In the early 80s, a public access show called The American Music Show aired in Atlanta. Its most famous alumni are RuPal and Benjamin Smoke, but it was hosted by the extraordinary DeAundra Peek and featured many other weird and wonderful characters (most in drag) on this truly bizarre bit of underground programming. MisterRichardson has archived many of the finest clips from The American Music Show as well as other Atlanta public access shows from TAMS friends on YouTube; you can also watch some great stuff on the Funtone website.
The American Music Show was the longest running public access show in America. Eat it, TV Party! I tried not to get carried away and post every video, so behold a few of my favorites. But do spend some time digging around Mr. Richardson’s and Funtone’s extensive collections on your own.
Agnes of God Fashion Show
Larry Tee and Elouise Montague sing “Cotton Candy” on TAMS
Benjamin Smoke as Opal Foxx
DeAundra Peek sings Dee-Lite’s “What Is Love” on her Hi-Class Hall o’ Fame Theatre
DeAundra sings RuPaul’s “Ghetto Love” with Duffy Odum
You guys, how dare people talk shit about Atlanta! They don’t even know!
Tags: benjamin smoke, deaundra peek, drag queens, funtone, public access television, rupal, the american music show
Like I told you yesterday, I never saw this show but it was also running during the time I was most likely to be ensconced in my basement listening to records and being all “I don’t wanna hang out in the family room with the…family! I’m a punk and wanna be alone!”
(Which is ironic because, as a punk, you’d think I’d have heeded the immortal words of Joey Ramone ["Hey, Daddy-o! I don't wanna go doooown to the basement!"])
However, I DID see The Opal Foxx Quartet many times live (usually with An Evening With The Garbagemen and Deacon Lunchbox). I’ve got to watch all these videos sometime.
That said, TV PARTY ruled! What a killer collection of stuff. Sorry, I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE that show.
You guys, how dare people talk shit about Atlanta! They don’t even know!
They may. Ask them.
Y’all, thanks so much for all the great comments an’ attention!!! Love y’all! DeAundra Peek