Sometimes a good idea can box you into a corner. That's my theory about what's happening with "Unsung" (10 tonight), the terrific TV One series that starts a new season tonight.

As suggested by the title, the series aims to bring deserved light to artists who have not gotten their due. And it has done some stellar episodes featuring Phyllis Hyman, Debarge, Minnie Riperton, and Donny Hathaway.

Tonight, though, the premiere episode features Teddy Pendergrass. Teddy? Unsung? And later, there are episodes featuring George Clinton and the O'Jays, both Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.

"The Brian McKnight" show comes on at 10 p.m on Saturdays on WRDC or MyRDC (channel 12), so there's a good chance you've never seen it.

But if you're every at home channel surfing at that time, you should check it out. It's a classy little show that features some good music and nice interviews.

Like this one. McKnight hosted singer El DeBarge, seemingly recovered from his family curse of drug abuse after a stint in prison and ready to sing again. 

While some singers come back worse for the wear from such diversions (yes, I mean Whitney Houston) El is in good voice. Well, actually, angelic voice. 

Here's the proof:

TV One's terrific documentary series "Unsung" re-airs tonight at 8 and 11 the episode about the 80s group Debarge.

Debarge was on track to be Motown's new Jackson 5 (and El, it's new Michael) albeit with more crossover appeal, particularly as the show points out, because of their light skin.

In some ways, the doc shows the typical story -- drugs upended them --- but in truth the large family had a difficult upbringing, with abuse and the fact that they were biracial waaay before that was kind of OK.

Check it out and you'll remember (or discover) how very talented the family was. Added bonus: the show is narrated by the other light-skinned smoothie Al B. Sure!

TV One is on channel 101 on TWC.