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‘Beyond the Gates’ Clifton Davis Sings His ‘Jackson 5’ Hit, ‘Never Can Say Goodbye’ in Poignant Moment on Christmas Eve Episode

By Michael Fairman

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Photo: CBS

On today’s December 24 episode of Beyond the Gates, grab your hankies! We always knew that Clifton Davis one day would sing his the smash hit recorded by TheĀ Jackson 5, “Never Can Say Goodbye’ on the CBS soap opera, we just didn’t know when.

In fact, Davis even teased to Michael Fairman TV that something like this was coming when we caught up with the veteran actor/singer/songwriter at CBS Atlanta Fest a few months back.

But now, in story on Christmas Eve, and after just learning that his beloved wife, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) was diagnosed with Triple-Negative breast cancer; a very aggressive and difficult to treat form of the disease more likely to occur in Black women, when Vernon takes to the piano at the Dupree family Christmas gathering, the song takes on new meaning. How could Vernon ever say “goodbye” to his wife, if she were to die?

Courtesy/CBS

Will it be revealed that after all the gossip of Vernon having an affair with Anita’s ‘Articulette’ singing sister, Sharon (thanks Leslie!), that the two were just conspiring to surprise Anita with the former senator’s serenade and Sharon (Bonita Brisker) was helping him pull it off? Stay tuned!

As many know, Davis penned the 1971 ‘Jackson 5’ hit and he told Billboard, ā€œIt’s quite amazing to think I wrote this song way, way back, and now it’s been written into the show’s story plot. It’s exciting to be singing and sharing this song with another generation. It’s a song that just keeps on giving. I’m humbled as well because it didn’t have to turn out this way. God is good.ā€

Never Can Say Goodbye was first released 54 years ago as the lead single for the group’s fifth studio album, Maybe Tomorrow, ā€œNever Can Say Goodbye.” The song went No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, and No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Davis also earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B song. Among other artists who have covered the incredible tune are Isaac Hayes and Gloria Gaynor. Davis also wrote the hit title track for The Jackson 5’s 1972 sixth studio album, Lookin’ Through the Windows.

Davis shared the inspiration for the song, which at its core is also amazingly touching, “It was a combination of two things: I was 23, 24 when I wrote the song. I was wrestling with my past, back when I was moving back and forth between my mother’s home and my father’s home. Whenever I left either of them, I cried because I was leaving one to go to the other. That always put a strain on my heart. Then later, I was in a relationship that was difficult to maintain. I wanted to say goodbye to her, but was unable to because of the love in my heart.ā€

In addition, Clifton, who turned 80 this past October, told Billboard he has plans to release new music! “I released an album in 1990 calledĀ Say Amen.Ā But I’ve been writing all along … songs about faith, prayer and angels, the Beyond the Gates patriarch explained. “I’ve got music that nobody’s heard. But we’re going to get it out very soon.ā€ Music to our ears!

Beyond the Gates Christmas Eve episode airs on December 24 at t 2 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+

Now below watch the preview clip as Vernon serenades Anita, who just learned she has breast cancer with the song “Never Can Say Goodbye,” and then weigh-in if you were thrilled to hear Clifton finally sing his smash hit he wrote for The Jackson Five, while on Beyond the Gates, and what you thought of how the writers crafted the story so when Vernon sang it to Anita, it’s meaning was all the more poignant, via the comment section below.

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A poignant moment for this soap, and I do love that Billboard reported this as well. I loved every single second of it!

They celebratin Kwanzaa

Loved it!

The best soap opera Christmas celebration this year.
I was in tears hearing Veron singing that special song to Anita after her devastating news.
I love BTG. Beautiful cast and great storylines.ā¤ļø

Yes it was a Superior moment to see Vernon belt out his skills.

Great episode, along with Tuesdays.

Loved it. I was hoping he would sing this hit her wrote for the Jackson 5…sung by a little MJ. It’s timeless and deserves a Grammy even today.

Yes this is a fabulous cast and acting…cabrina green rising .love the backstory for Anita

You make me cry and laugh out loud at least once a week. Love you

Omg I loved hearing him sing one of my favorite songs brings back good memories.

Last edited 9 months ago by Carter Lewis

I loved that episode. It was so poignant and brought joy to my heart to see Vernon serenade Anita, after secretly getting voice lessons from Sharon. I absolutely love Beyond the Gates

I Really Loved this Episode Yesterday on Christmas Eve! It was So Nice to See and Hear Clifton Davis sing His Song He wrote for The Jackson Five! This is a Great Show! I haven’t watched a Soap Opera in about 35 Years when As the World Turns went Off the Air! I Tune in Everyday to watch Beyond the Gates on CBS! If I Miss an Episode or I want to watch an Episode again I go to Paramount Plus! Thank You for Airing This Amazing Show! Love It!

