A Motown Christmas (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[ Cheers and applause ]

[ Christmas music plays ]

Hey! Come on in.

Make yourself at home.

It's the Motown Christmas

celebration.

A night of music

and holiday cheer.

So let's get started.

Please welcome my co-host,

Ms. Halle Bailey.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Hi!

[ "Winter Wonderland" plays ]

Sleigh bells ring,

are you listening?

In the lane,

snow is glistening

A beautiful sight,

we're happy tonight

Walking in a winter

wonderland

Gone away is the bluebird

Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song

while we stroll along

Walking in a winter

wonderland

In the meadow,

we can build a snowman

We'll pretend that he

is Parson Brown

He'll say, "Are you married?"

We'll say, "No, man"

But you can do the job

when you're in town

Later on, we'll conspire

As we dream by the fire

To face unafraid,

the plans that we've made

Walking in a winter

wonderland

[ Cheers and applause ]

In the meadow,

we can build a snowman

We'll pretend that he

is Parson Brown

He'll say,

"Are you married?"

We'll say, "No, man"

But you can do the job

when you're in town

Later on

Later on

We'll conspire

We'll conspire

As we dream

As we dream

By the fire

By the fire

To face unafraid,

the plans that we've made

Walking in a winter

wonderland

Walking in a winter

wonderland

Walking in a winter

wonderland

Wonderland

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Tonight,

on "A Motown Christmas",

performances by...

[ Cheers and applause ]

Thank you for co-hosting

with me tonight.

Oh, my goodness,

are you kidding me?

I would not have missed this

for the world.

Motown and Christmas...

its two of my favorite things.

You know,

Motown is where I grew up.

And we started Motown

as a record company

and ended up being a family.

So, tonight, we're going to

celebrate with some new friends

and some of our family members.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Kicking us off,

it's the unstoppable

Martha Reeves

and The Vandellas.

Starting out as back-up singers

for Marvin Gaye,

they rose to fame with their own

hits -- "Heatwave",

"Jimmy Mack",

"Nowhere to Run",

and one of the anthems

of the civil rights era --

"Dancin' in the Street".

While Martha Reeves

and The Vandellas' song

continues to be a hit

on party playlists today,

their powerful performances

live on,

their music remaining a

cornerstone of Motown's history.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Hey, Smokey!

Looks like the party

is getting started now.

Martha Reeves

and The Vandellas!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Calling out around the world

Are you ready

for a brand new beat?

Summer's here

and the time is right

Dancing in the street

For dancing

In the street,

they're dancing in Chicago

Dancing in the street

Dancing in the street

Down in new Orleans

Dancing in the street

New York City

Sweet, sweet

All we need is music

Sweet, sweet music

Sweet music

Sweet music

Music

Everywhere, ooh, ooh

Everywhere

Swinging, swaying

and records playing

Dancing in the street

Dancing

Ohh

It doesn't matter

what you wear

As long as you are there

Hey, ohh

Every guy, grab a girl

Everywhere around the world

Dancing in the street

Dancing in the street

This is just an invitation

across the nation

A chance for folks to meet

There'll be singing, laughing,

and music swinging

Dancing in the street

Philadelphia, PA

Dancing in the street

Baltimore and D.C., now

Dancing in the street

Can't forget the Motor City

Dancing in the street

All we need is music,

sweet, sweet music

Ms. Martha Reeves

[ Cheers and applause ]

The Vandellas: [ Vocalizing ]

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run to, baby

Nowhere to hide

Not love I'm running from,

unh-unh

It's the heartbreak

I know will come

You're no good for me

I know you're no good for me

But youve become

a part of me

Now, everywhere I go

Every step I take

You take with me, yeah

Sing it, babies.

