Growing up we tend to remember certain episodes of our favorite sitcoms where musicians made an appearance. Whether it was a surprise appearance or something that was hyped up via an episode promo during the week, we tuned in to see musicians become part of the plot and most likely sing one of their hits. For here I decided to stick to TV Sitcoms and musicians who actually did sing on the episode they appeared. I also stuck to episodes I remember as opposed to doing a deep dive into every cameo out there. So apologies to Phil Collins appearing on Miami Vice, Boy George appearing on The A-Team, and MC Hammer appearing on Martin, among others. Sadly, one cameo I couldn't find a clip to was Debarge appearing on Punky Brewster. That's everyone's loss. Otherwise, let's take a trip down nostalgia road to revisit some moments of the past.
Portrait appears on "Family Matters"
This one is probably the most memorable one to me. The Winslow siblings attend their high school's prom and are able to score Portrait as the headliner thanks in part to Waldo's cousin being part of the group. We're treated to a snippet of their hit "Here We Go," followed by the reveal of who Waldo's cousin is and how easily it is to tell.
Menudo appears on "Silver Spoons"
Back in the late 90s Nickelodeon showed a block of 80s sitcom reruns as part of a special one week Nick At Nite scheduling. One episode I remember them showing was an episode of "Silver Spoons" that featured an appearance from pop sensation Menudo. The Silver Spoons household was famous for its in-house train that fit perfectly with Menudo's "Gotta Get On Moving" performance during this episode.
Bell Biv Devoe appears on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air"
The Banks parents are out of town and Will decides to rent out the mansion for a Bell Biv Devoe music video recording. I mean, who wouldn't?
Jodeci appears on "Martin"
A classic moment where Martin crashes a Jodeci late night TV performance to provide backup and lead vocals to their hit "Lately." Martin was full of great moments and this one always sits near the top.
New Edition appears on "Family Matters"
Of course this clip include Stefan as opposed to Steve Urkel. New Edition performs their song "Hit Me Off" and ask Stefan to join them on stage to finish off the performance.
The Monkees kind of appear on "Boy Meets World"
When your daughter gets you thru Girl Meets World, it's only right to revisit Boy Meets World reruns to connect the two. I saw this episode recently and although they don't appear as The Monkees, they appear as 3 separate characters throughout the episode who happen to all be at Corey's parents surprise party at the end of the episode. When things go wrong (as they usually do on sitcoms) 3 of the 4 Monkees (Michael Naismith was not a part of this episode) reunite on stage and sing The Tempations "My Girl." It's actually a cool moment to see them interact on a show generations after their own sitcom.
Ollie Woodson of The Temptations appears on "The Jamie Foxx Show"
Speaking of The Temptations, 80s lead singer of the Temptations Ollie Woodson made a cameo on The Jamie Foxx Show as a Psych Ward patient that Jamie interacts with. I remember when I saw this episode back in the day I didn't even realize it was a Temptations song he was singing. Woodson jumps on the piano to play and sing along to the tune that made him famous, "Treat Her Like A Lady." Aside from the corniness of the patients dancing around as he preforms, the vocals of Woodson shine on this throwback.
Busta Rhymes appears on "The Wayans Brothers"
I don't remember much about the episode itself but I remember the performance. You can't go wrong with Pops dancing along during the performance.
Notorious BIG appears on "Martin"
The plot was built around the cast interacting with Biggie but the end of the episode gives us the treat of him performing "One More Chance" as the credits roll.
Donna Summer appears on "Family Matters"
Family Matters makes another appearance as we remember the episode where Donna Summer plays Steve Urkel's shy Aunt Oona, who later performs during a talent show and boasts her power vocals to the tune of "Last Dance."
Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello appear on "Full House"
Another case where revisiting my childhood shows with my daughter produced another forgotten cameo. The classic duo appear just as you'd expect they would: filming a beach party TV Series. We get a quick performance but most of their cameo is centered around their interaction with Uncle Joey.
Paula Abdul (and MC Skat Cat) appear on "Sabrina The Teenage Witch"
I don't remember this one as I never really watched this show but I did stumble upon this and what a cameo it is. Paula Abdul is part of the plot and MC Skat Cat makes a quick cameo early on. Yes, thee MC Skat Cat.
Outkast appears on "Martin"
From the classic Players Ball episode. We also get them performing "Players Ball" later on, but here is the clip of them doing "Get Up, Get Out"
Tracie Spencer appears on "Family Matters"
Family Matters coming in strong! R&B songstress Tracie Spencer comes thru town and somehow Eddie Winslow gets connected with her and gets a duet with her in her dressing room. It's worth it just to hear Tracie Spencer sing her hit "Tender Kisses."
En Vogue appears on A Different World
I need to re-watch this episode but En Vogue did make an appearance on A Different World. Doing "Free Your Mind," we get to hear the entire song performed.
Boyz II Men appears on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air"
And finally, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is responsible for a classic holiday moment that lives on every December. Will promising to get Boyz II Men to perform at little Nicky's christening but expecting to let everyone down. Try to watch this episode and not shed a tear at a heartfelt moment as Boyz II Men arrives to perform "Silent Night."
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