Tevin Campbell Interview with Arsenio Hall (1990)

After his performance of Round & Round with Prince's band (NPG), Tevin sits down with Arsenio for a chat promoting Graffiti Bridge and his own music career.

[@DavidRichardson95]

I wish I was born around this era. Tevin is criminally underrated. RIP MJ RIP Prince

[@slindokhulekhumalo2611]

Me too

[@asmrcritique6565]

I lived it. He aged well musically.

[@hassanx9423]

You kids don’t know about this era mayn

[@CarlosHernandez-yf3jv]

In the 90s I was 7 year old 😊

[@lifehacks1019]

I was in my early teens and boy,what an era! Looking back,the 90s was the transitional era between the oldies of all genres and the neo-mix and marsh ups that dominate today

[@80zBabee]

Michael told him right "BE CAREFUL IN THIS INDUSTRY"

[@jkpiii4513]

Then invited him to his ranch. Smh

[@charleslumpkin6170]

@@jkpiii4513 really…you went there? You have any idea how tired that joke is? Even more so now that it’s been DISPROVEN?

[@newsing33]

@@charleslumpkin6170 yes, thank you! 💯

[@f3l1xe]

@@jkpiii4513 but ur juss wrong tho.

[@jordancromwell]

​@@jkpiii4513 Haha so funny! 😐

[@hermitvr3773]

If he dropped an album today, I’d buy it. Without listening to anything first. If he said we can pre-order, I’d still pre order. Everyone has their struggles in life but this man is TALENTED! And I’m sad to see he didn’t continue his career. I love Tevin

[@mdooms76]

He’s still singing. 😀

[@JerryAdams0044]

Me too, I don't care what's on it, as long as he's singing on it, I'd pre-ordered also.

[@A.F.U-A]

Everything you said

[@theheaddhunter9072]

He has a mind that's in a whole nother level. A lot of artists that pull away from the industry are smart, humble decent ppl. It's the ones that can't get enough of the spotlight u gotta watch cuz they'll do any damn thing the "powers that be" say to stay relevant. I saw him on Monique's show a while back and he signed a 1$ bill for me when I was 12. I love the way he thinks, he's a dope human being 🥰🥰

[@XxXTentacio-t8d]

now we know that's a lie.

[@paigemills67]

About to turn 55 and I'm still a fan of Tevin's in 2022!

[@amandasmith8735]

No he's not. Cause we are the same age. He is 46 ❤️

[@paigemills67]

@@amandasmith8735 You NEED to read my comment AGAIN! I said I WAS 55, NOT Tevin!! So quick to jump on someone for no reason and you can't even read my comment correctly. Can you even read at all?? 🙄

[@amandasmith6120]

😱 Settle down! Lol It was just an innocent mistake (sorry) Geez

[@paigemills67]

@@amandasmith6120 Settle down? The 1st line in your comment came across as agressive, so I returned it to sender! Geezzz

[@zelphiasdaughter9496]

Arseneo is a great interviewer and host. He always made the guests feel comfortable.

[@purplebanana6420]

I mean hes black and his guest are mostly black

[@zelphiasdaughter9496]

@@purplebanana6420 what does race or skin color have to do with being good at your job?

[@DOLLAMAC190]

Except for Vanilla Ice

[@Buddylovesu]

Vanilla ice.

[@mdooms76]

Omg he was so cute here. You can tell he was nervous but still so well spoken.

[@stevensonjc21]

He is super talented, good looking and well spoken

[@leahnole9771]

Tevin: "I want to have the same success as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, but I don,'t want to have the same style.....I want to be Tevin Campbell." THAT YOU ARE TEVIN You have your own beautifully unique R&B style! Such pure talent!

[@eljefe2243]

Very smart and talented young man. He seems humble and down to earth.

[@iskandarshah5963]

Precisely!

[@TeeIsHauteCocoaChanel]

He was so sweet bless his young heart 🥺❤️

[@NinaBaby210]

I agree, for whatever everybody THINKS that Hollywood “did to him”👀 Bless his heart; he is still holdin it down….Living Life, doin Him! Folk need to chill with perpetuating rumors!🤦🏾‍♀️ I LOVE Tevin; to this Day!