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run to, baby

Nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Got nowhere to run to, baby

Nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere, nowhere to run

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere, nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere to run to, baby

Nowhere to run,

nowhere to hide

Nowhere to hide

[ "Heatwave" plays ]

Whenever he calls my name

Soft, low, sweet, and plain

Right then, right then

Yeah-yeahh

I feel that burning flame

Has high blood pressure

got a hold on me

[ Both laugh ]

Is supposed to be

It's like a heat wave

Burnin' in my heart

Can't keep from cryin'

It's tearin' me apart

Yeah-yeah

Yeah-yeah

Yeahhh-yeah

Yeah-yeah

Yeahhh-yeah-yeah

Yeaaah-yeah

Yeaaah-yeah

[ Laughs ]

[ Cheers and applause ]

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ohhhhh

Oooooh

Hang all the mistletoe

I'm gonna get to know you

better

This Christmas

The tree

And as we trim the tree

How much fun it's gonna be

together

This Christmas

Is blazing bright

Fireside is blazing bright

We're caroling through

the night

This Christmas,

all it will be

And this Christmas will be

This Christmas,

all it will be

A very special Christmas

for me

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ohhh

Yeah

[ Vocalizing ]

Ooh, ooh, ohhh

The fireside

is blazing bright

We're caroling through

the night

This Christmas,

all it will be

And this Christmas will be

This Christmas,

all it will be

A very special Christmas

for me

Yeahhh

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ohhh

Oooh, oohhh

Merry Christmas

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: It's 1970,

and The Jackson 5

were spreading cheer

with their incredible talent.

But for the Jacksons,

it's family first,

and they're finally off tour

and home for the holidays.

It's a Jackson Family Christmas

to remember.

Smokey: Please welcome to the

stage the phenomenal cast

of "MJ the Musical".

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

You'd better watch out,

you'd better not cry

You'd better not pout,

I'm tellin' you why

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

He's making a list,

he's checking twice

Gonna find out who's naughty

and nice

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

He sees you

when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad

or good

So be good for goodness sake,

ohh

Little tin horns

and little toy drums

Rooty-toot-toot

and rump-a-tum-tums

Curly-haired dolls

That tootle and coo

Elephants, boats

And kiddie cars too

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

He sees you

when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad

or good

So be good for goodness sake,

ohh

You'd better watch out,

you'd better not cry, ooh

You'd better not pout,

I'm tellin' you why, ohh

Oh, yeah

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to town

Santa Claus

is comin' to toooooown

Yeah

[ Laughs ]

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Tonight,

on the Motown stage,

Gladys Knight,

The Temptations,

MGK, and Jamie Foxx

leads a star-studded tribute

to Stevie Wonder.

All on "A Motown Christmas".

Announcer: One of the greatest

and most celebrated

singer-songwriter-producers

in music history --

the iconic Smokey Robinson.

It's not just show and glitter

and gleam.

It's show business.

Announcer: He and his group,

The Miracles,

were the first artists signed

to Motown,

lending R&B, Soul, and Pop

to play a key role

in shaping the signature

Motown sound.

After nearly 70 years,

this living legend

is still creating new music

and putting on a show.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Welcome back

to "A Motown Christmas" Special.

Everyone looks so great tonight.

And if there was ever a time

to celebrate

the great Smokey Robinson,

the first artist

to be signed to Motown --

that time would be now.

Please welcome

Mr. Smokey Robinson.

[ Cheers and applause ]

If there's a smile

on my face

It's only there

tryin' to fool the public

But when it comes down

to foolin' you

Now, honey, that's quite

a different subject

Don't let my glad expression

Give you the wrong

impression

Sad, sad, sad

Really I'm sad

Sad

I'm sadder than sad

I'm hurt so bad

You're gone,

and I'm hurtin' so bad

I pretend to be glad

Like a clown,

I pretend to be glad

Sad, sad, sad, sad

Oh, baby

Now there's some sad things

known to man

But ain't too much sadder

than

Tears of a clown

When there's no one around

[ Cheers and applause ]

