Stairway to Stardom
Encyclopedia
Stairway to Stardom was a public-access television
series aired in New York City
from 1979 to the early 1990s. It was described by NPR
as "an amateur talent show many see as a low-rent precursor to American Idol
." Filmed "in what appeared to be a freshly carpeted Staten Island basement," the host Frank Masi would bring on amateur singers, dancers, actresses, and comedians to show off their questionable talents. Describing the show, The Onion
claimed that "without exaggeration, it was one of the greatest shows ever to be on television."
Clips of the show have appeared on the web and gained a cult following. The opening theme song was performed by Steve Luisi and All The King's Men.
Public-access television
Public-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
series aired in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
from 1979 to the early 1990s. It was described by NPR
NPR
NPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
as "an amateur talent show many see as a low-rent precursor to American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
." Filmed "in what appeared to be a freshly carpeted Staten Island basement," the host Frank Masi would bring on amateur singers, dancers, actresses, and comedians to show off their questionable talents. Describing the show, The Onion
The Onion
The Onion is an American news satire organization. It is an entertainment newspaper and a website featuring satirical articles reporting on international, national, and local news, in addition to a non-satirical entertainment section known as The A.V. Club...
claimed that "without exaggeration, it was one of the greatest shows ever to be on television."
Clips of the show have appeared on the web and gained a cult following. The opening theme song was performed by Steve Luisi and All The King's Men.
External links
- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5425419"The Low-Rent Appeal of 'Stairway to Stardom'" NPRNPRNPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
segment] - Producer Michelle Sharpe's collection of Stairway to Stardom videos