Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey joined forces to honour the legendary Motown record label in a dazzling holiday special, A Motown Christmas.
THE MOTOWN SPECIAL
The special aired on NBC, the show bridged Motown’s storied past and promising future. It featured solo performances, duets, and medleys from a star-studded lineup.
Performers included Gladys Knight, Jamie Foxx, The Temptations, Ashanti, and Pentatonix, according to ABC.
South Africans who grew up with Motown classics will feel a nostalgic connection.
Robinson said, “The music has transcended generations, and this show proves that its legacy continues.”
MOTOWN RECORDS AND SMOKEY
Robinson reminisced about past Christmases with Motown founder Berry Gordy.
They once exchanged extravagant gifts but now cherish simple moments together. “It’s about catching up now,” said Robinson.
HALLE AND GROWING UP WITH CLASSICS
Halle Bailey’s connection to the label began at home in South Carolina. Her grandfather filled the house with Motown hits like Robinson’s The Tracks of My Tears.
She shared, “Motown was the soundtrack to our Christmas mornings. It’s magical.”
Bailey, known for her role in The Little Mermaid, first performed the label’s songs during childhood talent shows, according to News Break.
She fondly recalled dressing as The Supremes with her sister, Chloe.
Over 25 timeless tracks filled the special.
MOTOWN HITS
Hits included ABC, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and Dancing in the Streets. Robinson performed his classics Tears of a Clown and Being With You.
Bailey delivered a medley of Diana Ross hits, including Baby Love and Stop! In the Name of Love, according to Dayton Daily News.
Bailey described performing these songs as “an honour.”
She said, “When you grow up with this music, it becomes part of you. The melodies, the stories—they stay with you forever.”
THE LIVE BAND
The live band, led by Emmy-winning musical director Rickey Minor, added rich layers to the performances.
Founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit, it was more than just a record label.
It gave Black artists a platform when mainstream radio often excluded them.
The label launched icons like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie.
The label’s first headquarters, now the Motown Museum, is a testament to its enduring legacy.
MOTOWN AND SOUTH AFRICA
In South Africa, where music often served as a vehicle for social change, the story of Motown resonates deeply.
Robinson, 84, praised Bailey, as proof of the label’s timeless appeal. “She represents the next generation who will carry the magic forward,” he said.
Bailey called Motown’s music “universal.”
She explained, “These songs tell honest stories that touch your heart. They’re relatable and unforgettable.”
RESILIENCE AND UNITY
Motown’s themes of resilience and unity mirror South Africa’s own cultural journey.
The music’s ability to unite people across divides feels especially relevant to South Africans who admire its role in shaping global music.
As the festive season unfolds, A Motown Christmas reminds us of music’s power to bring people together.
South Africans can enjoy the celebration on streaming platforms and relive the magic of Motown’s golden era.
“It’s not just music,” said Robinson. “It’s history, culture, and soul.”
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD MOTOWN MUSIC IN YOUR FAMILY TRADITIONS?
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