Ooooooh

Oooh-ooooh

Ooooooh

Ooooooh

I don't care what they think

about me and

I don't care what they say

I don't care what they think

if you're leaving

I'm gonna beg you to stay-ay

I don't care

if they start to avoid me

I don't care what they do

I don't care

about anything else

But being with you,

being with you

Honey, don't go

Don't leave this scene

Be out of the picture

And off of the screen

Don't let them say

"We told you so"

They tell me you'll love me

And then let me go

I've heard the warning voice

From friends

and my relations

They tell me all about

your heart break reputation

Ooooh-ooooooh

Ooh-ooh-oooooh

Oooooooh-oooooh

Oooooooh

People say I'm the life

of the party

'Cause I tell a joke or two

Although I might be laughing

loud and hearty

Well, deep inside I'm blue

So take a good look

at my face

You'll see my smile

looks out of place

If you look closer

it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears

Woman, don't you know

I need you

I need you

Outside I'm masquerading

Inside my hope is fading

I'm just a clown, baby

Since you put me down

My smile is my makeup

I wear since my break up

with you

Baby, take a good look

at my face

My smile looks out of place

Yeah, gonna see my smile

looks out of

Closer, it's easy to trace

Baby, why don't you look

closer, it's easy to trace

The tracks of my tears

Tu-do, tu-do-do-doooooo

[ Cheers and applause ]

I think the part of Christmas

that I cherish the most

is that it's that time of year

when everyone

gets a little bit softer,

a little bit kinder.

There's a little bit more wonder

and joy in people's eyes,

and I think that's really

special,

and we definitely need that.

Merry Christmas from Motown.

Announcer: Still to come

on "A Motown Christmas"...

Gladys Knight,

The Temptations,

Pentatonix,

and next,

an exclusive performance

from MGK.

When Motown was created,

every artist had to carve out

their own lane.

This man's star power

embodies that of an artist

who continues to redefine

the boundaries of music.

Here to perform a modern

Christmas classic with a twist,

put your hands together

for MGK.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

This year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

This year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Let's go!

[ Music plays faster ]

Unh, Once bitten

and twice shy

I keep my distance,

but you still catch my eye

Tell me, baby,

do you recognize me?

Well, it's been a year,

so it doesn't surprise me

Merry Christmas,

I wrapped it up and sent it

With a note saying

I love you, I meant it

Now I know

what a fool I've been

But if you kissed me now,

I know you'd fool me again

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

This year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

Oh, this year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Let's dance!

[ Cheering ]

A crowded room,

friends with tired eyes

I'm hiding from you

and your soul of ice

My god, I thought you were

someone to rely on

Me? I guess I was

a shoulder to cry on

A face-on lover

with fire in his heart

A man undercover,

but you tore me apart

Ooh, now I've found

a real love

You'll never fool me again

Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

This year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Let's sing! Last Christmas,

I gave you my heart

The very next day,

you gave it away

Oh, this year to save me

from tears

I'll give it

to someone special

Let's go!

Happy Motown Christmas.

Thank you!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Thank you for being with us and

bringing a whole new generation

of music lovers

to the Motown Christmas Special.

When did you first discover

Motown music?

So, for me, there was a movie

that was always on TV,

and it was called

"The Temptations".

And I remember

when I saw them,

they were there in that

studio session with you,

and they -- they were like,

The way you sweep me

off my feet ,

and they do that move.

You know you could've been

a broom

And they do that other move.

They were like,

You smell so sweet

You know you could've been

some perfume

[ Laughter ]

I watched that movie

so many times.

You know,

"Y'all can't fire me."

[ Laughter ]

"I'm David Ruffin!"

I've watched it many times,

too, man.

Yeah.

It's one of my favorite

movies of all time.

I've watch it, too,

and The Temptations are my guys.

It's good to know

that you like them, too, man.

Oh, I-I love them,

and that movie,

that -- that really did, like,

help change my life,

so thank you to Motown.

Well, thank you.

