Sherman’s Showcase Music Breakdown

Meet Sherman (Season 1, Episode 1)

Meet Sherman introduces Sherman McDaniels, host of Sherman’s Showcase. John Legend walks us through a history of The Showcase – from Sherman’s parentage, to the origin of the show, with highlights throughout the show’s run from 1972-present day.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (1:19 – 2:57)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“That Ain’t Right” (3:59 – 5:12)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Drop It Low (For Jesus)” (18:47 – 19:44)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
Written by Phonte Coleman, Diallo Riddle & Zuri Salahuddin
All Instruments by Zo!
Vocals by Zuri Salahuddin

“That Ain’t Right Again” (20:12 – 20:50)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

The Showcase Dancers (Season 1, Episode 2)

Host, Nigel Lythgoe introduces the dancers of Sherman’s Showcase and shares significant moments in the series, including marriages between dancers, dancer-based controversies, and the show’s only robotic dancer, the Funk-A-Tron 2000.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (1:19 – 2:57)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Time Loop” (14:23 – 16:51)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
Written by Phonte Coleman, Diallo Riddle
All Instruments by Zo!
Vocals by Ne-Yo

Behind The Charade (Season 1, Episode 3)

Host Morris Day, documents the rise, fall and rise of iconic pop star, Charade, from his discovery on Sherman’s Showcase through his historic 2007 comeback.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (0:50 – 1:44)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Vicki, Is The Water Warm Enough” (5:34 – 6:56) & (21:14 – 21:36)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
Vocals by Vic Mensa

Enemies (Season 1, Episode 4)

Sherman reflects on his many haters over the decades as we dig into the rivalries and feuds of The Showcase. Turns out, genuine friendship is a rare commodity in showbiz, especially if you’re talking about frenemies John Legend and Common.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (2013 Version) (0:38 – 1:35)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

The Ladies Of The Showcase (Season 1, Episode 5)

Host Mary J. Blige introduces just some of the female artists who used Sherman’s Showcase as a launchpad for their careers. Performances include an unusual rap battle, a black girl magic act, and a performance by Mary herself.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (2013 Version) (0:36 – 1:41)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Raise The Roof” (18:26 – 19:15)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Bresha Webb

“Louder Than Lies” (20:17 – 20:52) & (21:18 – 21:38)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Bresha Webb

July 8, 1995 (Season 1, Episode 6)

A very ’90s episode of “Sherman’s Showcase from July 8, 1995. Sherman’s producer called it “the single best episode in the history of the show.” Performers include Big Freddy Payne, a go-go band and a trailer for a movie about Montell Jordan.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (90’s Version) (1:06 – 1:52)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Runnin'” (3:52 – 5:20)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
Lead Vocals by Bashir Salahuddin

“The Black Kids in the White School (College Go-Go Song)” (8:59 – 10:18) & (21:18 – 21:36)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
Bass & Guitar by Zo!
Drums by Chris “Biscuit” Bynum
Percussion by Leroy “Boogie” Greer
Lead Mic by Phonte

“This Is My Fantasy” (18:44 – 20:58)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Bresha Webb

White Music (Season 1, Episode 7)

An aging punk singer explores the many different white artists who have performed on “Sherman’s Showcase.” Sherman used his show as a platform to try and bridge the racial gap. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it was awkward.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (0:50 – 1:32)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Ray J’s Showcase (Season 1, Episode 8)

In the season finale, Sherman is shocked to find himself in a world turned upside down, where Ray J is the host of his Showcase. Sherman races to uncover what triggered this alternate universe and finds himself face-to-face with an unexpected foe.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (0:41 – 0:51)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Gauntlet Song” (1:26 – 2:28)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“Time Loop” (11:59 – 15:26)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
Written by Phonte Coleman, Diallo Riddle, Bashir Salahuddin
All Instruments by Zo!
Vocals by Ne-Yo

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (2013 Version) (19:48 – 20:25)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

“That Ain’t Right” (20:46 – 21:06)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Black History Month Spectacular (Episode 1)

Celebrate Black History Month as only Sherman can. Sherman and his dancers are back to shine a light on Black icons in a way that will make the annual February observance of Black History Month all his own… in June.

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (0:20 – 0:37)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Lift Every Trap And Sing (2:14 – 2:56)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
Vocals by Bresha Webb & Bashir Sulahudden

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (2013 Version) (13:35 – 13:43)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Whoop De Kids (33:48 – 34:35)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte

Sing Me A Lullabye (39:26 – 40:03)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
Lead Vocals by Vic Mensa
Background Vocals by Phonte

Theme From Sherman’s Showcase (70’s/80’s Version) (44:33 – 44:50)
Produced by Zo! & Phonte
All Instruments by Zo!
All Vocals by Phonte