[@BrianRHarris]

POWERLINE has "got himself a notion...."🎶🎶🎵🎵🎼🎼🎶🎶🎵🎵

[@marcusward6200]

This kid was incredible

[@dennismclaurin1487]

My guess is, 'He still is!!'

[@spokentruth5909]

And gay

[@jaybron5795]

So are you

[@judypayne5732]

@@spokentruth5909 and?

[@CJ-dg3bm]

@@spokentruth5909 And? We knew he was gay when he came out...what's that have to do with his talent? Don't be nasty.

[@ticowayne6691]

One of the most talented voices in history of the music industry TC👍

[@jennifersutton3115]

His songs is a life time classic. Here it is 2021 and i'm still playing his music all the time. People having Tevin Campbell singing challenges. He must be a proud Man. Making sooo many Lives, happy.

[@queenmother1207]

I remember there was a block party in my neighborhood given by our pastor. We seen a limo coming through and low and behold it was tevin campbell!! We had no idea that he was related to the family of the pastor. He was so awesome, gave all of us autographed t-shirts with his face on it and even sang acapella for us. He sang I'm ready and I was such a huge fan that I told my older sister he was staring at me lol. Such a sweet soul which was expected because the family he comes from are good people. The pastor wasn't one of those stuck up folks. He loved his community and we loved him back. It's refreshing to see tevin making a comeback. It's much needed in this world today. Much love tevin from tram town texas ♥ ❤

[@synthiasimms4608]

Tevin was so cute,smart,well manured, talented, articulate & wise so Young!

[@celestialnubian]

Most of ya'll haven't heard it but his 1999 self-titled album was absolutely a must have. Songs like "For Your Love", "Dandelion" and "The Only One for Me" are phenomenal slow jam bangers.

[@TheLerenz28]

That album was dope!

[@kesterechekwu4331]

Mine was “don’t say goodbye “ I was in high school in Lagos Nigeria n me n my elder brother who lives in Canada were always playing his songs

[@mxr248]

His other albums were good as well. I’m Ready..

[@abdurobinson6827]

His response to the Micheal and Stevie Wonder comparison reminded me when Whitney was on Byron Allen show and asked about Mariah and Whitney said “Mariah should be known for her work and I should be known for mines

[@dawntraci]

He was just a baby...with a great tenor voice.

[@RhythmandBio]

what Tevin could hit Soprano notes lol

[@leehudson2414]

He was soo young..soo innocent..and sad how showbiz can take advantage of u..I feel he got dropped..he did not hve good mentors to keep him away from the vultures it's scary for our youth who want to make it n the music business..it's vicious u gotta hve a strong support system around u..God bless Tevin..one of our great singing voices of our time

[@nicolenicole9009]

Exactly my point,vultures must have done something to him,he had it all how could he just go out like that so sad we will never know..poor boy he had no protection or guidance yet he had too much pressure on him.

[@sophiaelayne9984]

@@nicolenicole9009 I believe they absolutely did something to him like they do to all these young boys/girls that go into the music/movie industry. These evil managers/handlers know how to talk these children away from their parents. It is evil and it is such a damn shame because this guy was unbelievably talented.

[@nicolenicole9009]

@@sophiaelayne9984 Exactly Sophie,dang he is such a talented person and he was so so cute,am starting to believe what Jaguar Wright said about him.This industry is not what we see outside,he had the capacity of giving it out like Luther and everyone else...It makes sense also when you listen to Praz and some research then you find why Lauryn gave it up..This interview makes me emotional most especially when he said Michael told him to be careful in this business😥😥poor boy

[@sophiaelayne9984]

@@nicolenicole9009 Michael should have told Tevin's mother that! These people are disgusting and we should turn our backs on the industry and keep our money in our wallets.

[@nicolenicole9009]

@@sophiaelayne9984 maybe he did maybe he didn't we can't tell. I wish Tevin would come out one day and expose all that happened to him but then again some parents knew what was going on with their children but choose to let it slide,like i really can't believe Aaliyah's parents knew nothing about what she was going through with the pied piper😥am not a fan of Prince that much but we can't with how far he went to protect this boy

[@abbieprice3430]

Wow! I’ve never seen an interview with Tevin from way back when! He’s got one of the coolest singing voices ever!

