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The Peacock Sound

The Peacock Sound

The Untold Story of Don Robey - America’s First Black Music Mogul

Concept

This five-episode docuseries explores the untold story of Don Robey, America’s first Black music mogul — brilliant, feared, and visionary. Decades before Motown, he built Peacock and Duke Records into the “mothership” of Black music entrepreneurship, shaping Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Richard, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Johnny Ace, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and the sound of mid‐century America. His story has never been told with accuracy or authorization — until now. With full estate access and unprecedented archival materials, this project finally reveals the man behind the empire. Through family accounts, community voices, present‑day artists, industry executives, and celebrities, the series studies Robey’s audacity, vision, and lasting influence. A dual narrative runs throughout the series: Robey’s rise and impact in the mid‑20th century, and the real-time development of a Broadway musical, highlighting his catalog, echoing his legacy, and symbolizing rebirth.

Proof of Concept

0709 (final+ artist names) 1080p.mp4

IN DEVELOPMENT — COMING 2027 — IN DEVELOPMENT — COMING 2027 — IN DEVELOPMENT — COMING 2027 —

Series Concept: 5‐Part Docuseries

A dual‐timeline narrative:

  • Robey’s rise and fall — from national influence to retirement and death

  • The creation of a new stage musical at the historic DeLUXE Theater — a modern rebirth of Peacock’s legacy.

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Opening Hook

Modern Black label founders (Def Jam, Uptown, Roc‐A‐Fella, Death Row, Rap‐A‐Lot) discuss the rarity of Black ownership. Motown is celebrated — until the revelation that the true blueprint began in Houston with Don Robey. Archival footage collides with present‐day moguls, establishing tone and stakes.

Condensed Episode Arc

EP1 — The Hustler’s Kingdom

5th Ward roots, gambling hustle, Bronze Peacock Dinner Club, early artist signings. Noir‐like, gritty.

EP2 — The Birth of Peacock Records

Little Richard, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, the Chitlin’ Circuit, and Evelyn Johnson’s rise as Robey’s indispensable partner. Spiritual, rebellious.

EP3 — Empire & Entanglements

Duke Records acquisition, mob conflicts, Johnny Ace’s suicide, artist tensions, personal complexities. Investigative, tense.

EP4 — Motown Ascends, Peacock Fades

Motown rises; Robey fades. Evelyn’s fate, financial pressures, forced sale. Bittersweet, historically corrective.

EP5 — Legacy & Resurrection

Robey’s final years, cultural tributes, major artists acknowledging Peacock’s influence, and modern efforts to restore his place in history. Reflective, celebratory.

The Time is Now

• Untold Black history

• True‐crime + music fusion

• Renewed interest in music origin stories

• Houston’s rise as a global music capital

• Cultural conversations around ownership & power

• Global appetite for archival‐driven nonfiction

Robey’s story intersects with the biggest nonfiction markets: music, crime, power, race, entrepreneurship, and American cultural history.

Executive Slide Deck

Learn More About Don Robey!

The Peacock Sound

Robert King

Executive Producer

Robert@RedGiantRights.Group

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917-848-9934

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