Tavis Smiley on Prince Inspiring Him to Buy Radio Station, Why He Sued PBS (Part 10)

Watch the full interview now as a VladTV KZbin Member - / @vladtv
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Part 9: • Tavis Smiley on Steve ...
Part 1: • Tavis Smiley on Being ...
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In this clip, Tavis Smiley started off speaking to Shawn Prez about how he felt when his good friend Prince passed away, and he explained that he’s still processing his passing. Tavis added that he misses Prince and not being able to get his support and advice, and Tavis revealed that Prince inspired him to start his radio station, KBLA 1580. Tavis explained that Prince always pushed owning your own content and masters, as Prince fought with Warner Bros. to get his masters. From there, Tavis shared a conversation that Prince had with him about distribution being important when it comes to owning your own content. Tavis also spoke about how your content can live on past your life, and he went on to speak about appealing his lawsuit against PBS. When it comes to the lawsuit, Tavis responded to being asked about why he decided to fight, and he explained that he was fighting for his name. Tavis then explained that PBS offered him a settlement before the trial, and he added that the network’s lead lawyer made a final offer for millions, which he turned down. Tavis stated, “It’s not about money for me. It’s about my good name.”
In the second half of the clip, Tavis spoke about buying the only Black-owned talk radio station, and he pointed out that Stevie Wonder is the only other Black person to own a radio station on the West side of the Mississippi. Tavis then stated that he’s devoted to building his station and fighting for any other Black person that had a company come after him as PBS did with him.
The interview ends with Tavis responding to a VladTV member asking what he thinks about Kamala Harris becoming president, and Tavis pointed to her ratings being poor. Tavis then spoke about Joe Biden choosing Harris, and he explained that “he has lost a step or two” since becoming president. To hear more, including Tavis explaining how Harris has “the base of the Black community” when it comes to running for the presidency, hit the above clip.
Interview by: Shawn Prez
Check out his youtube channel at: / powermovemakers

[@scott6828]

I could listen to this man talk all day long. One of the best interviews I've ever heard.

[@timjustice229]

I’m 37 and I’ve been watching Mr Smiley for years. Class act. Great interview.

[@mikelugo8983]

facts

[@abaachi13]

This was one of the best interviews ever.

[@IanDunlap]

Yes it was

[@seanparks7929]

Word it was 💯

[@missyperry733]

Hands down

[@dioncurry6624]

I'm not a vlad fan....I agree...I'm from the hood so I get him being infatuated with dope dealers and rappers but as an intelligent genius black man it was refreshing to see this caliber of interview on this platform....and vlad didn't conduct the interview and maybe that was God....

[@ronnielawson7052]

Agreed 🙏🏿

[@LuckoftheIrish324]

I interned at The Smiley group years ago and learned so much ! One of the best experiences I’ve ever had ! This man had his hand in so many great things ! Very very inspirational!

[@joyismine555]

Powerful interview. Well done Shawn. Tavis is an inspiration and a gem 💎

[@wayneevans2660]

Psalm 37:6, Brother Smiley. You have made me a believer again. I appreciate you and salute your courage and steadfast commitment to the cause. Dr. King would be proud and so would Prince.

[@LI-fh1it]

Smiley is the true definition of integrity

[@eternalklothgardengangsta685]

Should have his face next to the word in the dictionary

[@horrorpowerfilms9481]

In the 80s and 90s, while others worshiped THE system (and took advantage if it), Prince was the only black artist who fight for independence and to go the "own your masters route", he hired none signed acts, indie acts and even his own valets . Prince created his own informercials, his own web sites and even his own distribution system before Myspace, before You Tube, before Itunes etc he was a musical genius a business genius too.

[@mokahgirl5165]

This guy did an EXCELLENT job interviewing Tavis. He was thorough, sensitive in asking the hard questions, and did his research. Good job!

[@Riles3152]

I don’t know why Vlad didn’t perform this interview but I’m glad that that was the case, because I really don’t think that the interview would’ve gone as well if it was anyone other than whoever this brother was that did it.

[@moo-moo74]

That was BY FAR one of the GREATEST interviews conducted on VladTV I have ever watched. SALUTE to Shawn Prez for an OUTSTANDING interview & SALUTE to Mr. Tavis Smiley! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@erichayes7708]

This felt like a sermon. I felt like he was preaching through his experiences

[@ruggedroots1]

Are you saying that in a negative or positive way?

