Legendary artist, producer and songwriter Smokey Robinson is teaming up with actor and singer Halle Bailey to co-host a tribute to one of the most iconic and influential record labels: Motown.
On Wed., Dec. 11, the duo will lead NBC’s star-studded “A Motown Christmas” special, an evening celebrating the music and artists that helped make Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones’ label a cultural and global phenomenon of lasting significance.
There’s an encore showing on Tues. Dec. 17.
The two-hour special will feature artists like Robinson, Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and The Temptations performing their Motown hits. Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, Jamie Foxx, Jordin Sparks, Machine Gun Kelly and more stars will also pay tribute to the label by delivering their renditions of beloved Motown songs. Plus, all the musicians will croon along to a few holiday earworms, too.
In addition to all the stars who will take the stage, NBC’s “A Motown Christmas” will include a performance from the Broadway company of “MJ the Musical.”
Bailey adds that being a part of the special is “a dream come true” for her before she gestures to Robinson and gushes he is a “legend.”
Although the concert is a tribute to Motown, Robinson said the night will highlight multiple genres, like jazz, rock and gospel.
Speaking about the impact of Motown, Bailey says, “The most special thing about Motown was the fact that the songs — they live on forever and ever.”
Robinson points out that Motown has always been a “family” and he is looking forward to welcoming more members with the special.