[@Rashy225]

He’s adorable lol

[@MsDivinelight]

I feel like his journey isn't over

[@ccrdcd38]

Please Please please come back we need you

[@ForeverLuckyLika]

Nah it ain’t over he just took a break

[@Cw311z]

It sure is not, but it's up to him if he wants to run with this again.

[@Donnelius]

Damn he looks about 10!.. This is Gold

[@jones2277]

lol. he was my first crush. i remember when he was on the Fresh Prince. I was so jealous of Ashley.

[@A.F.U-A]

@@jones2277 he was mine too!

[@kenderay99w.60]

Omg!!! My big sister use to LOVE him so much.

[@karmansanders8047]

❤️ me some Tevin Campbell.. I wish he would put a new album out

[@koolaid1982]

THAT RESPONSE HE GAVE WAS REAL I LOVE IT YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER TO BE YOUR SELF ALL THE WAY THROUGH DESPITE OF THE SUCCESS INFLUENCE WE LOVE YOU TEVIN MISS YOUR MUSIC

[@1995-z2w]

so cute lol too innocent and sweet

[@katyp5914]

Love him! What a voice!💯

[@mackenziemitchell3029]

Aww so cute back then! Powerhouse voice ❤️

[@Sheisneika0976]

I loved Tevin when we were kids… I loved growing up in the 90s

[@femmebrulee5053]

1:46 Tevin sang for Michael backstage at the Soul Train Awards in 1989

[@Kylynn-yx4om]

What a classy young man! Excellence at a young age!!

[@angelacuthbert6644]

Aww he was so adorable bless his heart ❤️and very talented, it's so sad he didn't get the success he so much wanted because of the bad people that are in the music industry.. I'd say. It's such a shame 😞

[@sarahsimpkins1311]

He was only 13 years old i remember watching this 30 years ago

[@RubyLioness]

He’s so cute 🥺

[@commentguru7952]

Who by the raise of the “likes” still enjoy All TevinCampbell still to this day I’ll start

[@janetjones5959]

One of my favorites ❤

[@iskandarshah5963]

When he sings, I was like, ' Is this lad from another planet?' He's way too good!

[@jon-snow-GOT]

This just hit my mentions. Thank you Tank for making him go viral

[@twintwo278]

Awwww look at my baby!!!😂❤❤

[@NinaBaby210]

Ikr🖤👍🏾

[@businessbywebofficial]

Would love to hear Tevin's answers to these questions in 2021.....31 years later.

[@robcrossley6075]

So young and innocent

[@yellagirl419]

I will Always support Tevin!🙏💪❤

[@efree345]

He was a together young man.

[@deewoo2776]

I remember Tevin Campbell and Tracie Spencer came out around the same time. These 2 singers were very promising to strive for successful music careers.

[@jw.4854]

And they also stopped making albums after 1999 that’s crazy!

[@deewoo2776]

The music business is a funny business. Now more than ever a singer or musician can create their own music destiny without a record company.

[@rubywine9487]

Tevin was an extraordinary 13 year old. His sharpness and articulacy at that age was unbelievable. Way beyond his years. Arsenio's comments about Prince were inappropriate to say the least. He kept on trying, and thank God Tevin brushed it off.

[@RhythmandBio]

Tevin was so and is so amazing. Well-spoken even as a kid. We both grew up together. Tevin is only a year younger than me

[@djr3501]

I loved him so much😍 I would still support him! This was my childhood ❤️ I remember my much older brother ❤️ who is no longer with us hearing Tevin on the radio and saying “That boy is gonna be the next Michael Jackson!” I still play that first Album.

[@lakishascott2132]

Tevin 💜

[@darreylhenderson702]

Loved him as Powerline in 'A Goofy Movie '. I still groove to EYE TO EYE

[@alisthomelife]

I always thought 'Tomorrow' was sang by young MJ. I found out about a decade ago that it is Tevin. Magical 👌🏽

[@yvonnewallace9206]

He is a great person. Love his music. 👋

[@missnene8339]

Meeting legends to being one. He was so lucky to have the experience and apparently he followed the rules given!

[@halfcrayzee]

One of my vocal inspirations.

[@deljean]

Awwww so innocent

[@jennyjones3978]

I still love Tevin! ❤️❤️

[@anthonysharp2936]

He reminds me so much of myself

[@jamolchristian4888]

Me too

[@Asakhalifshow]

He was always a superstar!

