In an awesome celebration of music and legacy, Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey teamed up to pay tribute to the iconic Motown record label in A Motown Christmas, a dazzling holiday special that aired on NBC. Bridging Motown’s storied history with its promising future, the show featured electrifying solo performances, dynamic duets, and mesmerizing medleys from a star-studded line-up.
The impressive roster of performers included legends and contemporary stars alike, such as Gladys Knight, Jamie Foxx, The Temptations, Ashanti, and Pentatonix, offering a heart-warming blend of nostalgia and modern flair. For South Africans who grew up with Motown classics, the special evoked a deep sense of connection, a testament to the label’s global influence.
Smokey Robinson, a cornerstone of the Motown sound, reflected on the enduring appeal of the music. “The music has transcended generations, and this show proves that its legacy continues,” he shared. Robinson also reminisced about past Christmases with Motown founder Berry Gordy, recalling a time when their celebrations were marked by extravagant gifts. Today, their focus has shifted to cherishing simple moments. “It’s about catching up now,” he said, a sentiment that resonates with the season’s spirit.
For Halle Bailey, the connection to Motown runs deep. Growing up in South Carolina, her grandfather filled their home with Motown hits like Robinson’s “The Tracks of My Tears.” “Motown was the soundtrack to our Christmas mornings. It’s magical,” she shared. Known for her starring role in The Little Mermaid, Bailey’s relationship with Motown music began in childhood, performing the label’s classics during talent shows and even dressing up as The Supremes with her sister, Chloe.
The special’s setlist was a treasure trove of over 25 timeless tracks, including chart-toppers like “ABC,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Dancing in the Streets.” Smokey Robinson delighted the audience with his signature hits “Tears of a Clown” and “Being With You.” Meanwhile, Halle Bailey captivated viewers with a medley of Diana Ross classics, including “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Performing these iconic songs was a profound experience for Bailey, who called it “an honour.” “When you grow up with this music, it becomes part of you. The melodies, the stories—they stay with you forever,” she said.
Adding to the magic, Emmy-winning musical director Rickey Minor led a live band that infused the performances with rich, soulful layers. The show not only celebrated the music but also highlighted the cultural impact of Motown, founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit. The label provided a ground-breaking platform for Black artists during a time when mainstream radio often excluded them, launching icons like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. Today, its first headquarters, now the Motown Museum, stands as a monument to its enduring legacy.
Motown’s story holds special resonance in South Africa, where music has long been a vehicle for social change. Its themes of resilience and unity echo the nation’s own cultural journey. Smokey Robinson, now 84, praised Halle Bailey as a beacon of the label’s timeless appeal. “She represents the next generation who will carry the magic forward,” he said. Bailey, in turn, emphasized the universal nature of Motown’s music. “These songs tell honest stories that touch your heart. They’re relatable and unforgettable,” she explained.
Main Image: MLive
