Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool!

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Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! is a 1984 motivational video hosted by American actor Mr. T and distributed by MCA Home Video. [1]

Contents

Synopsis

The video proceeds strongly from new wave and R&B culture of the mid-1980s to appeal to children to respect adults, avoid peer pressure, and build self-confidence. It features a showcase of emerging talent, including Ice-T, New Edition, Fergie (credited as "Stacy Ferguson"), Kelly Jo Minter, Martika, Janice Kawaye, Tammy Townsend, Bumper Robinson, Shanice and Valerie Landsburg. Several years later, the video has led to a proliferation of video clips that are posted on the Internet. [2]

Production

The project was produced by Topper Carew, a sitcom writer who has recently worked with Mr. T, who also served as a producer and writer on the feature film D.C. Cab . Mr. T returned to motivational roles for the 2006 television series I Pity the Fool .

Music

A soundtrack album by MCA Records were also released in the coincidence of the video.

Book

A companion book by St. Martin's Press, but published in the same year as the video.

Segments

Be Somebody consists of many segments, with each delineated by a title caption at the bottom of the screen. These include:

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References

  1. "Buy Somebody". Billboard: 34. December 22, 1984.
  2. Susan Stewart (October 27, 1984). "Mr T.'s not just foolin'". Wisconsin State Journal.