Jay-Z performs during VH1's Storytellers taping in October 2007
YEARS ON AIR: 1996–present
HOST: N/A
Sharing the basic DNA (and graying core audience) of her sister network’s Unplugged, VH1 Storyteller tweaks the less-is-more formula by putting their (more boomer-friendly) guests in more intimate settings and having them share the details and experiences that went into the writing of their songs. The first artist to appear on the show was ex-Kink Ray Davies — the network taped one of his shows on his 1996 Storyteller tour and ended up keeping the name for their series.
NOTABLE GUESTS: Smashing Pumpkins, Mary J. Blige, Duran Duran, Stevie Nicks, R.E.M., Maxwell, Kings of Leon, and Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson (below, singing “Folsom Prison Blues”)