I really loved this episode! I am so glad Dani and Nicole did not say anything to their mother Anita before hearing the truth! And I can’t wait until Haley is caught!!!

Loved this episode and Tuesday’sā¤ļø BTG touches on so many topics. Love the love Anita and Veron have. Please don’t ever change their storyline. Thank you Clifton Davis for taking me down memory lane!! It was a great episode.

I enjoyed the song KUDOS

I loved it

I just absolutely love this show and the cast, they are amazing. No matter what I’m doing or how my day going,I make sure I catch beyond the Gates weekdays. Keep it up!

A beautiful moment indeed! Clifton Davis is a gem.

I love this song and another reason to always look at the writing credits.

Yes, Clifton Davis or Vernon is the type of husband everyone desires to have, so genuinely caring and loving!

This was by far one of BTG’s best episodes this year. We still have a couple of episodes left to watch in 2025 before we officially say farewell to the year that was.

I loved every minute of this episode. Thank you BTG!!

What a Wonderful Christmas Episode. Thanks writers for portraying that not all Black Men cheat on their wives.

That alone should put him up for a Daytime Emmy. I’ve enjoyed his work since the 70’s with the comedy show ‘That’s My Mama’ . Still a great talent! Well done

This episode truly touched my heart. Just listening to the lyrics of I Never Can Say Goodbye, took on a profound meaning for me. Life is precious and way too short. God used Clifton Davis in a miraculous way to pen the song and to present it to the world.

I am wondering if Clifton received a royalty check when he sings a song he wrote?

Absolutely Beautiful the chemistry of these 2 is wonderful! They work is so effortless.

Love Sharon superior actress.

My favorite girl kat if am watching and I don’t see kat i don’t feel good she really bring out the show next bill wife must get caught for all those poison what she is putting in his tea

I love Beyond The Gates. It is by far the best show on TV! The cast are amazing and beautiful. The writers and the storyline are outstanding. Please let Ted and Cherise fall madly in love peacefully; they deserve it. Can’t wait to see what karma has in store for Haley and Leslie (Dana).The Christmas episode truly touched my heart. Thank you for creating such a dynamic show that exhibits black excellence in a world that has forgotten the truth and the importance of love. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

When I first heard that my favorite TV station was getting a new soap called beyond the gates I could hardly wait, especially knowing that the cast was based around an African American prominent family, the storyline has never failed my expectations, I try not to ever miss it and if I do I can just about know what went on from where the next day pick up, next to my favorite that I grew up watching from day 1 which is The Y&R it rates #2. I could basically have wrote the script for both, that’s just how in tune I am.

They should have Kat and Tomas get closer and have a lasting relationship like Anita and Vernon that interesting and they can show the struggles they have in getting there but also the strength they gain

Loved everything! Although I loved the Jackson 5 version….. MY version of Never Can Say Goodbye was by Miss Gloria Gaynor! That version kicked ass on the dance floor !
I was in ninth grade in 1974-1975 and I was a huge Days fan due to my Mama!

Did not know he wrote much less he is 80 my goodness Such a treat

Beyond the Gates

Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?

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Kandi Burress, Tabitha Brown, Karla Mosley

As previously announced, Beyond the Gates is bringing chef, author and actress Tabitha Brown and Grammy Award-winning songwriter, singer and actress Kandi Burruss to Fairmont Crest in a special episode of the CBS daytime drama airing Thursday, October 22.

In the episode, Dani’s (Karla Mosley) best friend Pamela Curtis (Cady McClain), arranges a ā€œWelcome to Your Lifeā€ television special for her. As it turns out, Brown will play the show’s host, Tia Allen, while Burruss takes on the role of Dani’s first modeling agent, Kalista Kilroy, who turns the celebration of her life into a bad trip down memory lane.

Dani’s parents Anita and Vernon (Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis), sister Nicole (Daphnee Duplaix), and daughters Chelsea (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Naomi (Arielle Prepetit) all join the show to celebrate and support her but also witness how things so south. Also appearing in the episode are Molly Figueroa as Tatum Stewart and fan-favorite Anita Williams (Tunie) impersonator Jackie Tyree!

