American Soul

- Last season on "American Soul"...

- Last season on "American Soul"...

Our life is about to change, Red.

I'm not moving to LA, Don.

If you walk out that door,

you are choosing "Soul Train" over this family!

- Mr. Cornelius, these kids are great.

They are nailing all the latest steps.

- Tessa, come back to the show.

Dance is our heartbeat,

but you are the one who keeps the rhythm.

The show needs you.

- It's a separation agreement. - I need you.

Baby, look at me, you can't quit on us.

- You did great. - Thank you.

- Why don't you like him, Mama?

I like him fine,

but older boys expect certain things.

- I got an offer to do a stage play in New York.

I'm gonna take it.

- I'm just completing my mission.

- Now, what I can do is open doors you can't.

- Just how much would these open doors cost me?

- Mr. Donald, is this a membership-only club?

- Everything you got is mine.

And we're out!

Season one done!

Happy New Year, baby.

1973's gonna be your best year yet.

- And the headaches? - Like I'm losing time.

- Baby, turn the channel. "Soul Train" is on.

Oil reserve...

- Don't wanna miss "Soul Train."

- Yeah, there you go. - Hey.

[playing Labelle's "Lady Marmalade"]

- I can see the drummer's not hitting the cowbell.

- How bad is it? - Guy's doing it on purpose.

Cut!

You gotta sell the performance.

I know you don't like it,

but it's cheaper to tape to track than to live play.

- Listen, honey, I can't speak for you or your crew,

but on this stage, we're all professionals here.

My guys can play. They blow the roof off.

Lip-synching's lame, which is why I won't do it.

You got something against musicians?

- No, but you're already singing live

to a music track, so what's your beef?

Just do the job and go home.

- Who the hell are you talking to like that?

- The HBIC who signed a contract

agreeing her band would fake it.

- This one.

Ooh, child.

Going again.

- That coulda gone sideways, huh?

What would you have done if Patti LaBelle walked out?

- But she didn't. Now, do you mind?

I've got work to do.

- You sound a lot like your boss.

Not a good look on a woman.

Is that so?

- Why did your husband leave you again?

Turn into a man, you'll never get another.

Hm.

Who said I still like men?

We're ready to shoot.

[Jackson 5's "Dancing Machine"]

Where the hell is Don?

Hell's wrong with you?

You coulda killed me!

You drunk?

- Is he okay? Who should I call?

So make it real funky, okay?

And real--get into it. Act like you're playing.

- Wow. - Make yourself at home, man.

I appreciate you giving me a lift,

so stay as long as you want.

- What a trip. - Car trouble?

You could say that.

I had to leave my car on the street.

Get someone over there to pick it up.

Bring it back here.

Hm, you don't look so good.

He almost crashed into me.

He's got a migraine and said he couldn't see.

- Show Ed around. Take care of him.

Whatever he wants, he's my very special guest.

- Hey, Don, you all right, honey?

Never better.

- All right, everybody settle. And roll cameras.

- Don, you should take a minute.

- Yeah, who asked you? - Hey.

You always look sharp and put together.

Camera sees everything.

You sure you wanna shoot

without going through the works?

Fine.

Five minutes!

[melody continues through headphones]

She's off-key.

- Double Ds can't hit a note, harmonize,

or even breathe. Why is she here?

- We've got five takes already. Just make it work.

We're done for today.

- Hey. - Hey.

You ready to go?

Yeah.

So am I fired?

- He's an ass, but he's not stupid.

You were good like always.

- Doesn't seem to get me very far.

That's not true.

Wood Harley's an A&R exec looking for talent.

He's in bay four right now.

Okay, Wood, we'll have

that final mix for you tomorrow.

Wow, that was beautiful.

Thank you, Mr. Harley.

I'm Simone Clarke. I have a demo, and I think--

Whoa, whoa.

Why don't you go ahead,

make an appointment with my office,

bring the demo with you,

and, uh, we'll take good care of you.

Yes. Yes!

- Stolen bases in the National League

with 40 and first in walks--

- Precautions to eliminate needless casualties

are taken whenever possible...

such as broadcasts...

- Red, what are you doing here?

You okay? Something happen with the boys?

Of course something happened.

Our sons were abandoned by you.

You wanna tell me to my face

why you aren't taking them for the summer like we agreed?

- There's just a lot going on right now, Red.