Old-Time Rock ‘n’ Roll:How The 1980s Embraced 1950s and 1960s Oldies Music
In 1983, Motown held its 25th anniversary special on NBC. The Marvelettes weren’t invited, most likely due to their lawsuit against Motown. Popular comedian Richard Pryor acted as master of ceremonies. Clips from the past aired. Special performances included Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. A battle of the bands segment featured The Four Tops versus The Temptations. Diana Ross came out dancing onstage when Adam Ant sang a 1980’s techno version of Where Did Our Love Go?,
which livened up the audience. Diana Ross wrapped up the end of the show by asking Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong to join her while she sang Someday We’ll Be Together.
The three were reunited briefly before other Motown artists and guests got up on stage. Those in attendance reported tension between Ross and Wilson during the performance, with Ross shoving Wilson at one point, but that footage did not air on NBC. Motown 25 received an Emmy for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy category. The Four Tops and The Temptations decided to tour together during the mid eighties due to their success on the show. Although the 25th anniversary rejuvenated interest in former Motown acts, the company itself was in poor fiscal health by the late eighties. Berry Gordy sold Motown in 1988 for what was considered a low sum of $61 million.
©2021 Tim Sheehan