We appreciate you being here

to share this.

Thank you.

Alright.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Coming up, musical

tributes to The Jackson 5,

Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops,

and Stevie Wonder,

when "A Motown Christmas"

returns.

Smokey: The incomparable

Marvin Gaye,

Known as the Prince of Motown,

Marvin is one of the most

influential artists of all time.

His soulful voice

runs classics,

like "I heard It Through

the Grape Vine",

and "What's Going On".

That song changed

the conversation

around the w*r in Vietnam.

Ranked as one of music's

greatest singers,

Marvin went on to amass

over 65 hit singles,

including three number ones.

His musical contributions

transcend generations,

with his influence still heard

in artists today.

It's a lasting legacy.

[ Cheers and applause ]

To celebrate my good friend

Marvin Gaye,

please give a Motown welcome

to October London.

[ Cheers and applause ]

I want you the right way

Like I want you,

but I want you to want me

Want me too

Want you to want me,

want me, baby

Just like I want you

Whoooo

Ohh, I give you all the love

I want in return

Sweet darling

But half a love

Is all I feel

Ooh

It's too bad

It's just too sad

You don't want me now, baby

But I'm gonna change

your mind

Someway, somehow

Oh, baby, oooh

I want you

Yeah, Motown, make some noise

right now.

Ohh, baby

The way you move

Ohh, baby, yeah

Make me wanna get down

tonight

Ohh, baby

The way you move

Ohh, baby, yeah

Get up on that floor

Feel the vibe is right

Touchin' on your body

Girl, you out of sight

Give it to me now

Let me feel the sweat

It's drippin' off my face

Yeah, oh, baby

The way you move

Oh, no, no, no

Make me wanna get down

tonight

Oh, baby

The way you move

Oh, no, no, no

Make me wanna get down

tonight

Make me wanna get down

Mother, mother

There's too many

of you crying

Brother, brother, brother

There's far too many

of you dying

You know we've got

to find a way

To bring some loving

here today, yeah

Father, father

We don't need to escalate

You see,

w*r is not the answer

For only love

can conquer hate

You know we've got

to nd a way

To bring some loving

here today, yeah

Sister

Picket lines

Sister

And picket signs

Sister

Don't punish me

Sister

With brutality

Sister

Talk to me

Sister

So you can see

What's going on

Oh, what's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

What's going on

Oooh, what's going on

Oooh

[ Cheers and applause ]

Smokey: Please welcome

to the Motown stage, JoJo.

Listen, baby

Ain't no mountain high,

ain't no valley low

Ain't no river wide

enough, baby

If you need me, call me,

no matter where you are

No matter how far,

don't worry, baby

Just call my name,

I'll be there in a hurry

You don't have to worry,

'cause baby there...

Ain't no mountain

high enough

Ain't no valley low enough

Ain't no river wide enough

To keep me from getting

to you, babe

Remember the day

I set you free

I told you you could

always count on me

From that day on

I made a vow

I'd be there when you want me,

somewhere, somehow

Don't you know

that there...

Ain't no mountain

high enough

Ain't no valley low enough

Ain't no river wide enough

To keep me from getting

to you, babe

Don't you know

that there...

Ain't no mountain

high enough

Ain't nooooo

Ain't no valley low enough

Both: [ Vocalizing ]

Ain't no river wide enough

River wide enough

To keep me from getting

to you, babe

[ Cheers and applause ]

Mmm, I bet you're wondering

how I knew

Baby, baby, baby about

your plans to make me blue

With some other girl

you knew before

Between the two of us girls,

you know I loved you more

It took me by surprise,

I must say

When I found out yesterday

Don't you know that I heard

it through the grapevine?

I heard it through

the grapevine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Don't you know that I heard

it through the grapevine?

