Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, bridge-builders between Motown's vintage and modern eras, lend their vocal talents to a holiday special dedicated to the legendary record label that forever altered the musical landscape. They will co-host "A Motown Christmas," an extraordinary celebration honoring Motown's iconic melodies and its profound impact on American culture. The spectacular will encompass solo acts, harmonious duets, and ensemble medleys, weaving a tapestry of musical excellence.
An all-star ensemble, featuring Robinson, Bailey, Gladys Knight, Andra Day, The Temptations, Jamie Foxx, and Ashanti, will take the stage. Additional performances will shine a spotlight on BeBe Winans, JoJo, Martha Reeves, the Vandellas, Jordin Sparks, Machine Gun Kelly, October London, and Pentatonix.
Here's a glimpse into this exceptional event, premiering on Wednesday night on NBC and streaming the following day on Peacock:
For numerous years, Robinson and Berry Gordy, the visionary behind Motown, indulged in grandiose exchanges of Christmas gifts, celebrating their shared successes with a flourish. However, they eventually chose a path that resonated more deeply within their hearts, forsaking those ostentatious displays of material wealth. "That belongs to a bygone era," Robinson reflected nostalgically. Nowadays, their festive camaraderie blossoms through uncomplicated acts—whether it's a warm phone call from the heart or a casual gathering filled with ease.
During Bailey's visit to South Carolina for the festive season, her grandfather infused the atmosphere with the soul-stirring melodies of Motown. One of her earliest musical memories is vividly etched by the 1965 smash hit "The Tracks of My Tears," penned by the talented trio of Robinson, Pete Moore, and Marv Tarplin of The Miracles. Another cherished vignette in her memory bank was when she and her sister, Chloe Bailey, adorned themselves in dazzling black sequined dresses and mirrored the iconic dance steps of The Supremes, performing their timeless anthem "Baby Love" from 1964 at a talent show, their enthusiasm matching the original's electric charisma.
"That's how my love affair with Motown began," shared Halle Bailey, who starred in Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." "I recall the magical blend of Christmas cheer and Motown's melodies serving as the perfect backdrop while unwrapping presents. It's truly mesmerizing."
Over 25 Motown classics will resonate through the night, including timeless gems like "ABC," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Dancing in the Streets," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "My Girl," "Reach Out (I'll Be There)," and "Superstition." Robinson will captivate audiences with "Tears of a Clown," "Being With You," and, of course, "Tracks of My Tears." Bailey, meanwhile, will deliver a medley tribute to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and grace the stage with soulful renditions of "Stop (In the Name of Love)," "Baby Love," and "You Keep Me Hanging On."
"As you grow up immersed in this music, it becomes an eternal melody within your soul," Bailey expressed with fervor. "It was an indescribable honor to bring to life those tunes that have echoed in my heart since my childhood days." Leading the eleven-piece live band for "A Motown Christmas" will be the Emmy Award-winning musical director, Rickey Minor, whose expertise promises to elevate the evening further.
NBC's television history boasts two Emmy Award-winning Motown specials: "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" and "Motown Returns to the Apollo," both of which celebrate the timeless charm of Motown music. When Gordy founded Motown, he bestowed upon Black musicians a platform to showcase their immense talents, a beacon of hope in an era where their records struggled to gain airplay on mainstream radio.
Gordy's label not only introduced but also propelled the careers of some of the music industry's top-selling stars, from Marvin Gaye to Lionel Richie. The triumph of Gordy's label is immortalized at the Motown Museum in Detroit, the birthplace of his music empire, where legends like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, the Miracles, and other performers recorded their chart-topping hits. In 1972, Motown relocated to California, but its legacy remained steadfast.
During the interview, at the age of 84, Robinson pointed to Bailey, a 24-year-old embodiment of Motown's magic transcending generations. "This young lady standing here is living proof of Motown's significance," said Robinson, the former lead singer of the groundbreaking Motown group, the Miracles, and once the label's vice president. "Motown was born before she was even conceived, yet here she is, well-versed in its music and artists. I envision her son and future generations, yet unborn, growing up with Motown etched in their hearts."
Bailey hailed Motown as "universal," emphasizing, "The enduring power of its music, the authenticity and honesty it conveys, the tales it tells—almost every song resonates deeply with you, whether you've lived through its narrative or are in the midst of it. Each tune speaks straight to your heart, leaving an indelible mark on your soul."