[@gavinvonmeyer3746]

He Actually the greatest kid singer of all time.

[@dc8061]

No Michael jackson

[@akumulight]

@@dc8061 tevin isn’t far tho, He still sounds the same when he sings

[@jakobyorr9818]

@@akumulight yea tevin definitely up there

[@billionairenow81]

He really was

[@GuyAye]

@@dc8061 Tevin is a much better singer

[@michellelewis9519]

He is so cute he has this amazing voice

[@SincerelyTracie]

I love Tevin Campbell & will honor his artistry soon 😊

[@LarryBanks85]

I love this.

[@sylvansnagg856]

Tevin to the world 🔥🔥🔥

[@A.F.U-A]

Tevin is so beautiful.

[@thall901]

He was an adorable kid

[@lookalilcloser509]

He makes good music, we love your style Tevin. Looking forward to your next album 💕

[@Disney872wtf]

It's a lot of fun being in circumstances where you were inspired or inspiring others to be talented

[@vidhead85]

When people compared him to MJ, I think about how he had a lot more control w his voice. I heard him sing recently and he still got it. Whatever success is for him, I hope he has it

[@finderkeeperrrs]

I think people downplay Mike's vocal ability at a young age. The control that Mike had was second to none. I think it's because people only hear abc, I want you back, who's loving you. You have to hear him on a fool for you. Tevin's great but I think Mike was just a child singer that can't be beat

[@chrisbean]

He has talent, and that age he had that high pitched voice. I think he knew when to leave it. I haven't followed his career much but he's great.

[@charlita25]

“Next year I might get use to it” lol 😂🥰

[@liddyw88]

I love Tevin still. Was one my biggest crushes. ALONE WITH YOU still makes my heart crash and soar and want to be alone with Tevin. Omg!❤😊

[@akuapiatas]

Sweet boy he was, I always thought he was a male Whitney

[@dennismclaurin1487]

Imagine those two in a duet on 'I'm ready'.

[@vgreen1106]

ESPECIALLY the end the "Iiiiiiiiiiiim Im Ready...ooh yes I am" The harmony!!!!

[@tinyking11]

💯💯🔥🥲

[@GwenevereSanders]

Great Interview, Great Talent!

[@og6340]

Damn shame how Hollywood turned out this kid smh

[@gyftgodson2854]

The devil is a lier!...I hope he find his way now.

[@og6340]

Jaguar may be lying 🤥

[@buddhafortune6166]

A lot of em , damn near all of em Even the adults it’s sad

[@tgirl1762]

@@LadyIsTheChamp Nobody else has admitted anything about so call turning him out so stop lying. The only one that said anything about that is Jaguar and she wasn't even around him to know anything about that. Also you do know the industry is just a group of people and since you couldn't name a specific person other then jaguar I know your lying. Go sit somewhere you gossip hound I hope there's no secrets out there about you

[@fvnaticbychoice]

he was already flaming..c’mon lol did you see the way he would sashay up the stage to accept his awards during Can We Talk era? if anything the industry tried to bury his sexuality.

[@rogercook8277]

So this interview took place long before he hooked up with LaFace Records. I love me some KZbin. 3/5/2021

[@gew12]

The album came out and it had killer classics. I wish he took Michaels advice

[@NamanJayTV]

the boy is so young and gorgeous!

[@sebastian19739]

As he aged it was tough for him to maintain and grow his fan base. Becoming a teenager then man and being perceived as gay and/or social awkward. The 90's had a side that was still homophobic especially among young black teenagers which at the time was largely his base.

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Legend

[@whitneydenise]

It’s the big suits for me

[@MalikJeffersonTheSilas]

Narada Walden meet Tevin in arsenio hall show In 1990 that day before recording over the rainbow tell me what you want me to do recoded in 1990

[@RTDavis0503]

I was in college when this aired.

[@cccccccoletta]

He's so adorable

[@ORIGINALTHINKA]

Sweet, sweet Tevin! lol

[@ricardored207]

Before USHER we had T.E.V.I.N‼️🏆👉🏽👨🏾🎤🗣🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@liddyw88]

Word!