[@erichayes7708]

@@ruggedroots1 positive

[@mikelugo8983]

love it

[@Demonlogical]

"Ownership is king but distribution is emperor."-Prince and "Your work in this life becomes your afterlife, the legacy, impact, and influence.""You're not gonna lie, disrespect, devalue, or scapegoat my name and think Im not gonna say nothing."-Tavis Smiley. Nothing but the truth was spoken.

[@sadiqqdaoud4210]

My respect for this interviewer has gone up. It's nice to see some intelligence sitting in both chairs which is not always the case with this channel.

[@goldenirie]

That's craaaaazy

[@mindrightdailytv9013]

Word

[@Afrimusican]

*gone up

[@sadiqqdaoud4210]

@@Afrimusican thank you.

[@Afrimusican]

@@sadiqqdaoud4210 You're welcome🤝🏽

[@TerryOnDemand]

I miss seeing Tavis on television. Such a fresh perspective.

[@mbrad1969]

I have heard years and years of interviews on Vald, but this is one of the most inspirational! Thank you for this wonderful gem!

[@klp1009]

I don't watch this channel regularly but as an admirer and fan of Tavis Smiley I had to watch. This interview was "soul food" at it's finest! Truly time well spent and I hope all the best for everyone involved in making it happen especially Tavis Smiley!😇

[@byronevans1]

Agreed 👍.

[@sapphireblue01]

Phenomenal interview! I remember watching Prince on Tavis' show .. he was a deep brother, the epitome of genius. Wishing you nothing but the best, and more, Tavis!!

[@qmoorman]

Excellent interview. He needs to be a regular.

[@ruggedroots1]

Facts. We don't need to get this same old folks coming on every month talking about just ignoring shit all the time. This interview was a breath of fresh air

[@donquijote6857]

A Man who stands on his principles and values. Truth and Integrity. Much respect for the Brother, Tavis Smiley 👏👏🙏🙂👍🇺🇲

[@jasontaylor2237]

EXCELLENT interview. POWERFUL! I just watched a docu on Geronimo Pratt a blackman who was convicted of something he did not do. Refused to apologize for it even tho it meant if he did he would've been released from prison. Black men today for the most part are not built the same. their are exceptions. Salute to Mr. Smiley and thank you for having this interview.

[@AGardner2971]

The gentleman asking these questions, interviewing this man, listening intentional DID AN AWESOME JOBS. Travis was humble, honest, thorough with his responses and to know he is still fighting to advance the cause for people was so humbling to hear. Thank you Travis.

[@EliteClinicalResearch]

Easily one of the best interviews ever on this channel!

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

Content is King Distribution is the Emperor.💪🏾🖤

[@todaytoday5910]

More interviews with Mr Smiley please ... I can listen to him all day ... I'm so glad he triumphed over all the BS!

[@MSD.4543]

Thank you for sharing this interview its was great . THANK YOU MRS. SMILEY FOR STANDING IN FAITH MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU & COVER ♥️💛

[@francisco.Javier.ruiz1]

Sean Prez, your best interview yet! Congrats Bori

[@domarq]

"Content is *King* . Distribution is *Emperor* . ---Prince. Now, we see content creators using independent platforms---via internet---for independent distribution. Prince was on top of both, since 1998. His 1998 BET Tonight interview with (and Tavis challenges Prince about product distribution) says it all. *"Crystal Ball (1998)"* sold about 200,000 copies @ $50 each. *"New Power Soul (1998)"* was distributed via Prince's NPG records label and was certified gold (500,000 copies). *"Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)"* (Gold)....."The Rainbow Children"....."Musicology (2004)" added to concert sales and distributed via website...creating 2 million in sales......"3121 (2006)" debuted at #1, "Planet Earth (2007)". *"Lotus Flower (2009)"* was distributed via TARGET stores (and TARGET has millions of customers entering their stores, weekly). "Art Official Age (2014)"....."Hit and Run" (2015). During and after his 1998 BET interview with Tavis, Prince stayed on top of his business.

[@vladtv]

Watch the full interview now as a VladTV KZbin Member: kzbin.info/door/g7lal8IC-xPyKfgH4rdUcAjoin (iPhone KZbin App users click this link: www.vladtv.com/join )

[@loudteament5590]

This interview hit on another level spiritually physically and emotionally . This is definitely top10 or top5 in my book👏🏿👍🏿💯❤

[@DBeautifulOne]

Top 5 hands down.🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖💖

[@moniquefalu7296]

This is an Amazing and Inspiring interview. I love Tavis Smiley so good to know he's doing well. Thank you for this Vlad TV❤ This is Beautiful

[@truckertimmyp4724]

Uncle Tavis.. This was my favorite interview from Vlad TV for sure!

