Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, the Temptations and others will be on hand later this month to celebrate Motown’s 50th anniversary back home in Detroit.
The two-night affair on Nov. 20-21, titled “Live It Again!,” will benefit the Motown Historical Museum, which is located in the company’s original Hitsville U.S.A. headquarters in Detroit’s midtown section. The weekend will kick-off at the Roostertail, a nightclub that hosted many Motown performances and parties, with a program honoring Motown alumni followed by a an autograph session with members of the Contours and Miracles, among others. A “Bop to the Ballroom” dance party will follow.
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On Nov. 21, the Temptatons and Franklin will headline a black-tie gala at Detroit’s GM Renaissance Center, while Stevie Wonder will offer “a special tribute performance” to Motown Founder Berry Gordy, Jr., and his sister, Esther Gordy Edwards, a Motown vice-president who founded the Motown museum. Actor/comedian Sinbad will host, and the evening will also include memorial tributes to Michael Jackson, the Four Tops’ Levi Stubbs and producer/songwriter Norman Whitefield, and honors for Motown’s “First Five” — Smokey Robinson, Brian Holland, Robert Bateman, Janie Bradford and Raynoma Singleton.
Tickets for the Nov. 20 Roostertail party are $50, while the Nov. 21 gala runs $350. Tickets can be purchased by calling (313) 875-2264 or visiting motownmuseum.com.
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Motown’s 50th will also be feted during halftime of the Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving day football game. “A Motown 50th Anniversary Tribute” will feature current Motown stars — including KEM, Melanie Fiona and Shontelle — performing some of the label’s biggest hits. The segment will be televised by Fox, and fans will be able to download a recording of the medley online at nfl.com/thanksgiving, with proceeds going to benefit the United Way.