[@GodYourHighnessYourMajesty]

This interview is 🤯

[@LEGENDPantherJennings]

Hes very gifted

[@RSTAR2009]

Recently, there was a Tevin Campbell singing challenge of a section of his song CAN WE TALK? I have seen male singers STRUGGLE trying to hit those high notes like Campbell!!!!

[@loveyu2778]

So sweet

[@tamarafarris8909]

I wish he would drop a new album

[@aaadj2744]

He stopped after 1999 which was his last one.. I think he moved on and went to being voice actor on Disney animation

[@hbchealthybychoice6616]

Look at that baby,, he interviewed well

[@411jamal]

how they destroyed this kid though

[@pams3747]

Late 2022 and if you didn't play Tevin Campbell at the summer bar-be-que, then throw the whole bar-be-que away

[@Esoteric_Lee]

Still pissed I never heard a MJ and Prince track

[@anyhow.anyway]

@Sasha Cakes Really?:D

[@EricSmith-jo1lt]

@Sasha Cakes That's a damn lie and you know it

[@amarikey5465]

He sounds like Princeton from mindless behavior when Princeton first started in mindless behavior

[@nlee4566]

Really? I completely forgot about Mindless Behavior lol

[@nicoleblount7610]

Who’s hear after Jaguar comment

[@shennarice5749]

Me

[@Ittybabe]

Me.now that I pay attention to him he is kind of feminine. His answers seem to be rehearsed

[@chevelljoh120974]

She sounds bitter and sooner are later She going to get what She asking for

[@marimuffin]

@@chevelljoh120974 she is bitter asf and is trying to get clout and ain't nobody thinking about her ol ugly bald head ass.

[@tgirl1762]

@@Ittybabe Then you clearly don't know what rehearsed is Arsenio asked him simple questions like who dressed him and what he thinks about his career there's no rehearsal needed for those type of questions

[@merrymore1521]

He looks like he could be Kelly Rowland’s big brother.

[@christgoddson4891]

Tevin vs Kid Michael vocally? that’s a tuff one tbh but imma give Michael the edge here & here’s why: Michael even @ 9 was a dancer so his vocal style was modeled after singers that dance like James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Sammy Davis, n etc whereas Tevin I hear more Whitney influences so Michael was to be a performer and tevin a stand still voice When Michael blew up in ‘69 Motown wanted a kid act. So they didn’t want the churchy vocal approach but rather a quick pop sound that they can sell to kids like candy. A lot of times I think kid Michael’s music was actually too high in key and he still delivered. Whereas tevins songs he sang were at a lower more comfortable key allowing him to really show off his voice. Therefore 90s really was the era of church singers turnt r&b like the Kci Jojo n them whereas Michael (who still can sell a song) didn’t grow up a church singer, FACTS he grew up on 60s r&b Also they wanted to blow you away with Tevins voice not sell kid music like they did michael so I say this to end the argument… Replace Michael with tevin Campbell as leader of the J5 and it wouldn’t work. Then give Michael at 13 all the Tevin Campbell’s songs and they still will work in Michael’s favor…

[@ertfgghhhh]

Michael's vocals WERE churchy until 87. The cornerstone of secular music is gospel music

[@ask4theupgrade359]

Except that Berry Gordy Jr. admits that he never liked a kid act/children's groups (after signing & managing Little Stevie Wonder) but that changed the day he saw a very young Michael Jackson audition for Motown with the Jackson 5. He vividly recalls watching Michael's performance and being blown away by Michael's talent. Not only was Berry impressed with Michael's moves, but he was also amazed by the boy's on-stage presence.

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@ask4theupgrade359 agree. 80s tevin was in NO match for 60s mj. Mj had soul, the moves, delivery, etc. Tevin could sing-yes. But he needed MAJOR major development. He also wasnt very light on his feet. He was soso as an entertainer. Mj with his brothers were everything. They were the real thing.

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@nikkiloveslife4841 but tevin was mj mixed with whitney vocally

[@PrettyINCs]

If little MJ sang can we talk it would have been amazing. Like next level. I could imagine MJ singing Tevin’s entire catalog, but I think Tevin would struggle with Michael’s especially with the range required.

[@daveydcxcix]

What nerves you got kid!!! At that age lmao… he sound like one of his parents talking about stuff getting on their nerves! ☺️

[@juliebeale2521]

He was really cute and lovely x