[@Ronshik1]

This interview is powerful and should be seen by more eyes.

[@lnapjr76]

This brother's presence is sorely missed on television. His late night show was the only one I watched. I've got to find my way to his radio show. Salute to Tavis for the work he's been doing for over 30 years now.

[@LJDS1979]

Always watched BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley during my teen years. He was awesome then, and still just as great today.

[@mikelugo8983]

facts

[@onyx9857]

Travis a real one.

[@shakespeare1280]

Based off of what? Clinton was horrible just like Obama....should have settled

[@panafrican.nation]

GREAT words Mr. Tavis Smiley. Your words have energized me all the way here in Kenya.

[@stevendolinsky]

Man I've missed Tavis....I'm very happy to hear his voice and thoughts again...I will definitely be following him and his new platform.... I really hope we see him on TV again. And I must say....Shawn is an incredible interviewer. He knows what to ask ....and how to say it. Amazing!

[@allanjoyner7424]

Integrity we must stand for something...thank you Brother Smiley

[@bryanfews5295]

Great interview and educational experience!

[@TheBreadTalkInvestors]

I miss Tavis, his shows were inspirational. I look fwd to seeing his new efforts

[@stevenashurst819]

I always enjoyed Mr. Smileys insight into our culture and forthright inspiration of uplifting of his people.

[@phil5301]

I still can't believe Tavis did a VLADTV Interview. Congratulations Vlad, you da man!!!💯

[@cfvasconcellos]

Thank you for this interview with Tavis Smiley - very powerful and when is his movie about his life... lets go!

[@eternalklothgardengangsta685]

Our community need more men of this understanding and standard

[@stanleyfuller9780]

Thank you God for Tavis I'm glad that he landed on his feet stronger and wiser

[@miltonelliott8506]

Great interview I can listen to him all day great speaker strong personality keep up the great work for the community God bless you

[@RCLaROCK1]

brought tears to my eyes ....REAL TALK stand up men ...THANK YOU .Warrior

[@ronaldbryant252]

✊🏾. Always been stand up. Keep doing what u doing Sir.

[@DavidWilliams-vc2ms]

This interview is classic! Pure motivation

[@wannaknowbad]

I miss Prince too!

[@mrsophistifated1]

Kudos to the interviewer.... and Vlad.... it shows the reverence for an interviewee like Tavis. This is really newsworthy. Keep up the good work. Like Tavis said he did his homework.

[@Shua01]

I’ve always respected Tavis and even more so after this interview.

[@phil5301]

I've been railroaded too. Tavis just gave me another boost to move to the next level!!! Thanks Tavis!!!

[@janaesimmons4672]

Thanks for informing us to what happened. Yes a "Good Name" is priceless.

[@strauqq1]

Such an inspiration. Great interview!!

[@EUPHORIAMUSIQ]

Excellent Interview. I've always liked Tavis Smiley.

[@marquisjohnson9256]

Salute 👊🏾 Thank you Mr. Smiley That was beautiful

[@jozellebell]

Love this interview! Good to see Tavis back🙌🏾❤️

[@driven24djackson]

Man Tavis principles make you want to move in that way. I remember my dad had me on him when I was in high school back in 2006.

[@harleminthebuildn9234]

THIS WAS A VERY DOPE INTERVIEW INDEED. TOP MARKS GUYS👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🎯🎯🎯🙂🙂🙂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@shakaguru1896]

Tavis' polish and refinement is ridiculous. NOBODY does it better. Wow!

[@ericcollins16]

I'm so happy to see this Brother. He is true to his every word.

[@anetricejones4263]

Thanks, Tavis, for speaking about Prince in that way. It is still hard to process that he's not here anymore.. We love him so much..💜💜

[@khnemura9]

I am utterly grateful that I gave this interview my time. I never knew that Tavis was as substance filled as he is. Blessings to this man and may the ancestors be pleased by the company of Prince and Michael Jackson.

[@michaelmccray7280]

One of the most sincere interviews/ celebrities I've seen. Thank you Mr Tavis!!!🙏💯

[@71grayghost]

What a Fantastic Grounded Brother 🙏🏽🏆

[@heres2you]

I love this brother, one of my heroes💪🏾

[@wardb7759]

You did the work Tavis! Amen!!