Beyond the Gates

PhotoL JPI

THE 411 ON TIA AND KALISTA

Speaking with TV Insider, about their soapy experience in Fairmont Crest, Tabitha Brown previewed about her host with the most,Ā ā€œTia is very professional, but she’s a girl’s girl. She is a protector of women and wants to tell their stories in a beautiful way, but she also wants to make sure they’re seen in a very good light.ā€

However, Burruss previews that Kalista arrives with a score to settle. ā€œShe’s spicy,ā€ shared the recording artist. ā€œI always love playing somebody that has come to start trouble. It’s always fun to play a villain of sorts, but Kalista feels like she’s been done wrong and she’s hurt by what she feels has been done to her. So Kalista is stirring up trouble, but she feels justified putting Dani on blast. Kalista is ready for some payback.ā€

Beyond the Gates is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey.

Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.

So, looking forward to this special episode of Beyond the Gates when Dani is put on a blast during a blast from her past and Welcome to Your Life TV special? Share your thoughts via the comment section.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ and Daytime Emmy Nominee Mike Manning to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

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While Bradley “Smitty: Smith finds himself currently in a whole heap of trouble on Beyond the Gates, his portrayer Mike Manning is getting set for the upcoming 53rd Daytime Emmy Awards where he finds himself nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.

A previous two-time Daytime Emmy winner, Manning will visit You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Wednesday, October 21 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

This year, Beyond the Gates broke records becoming a 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated seres, a first in Daytime Emmy history for a new show entering the competition for the first time. Manning will discuss being part of the groundbreaking soap.

Smitty

Photo: CBS

MIKE MANNING’S UPCOMING PROJECTS

While Manning has his series regular role on Beyond the Gates he is also involved in a myriad of other projects including: his role opposite Nicolas Cage in the film, Madden and the upcoming Anthony Hopkins starring motion picture, Eyes in the Tree, which Manning is featured and also produced.

LGBTQ+ ADVOCACY

Mike first gained nation attention back on MTV’s The Real World D.C., now almost 17 years ago, when he came out on the reality series, which served as an example of early LGBTQ+ representation, leading to thousands of letters from viewers who felt connected to, or felt represented by his journey. Through his advocacy, Manning has served as a youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying, and environmental protection.

Daytime fans first met Manning as uber-bad guy Charlie Dale on Days of our Lives (2020-2o22)Ā and later for his Emmy-winning role as Caleb McKinnon on The Bay.

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, viewers will see the pick-up after Smitty has been framed for the murder of Dr. Lia Whitmore, after being in possession of incriminating pills linked to her death, that were seemingly planted at his home.Ā 

If you have a question for Mike, but cannot be with us in the live chat, drop it in the comment section below and we just might ask it on the broadcast.

So, how do you think Smitty will get out of the charges against him? Rooting for Mike at the Daytime Emmys? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section below.

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Beyond the Gates

‘Beyond the Gates’ Star Marquita Goings to Chat Live on the Michael Fairman Channel

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Marquita Goings

After her star turn in recent episodes of Beyond the Gates, soap opera’s latest vixen Hayley Lawson Hamilton played by Marquita Goings has grabbed viewers attention just waiting to see what stunt she’ll pull next!

Now, Marquita Goings will visit the Michael Fairman Channel for a livestream chat on Thursday, October 22 beginning at 7pm ET/4pm PT and you can join us with your questions!

Previously in story, Hayley has racked up some pretty despicable acts and crimes thus far which have included, trying to poison and kill Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) for his life insurance in order to cash in and hightail it out of Fairmont Crest with the moolah.

Photo: CBS

Then, let’s not forget using the recordings she obtained to blackmail everyone with the the secret that Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) have been trying to keep under wraps about the hate crime years ago, which saw Martin kill one man, while another later died, in an effort to save his grandfather.

NEXT WEEK ON BEYOND THE GATES

Now, the week of October 19-23 previews that it appears that Hayley may be pregnant (take a look at the video preview below) with Bill’s child when she gets a little queasy, after she went to see her partner in crime, Randy (Maurice P. Kerry) to get a fresh ID to skip out of town and away from the DMV.

In fact, on the Tuesday, October 20 episode, official BTG spoilers indicate, Vernon assures Dani (Karla Mosley) that he’s got things handled, while Hayley’s ready for her next act, while on the Friday, October 23 episode, Leslie (Trisha Mann-Grant) has devastating words for Hayley and Bill’s got another thing coming.

If you have a question for Marquita but cannot join us for the live broadcast, drop it in the comment section and we just might ask it during the chat.

Now let us know, do you think Hayley will be pregnant? How will she continue to evade any prison time? What has been your favorite scene of Marquita Goings on Beyond the Gates thus far? Comment below.

 

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