Heard it through

the grapevine

I'm just about, just about,

just about to lose my mind

Oh, yes I am

Oh, yes I am

Oh, yes I am

No, no, no, no, noo

Take a good look at

these tears in my eyes

Baby, baby, these tears

I can't hold inside

Losing you

would end my life, you see

Because you mean

that much to me

You could've told me

yourself

That you love somebody else

Instead, I heard it

through the grapevine

Oh, I heard it

through the grapevine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Heard it through

the grapevine

Heard it through

the grapevine

And I'm just about,

just about, just about

To lose my mind

Ohhh, do you plan

to let me go?

For some other girl

Don't you know that I heard

it through the grapevine?

Oh, I heard it

through the grapevine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Not much longer

would you be mine

Heard it

Don't you know

that I heard it?

Through the grapevine

Yes, I heard it

And I'm just about,

just about, just about

To lose my mind

Ohhh, yeah

Ooooh-oooh

[ Cheers and applause ]

At Motown, we celebrated

Christmas every year.

We -- We had Christmas parties

every year at Hitsville.

At that time of the year,

all the artists

really made sure, if they could,

that they were not working

somewhere on the road,

that they could be in Detroit,

'cause we had those great

Christmas parties.

Merry Christmas from Motown.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Still to come...

Get ready.

An exclusive tribute to the

Four Tops from Pentatonix,

and taking to the stage,

Motown legend, Gladys Knight.

Announcer: Notably one of

the greatest voices of all time,

Grammy Lifetime Achievement

Award winner Gladys Knight.

Motown royalty Gladys Knight

and The Pips

enjoyed early success

as a family quartet

with dozens of R&B chart hits.

Now inducted into the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,

Gladys has an award-winning

solo career,

influencing new generations

of vocalists worldwide.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Smokey: Please welcome

the Empress of Soul

and my good friend,

Gladys Knight.

Hey!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Okay.

I've had my share

Of life's ups and downs

Fate's been kind

And the downs

have been few, yeah

I guess you could say

That I've been lucky

Oh, I guess you could say

That it's all because of you

If anyone should ever

write my life story

Ohh, for whatever, whatever

reason there might be

Ooh, you'll be there

Between each line of pain

and glory

'Cause you're the best thing

That ever happened to me

That ever happened to me

Oooh, you're the best thing

That ever happened to me

If anyone should ever

write my life story

Whoo.

Whatever reason

For whatever

There might be

Whatever reason

there might be

Ooh, you'll be there

Between each line of pain

and glory

'Cause you're the best thing

Thing that ever happened

to me

That ever happened to me

Ooooh

That ever happened to me

You're the best thing

That ever happened

to this little girl

I know you're the best thing

Ohh, that ever happened

To

[ Laughs ]

Meeeee

[ Cheers and applause ]

I've really got to use

My imagination

To think of good reasons

To keep on keepin' on

Keep on keepin' on

Got to make the best of

Best of, best of

Of a bad situation

A bad situation

Ever since that day

I woke up and found

That you were gone

Gone, gone

Darkness all around me

Blockin' out the sun

Old friends call me

But I just don't feel

like talkin' to anyone

Oh

Emptiness has found me

And it just won't let me go

I go right on livin'

But why,

I just don't know

You're too strong

Hey, hey Here we go.

Yes, I am.

You're too strong,

got to keep on

Staring down reality

No, no,

don't do me no good

'Cause our misunderstanding

Too well understood

Is too well understood

Sad, sad season

Such a sad, sad season

When a good love dies

When a good love dies

Not a day goes by

Not a day goes by

when I don't realize

Hey, ooh, ohh,

I've really got to use

I've got to use

I've got to use

My imagination

I've got to use

I've got to think

of good reasons

I've got to use

Oh, to keep on keepin' on

Best

I said I've got to make

the best of

Bad situation

Of a bad situation

Ever since that day

I woke up and found out

that you were

You're too strong

not to keep on keepin' on

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer:

The phenomenal Four Tops.