[@jaredgarrison333]

Used to watch his pbs talk show all the time. The interviews on their I thought were very informative. His book that came out in like 2007 or 2008 “ what I know for sure” is a very good read.

[@lornawilson4331]

Great interview and Tavis Smiley's stories are inspiring!!

[@reeree1234able]

Powerful message from a true black king 👑

[@marvaskell]

Hearing this man’s profess for gods love for him is eye opening in this time

[@Riles3152]

I’ve always respected Mr. Smiley over the years, but it’s grown after listening to just these interview clips. He’s always struck me as a genuine standup guy but now I’m realizing that he’s a man of Faith and integrity. He’s willing to drag a case out and refuse millions just to clear his name. That’s almost unheard of in today’s time where men more ever before are lovers of money and practitioners of compromise. Whatever is in his present and future, I’ll continue to root for Mr. Smiley and may the Lord Christ continue to bless and keep him.

[@arkadi9226]

Very powerful interview. Love Mr Smiley

[@TheBizeediva]

Love Tavis! Always had, always will.

[@Sew-Ronica]

The interview that keeps on giving

[@beforeyourimmigrants8471]

We got one Black station in Detroit cus hard working people came up here from the south. Shout out to RJ Watkins Sr

[@daysrays3987]

just one?

[@beforeyourimmigrants8471]

@@daysrays3987 that I know of. The one we have also has a local TV station. He used to produce a show that was kind of popular in the Midwest called the new dance show you can find the clips on KZbin. It was kind of like soul train and was all filmed in Detroit.

[@daysrays3987]

@@beforeyourimmigrants8471 cool

[@redmor1516]

Yup, WJPR is the call letters.

[@beforeyourimmigrants8471]

@@redmor1516 that's it!

[@ceciliabrown3301]

Excellent interview and very kind words on Prince. RIP Prince 💜💔

[@ancientbushman]

Best Vlad TV interview , welcome back brother Travis

[@doctorbuzz38]

I truly enjoyed this interview. God bless Travis and the presenter. They spoke eloquently with their American accent. Love the interview, it's an inspiration.

[@mybrothakeeper7020]

Prince was on a different level

[@EUPHORIAMUSIQ]

Absolutely

[@davidjordan2968]

Shawn Prez does GREAT interviews and I'll be down to support his own content. This is a 28 year old speaking 😉

[@be.amazingkelly]

SO happy for this brother.

[@robertervin3881]

Good man money comes and goes your name is forever even when u are gone

[@PRUNEAVENUE]

WE LOVE YOU TAVIS.. WELCOME BACK!!! ❤❤❤ JOB WELL DONE SHAWN PEREZ 💚❤🖤

[@quinnmcdonald3763]

Excellent interview. I really enjoyed this.

[@obejiahdowns9720]

Very good interviewer that did his homework he’s a keeper vlad

[@thehottake8197]

Feel in deep admiration for Tavis after this

[@nwananka]

In previous clips someone mentioned he seemed preachy and not being himself of which i agreed a bit. To see him break down here was human and touching. Amazing interview of which i know i will watch multiple times.

[@godofthisshit]

@Kene Ezeike Preachy how and not being himself how?

[@nwananka]

@@godofthisshit like i said I said it came through that way a bit. I said that because of the focus on quotables sometimes

[@vernonmurphy7945]

Tavis is a very a important and impressive man to the culture!

[@growingupbraxton]

Thank you for your “good name” as well as your humility brother Tavis!

[@regeclewis]

Arguably the best interview to date. Kevin Samuels a close 2nd.

[@dexterroberts631]

Kevin Samuels ? Hahahaha

[@pwg111291]

All my jokes aside...this was a GREAT interview. I didnt even notice there were parts 15 - 20 minutes long lol.

[@AfricaTake2]

Powerful. Getting the app to listen to his show…

[@Poppi_Weasel]

Such a GREAT MAN! WE LOVE YOU, TAVIS!!!

[@DaKountTV]

I love and miss listening to you daily Travis Smiley 💞👍🏾

[@rlstokey]

The best interview I've viewed on VLADTV!!!!!!!!

[@byronevans1]

Good to see you Tavis, when I saw you I had to listen.

[@Aljwgod]

Great interview. My current favorite 😍

[@hendersonmorrison4760]

Keep up the good work, T. Smiley