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
(iPhone KZbin App users click this link: www.vladtv.com... )
Part 9: • Tavis Smiley on Steve ...
Part 1: • Tavis Smiley on Being ...
--------
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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🙏🏿

[@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.

[@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! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@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.

[@joyismine555]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@EliteClinicalResearch]

Easily one of the best interviews ever on this channel!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Ronshik1]

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

[@thaxtonwaters8561]

Content is King Distribution is the Emperor.💪🏾🖤

[@panafrican.nation]

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

[@todaytoday5910]

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

[@Tim_motivates]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@phil5301]

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

[@reeree1234able]

Powerful message from a true black king 👑

[@janaesimmons4672]

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

[@stevenashurst819]

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

[@TheBreadTalkInvestors]

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

[@RCLaROCK1]

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

[@allanjoyner7424]

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

[@LJDS1979]

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

[@mikelugo8983]

facts

[@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..💜💜

[@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.

[@stevesharief7]

i don't say this often...but Right On brother!!

[@eternalklothgardengangsta685]

Our community need more men of this understanding and standard

[@cfvasconcellos]

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

[@phil5301]

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

[@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

[@MinRic]

We're standing with you in the fight for the betterment of all black people Mr. T. Smiley

[@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.🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💖💖

[@DavidWilliams-vc2ms]

This interview is classic! Pure motivation

[@stanleyfuller9780]

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

[@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.

[@bryanfews5295]

Great interview and educational experience!

[@Shua01]

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

[@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 )

[@strauqq1]

Such an inspiration. Great interview!!

[@ronaldbryant252]

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

[@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.

[@ceciliabrown3301]

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

[@marvaskell]

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

[@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.

[@ericcollins16]

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

[@onyx9857]

Travis a real one.

[@shakespeare1280]

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

[@jozellebell]

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

[@EUPHORIAMUSIQ]

Excellent Interview. I've always liked Tavis Smiley.

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Tavis Smiley is phenomenal. His talk show needs to come to the East Coast Radio Stations.

[@murlenebrown6991]

Great interview Always will love Travis.

[@wannaknowbad]

I miss Prince too!

[@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.

[@marquisjohnson9256]

Salute 👊🏾 Thank you Mr. Smiley That was beautiful

[@michaelmccray7280]

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

[@shakaguru1896]

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

[@ChristonGray]

Needed this Thank you

[@jeanwilliams6623]

Such horrible accusations from Opposition, yet God saw Tavis Smiley through. Always interviews, journalizes and shares with such an intellect beyond measures. I wish you and your family continued love, blessing and we appreciate your sharing, encouragement, and motivation. I thank God for perserving you and love the fact that the light (rooted in Truth) triumphed over darkness!

[@arkadi9226]

Very powerful interview. Love Mr Smiley

[@wardb7759]

You did the work Tavis! Amen!!

[@DBeautifulOne]

Folks let's SUPPORT Tavis radio station. He is forever worthy of it and more.

[@harleminthebuildn9234]

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

[@71grayghost]

What a Fantastic Grounded Brother 🙏🏽🏆

[@heres2you]

I love this brother, one of my heroes💪🏾

[@obejiahdowns9720]

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

[@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!

[@byronevans1]

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

[@lornawilson4331]

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

[@ancientbushman]

Best Vlad TV interview , welcome back brother Travis

[@pwg111291]

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

[@TheBizeediva]

Love Tavis! Always had, always will.

[@hendersonmorrison4760]

Keep up the good work, T. Smiley

[@robertervin3881]

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

[@theylovemyke]

Very proud of this brother

[@blazayblazay8888]

WE NEED TO PROMOTE KBLA

[@Dream-wu4bn]

I Love My People Forever❤️❤️❤️

[@davidjordan2968]

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

[@Aljwgod]

Great interview. My current favorite 😍

[@gregarnold1696]

This brother is a truth teller I miss the yearly state of black America conference

[@vernonmurphy7945]

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

[@vanbraxton8422]

Yes, Integrity Tavis, Stand Tall

[@Sew-Ronica]

The interview that keeps on giving

[@DaKountTV]

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