Bursting onto the music scene

with their first number one hit,

"I Can't Help Myself

Sugar Pie Honey Bunch",

the Four Tops became one of

Motown's most successful acts,

with one of the most

famous songs in history,

the global number one,

"Reach Out I'll Be There".

Although the last

original member,

Duke Fakir, recently

passed away,

the group is still

going strong

and inspiring young artists

with their enduring

musical legacy.

The Four Tops,

they've been my great friends

since high school days

in Detroit.

And this group

of high school friends

are big Motown fans.

Now with a tribute to the

Four Tops, it's Pentatonix.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Reach out

Reach out

Reach out for me

Reach out

One, two...

If you feel

that you can't go on

Can't go on

Because all your hope

is gone

All your hope is gone

And your life is filled

with much confusion

Much confusion

Until happiness

is just an illusion

Happiness

is just an illusion

And your world around

is crumbling down

Reach out

Darlin'

Come on, girl,

reach out to me

Reach out

Ohhhh

Reach out for me

[ Beatboxing ]

I'll be there

With a love

that will shelter you

I'll be there

With a love

that will see you through

Ohhh, I'll be there

To always see you through

I'll be there

To love and comfort you

To love and comfort you

Hey!

You're sweet

You're sweet

As a honeybee

But like a honeybee stings

You've gone and left my heart

in pain

All you left

All you left

Is our favorite song

The one we danced to

all night long

Sweet memories

It used to bring

sweet memories

Of a tender love

that used to be

Old Song

Now it's the same old song

But with a different meaning

since you've been gone

Now it's the same old song

Since you've been gone

But with a different meaning

since you've been gone

Sweet, sweet

A sentimental fool

Memories

Am I

To hear an old love song

and wanna cry

Sweet, sweet

But the melody

Memories

Keeps haunting me

Reminding me how in love

we used to be

Keep hearing the part

that used to touch our heart

Saying together forever,

darlin' breaking up never

Same old song

But it's the same old song

But with a different meaning

since you've been gone

Same old song

Oh, it's the same old song

But with a different meaning

since you've been gone

Come on, everybody,

on your feet.

I know you know this one.

Oh, sugar pie, honey bunch

Come on.

You know that I love you

Oh, I can't help myself

I love you and nobody else

Hey, hey, hey

In and out my life

In and out my life

You come and you go

You come and you go

Oooh

Leaving just your picture

behind

I swear I've kissed it

about a thousand times

Take it.

When I call your name

Then it starts to flame

Burning in my heart

Tearing it all apart

Say what?

No matter how I try

My love, I cannot hide

Oh, sugar pie, honey bunch

Sugar pie, honey bunch

You know that I'm waiting

for you

Waiting for you

I can't help myself

Ooooh

I love you and nobody else

Sugar pie, honey bunch

Oh, sugar pie, honey bunch

Ask me to

Do anything you ask me to

I can't help myself

Ooooh

I love you and nobody else

Sing it one more time.

Sugar pie, honey bunch

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Coming up,

a Christmas classic

from Ashanti

and The Jackson 5's

greatest hits live.

P

Tonight has been full of gifts.

She's often imitated,

rightfully celebrated,

and has always been that girl.

She's back to sprinkle

a little Christmas cheer

with another classic

famously recorded

by Motown legend Diana Ross.

Welcome back the Grammy

Award-Winning, Ashanti!

[ Cheers and applause ]

