PBS programs, they’re about connecting viewers with something important, something truly meaningful in their lives,” said T.J. Lubinksy, president of TJL Productions. “More than nostalgia, these programs are like musical time machines that take you back to special memories in your life through this great music and these classic performances. We couldn’t think of a better home than PBS.”

The multi-year agreement with PBS will enable TJL Productions to expand the breadth and scope of the programs it provides to PBS. “Working closely with PBS, we are developing an exciting line-up of programs with some very special artists and performers,” said Lubinsky.

Many of the artists profiled in the MY MUSIC specials have expressed appreciation that the series preserves the legacy and history of music. “As artists, and as fans, we can count on both TJL and PBS to preserve, protect and present the great treasury that is our musical heritage,” said Aretha Franklin.

The original bad girl of rock and roll, Ronnie Spector, added: “I take my pop culture and music very seriously, that is what I live for, and I knew T.J. would treat my work with the love and care it deserves, and help preserve my legacy. Thanks to T.J. Lubinsky for letting everyone know that rock and roll will never die.”