Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson and actress and singer Halle Bailey are set to host a special tribute in honor of Motown, the iconic Detroit label that spawned hits from musical legends like The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. 

On Dec. 11, the duo will host NBC’s holiday special, A Motown Christmas, celebrating the legendary artists who helped cement the iconic label’s place in music history. According to Today, the two-hour event will feature a star-studded lineup of performances from Motown legends like Gladys Knight, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Temptations, and Robinson.

The special will also shine a spotlight on today’s rising stars, with performances from contemporary artists such as Bailey, Ashanti, Andra Day, Jamie Foxx, Jordin Sparks, Machine Gun Kelly, and more, each delivering their own renditions of classic Motown hits and holiday classics like “Last Christmas” and “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” In addition to these unforgettable musical moments, the show will include a special performance from the Broadway cast of MJ the Musical.

“You can expect some good music and some fun and some Christmas celebration!” Robinson, 84, said in a trailer for the forthcoming show released on Dec. 9. 

Bailey and Robinson will also team up for a duet of “Winter Wonderland.” During the teaser interview, Bailey, 24, shared that it was “a dream come true” to be singing alongside a “legend” like Robinson.

Source: NBC / NBC

Motown’s incredible history. 

Motown, originally founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1958 under the name Tamla Records, became a groundbreaking force in the music world, shaping the sound of soul and helping popularize the genre in the 1960s. As described by MasterClass, the label was a launching pad for Black artists, songwriters, musicians, and producers, who combined unparalleled talent, striking visuals, and catchy pop hooks, creating a distinct sound that would define an era.

The Supremes – Source: Peter King / Getty

One of the key figures in Motown’s early success was Robinson. As the lead vocalist of Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the legendary singer and songwriter played an essential role in the label’s rise during the first 15 years of his career, delivering hits like “Shop Around,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and “Ooo Baby Baby.” He not only helped shape the Motown sound but also encouraged Berry Gordy to establish the label. Robinson’s influence is further immortalized in his farewell album with the group, 1957-1972, as noted by the Classic Motown website.

Under Gordy’s leadership, Motown expanded rapidly, attracting talent from Detroit and across the country. Iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Mary Wells, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Eddie Holland, and The Jackson 5 all contributed to the label’s groundbreaking success.

Source: Leni Sinclair / Getty

Motown was responsible for producing some of the most memorable hits of the 1960s, including “Baby Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes. They also crafted “Heat Wave” for Martha and the Vandellas, “Baby I Need Your Loving” for The Four Tops, and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” for Marvin Gaye. The label’s influence reached new heights with The Jackson 5, whose 1969 hit “I Want You Back” launched 11-year-old Michael Jackson into the global spotlight.

Tune into NBC at 9 p.m. central on Dec. 11 to watch all the festivities in action when A Motown Christmas airs.

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