Santa baby

For me

Just slip a sable

under the tree for me

Been an awful good girl

Santa baby, so hurry

down the chimney tonight

Tonight, tonight, tonight

Santa baby, a '54 convertible,

too, light blue

Oooh

I'll wait up for you, dear

Santa baby, now hurry

down the chimney tonight

Tonight, tonight

Think of all the fun

I've missed

Think of all the fellas

that I haven't kissed

Next year I could be

just as good

If you'll check off

my Christmas list

Santa baby,

I want a yacht

And really, that's not a lot

Been an angel all year

Santa baby, now hurry

down the chimney tonight

Santa honey

One little thing

I really need, the deed

To a platinum mine

Santa baby, so hurry

down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie, and fill

my stocking with a duplex

And checks

Sign your "X" on the line

Santa cutie, and hurry

down the chimney tonight

Come and trim

my Christmas tree

With some decorations

bought at Tiffany's

I really do believe in you

So let's see if you

believe in me

Santa baby, forgot

to mention one little thing

A ring

I don't mean on the phone

Santa baby, so hurry

down the chimney tonight

Hurry down the chimney

tonight

Tonight

Hurry

Tonight

[ Laughs ]

[ Cheers and applause ]

[ Laughs ]

Smokey: Mr. Motown himself,

my soul brother

and my best friend,

Mr. Berry Gordy.

He founded Motown in 1959

with an $800 loan

from his family.

He launched so many

of our careers,

along with Motown executives

like Suzanne de Passe.

And together,

they created superstars.

When I met Berry Gordy,

he was really someone

who had a vision,

who did not accept his life

the way it was.

Mr. Gordy has been

an important part of our lives,

both personally

and professionally.

We owe our lives and our careers

to Berry Gordy.

Smokey: Motown helped

break down racial barriers

and put Detroit on the map.

Berry changed the game.

The groundbreaking foundation

Berry laid with Motown

continues to shape R&B,

soul, and pop music today.

I'm so proud of him.

Now yo celebrate

Mr. Berry Gordy,

please welcome

to the Motown party,

Andra Day.

[ Cheers and applause ]

For once in my life,

I have someone who needs me

Someone I've needed so long

For once, unafraid,

I can go where life leads me

Somehow,

I know I'll be strong

For once, I can touch

what my heart used to dream of

Long before I knew

Oh, someone warm like you

Would make

my dreams come true

For once in my life,

I won't let sorrow hurt me

Not like

it's hurt me before

Not like it's hurt before

For once, I have something

I know won't desert me

I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say

This is mine,

you can't take it

As long as I know I have love,

I can make it

For once in my life,

I have someone who needs me

Someone who needs me

He-e-e-y, yeah

Someone who needs me

Yeah!

For once in my life,

I won't let sorrow hurt me

Not like

it's hurt me before

For once, I have something

I know won't desert me

I'm not alone anymore

Oh, for once, I can say

This is mine,

you can't take it

As long as I know I have love,

I can make it

For once in my life,

I have someone who

Someone who needs me

Nee-e-e-e-ds me

Someone who needs me

Yeah, yeah, yeah

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Next, a world

exclusive from "MJ the Musical,"

Motown legends Gladys Knight,

The Temptations,

and Jamie Foxx leads

a celebration for Stevie Wonder.

Smokey: The Jackson 5 were like

nothing the world has ever seen.

Motown executive

Suzanne de Passe

brought this beloved

musical family

to Motown founder Berry Gordy.

It was an amazing lineup

of brothers --

Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon

and the one and only

Michael Jackson.

They kicked off their career

with four consecutive

number ones

and for decades, ruled

the charts and our hearts.

With the passing of Michael

and recently, Tito Jackson,

the world is reminded

of their unique contribution

to Motown, music,

and pop culture.

Paying tribute to just some of

the Jackson 5's greatest hits,

here's a world exclusive

performance

from "MJ The Musical."

Stop, na-na-na,

you better save it

Stop, stop, stop,

you better save it

When we played tag

in grade school

You wanted to be it

But chasing boys

was just a fad

You crossed your heart

you'd quit

When we grew up, you traded

your promise for my ring

Now, just like

back in grade school

You're doing

the same ol' thing

Stop, the love you save

may be your own

Darling, take it slow

Or someday

you'll be all alone

You better stop, the love

you save may be your own

Darling, look both ways

before you cross m

You're headed

for the danger zone

Ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah,

ah-ah-ah, ah-ah-ah

Ooh-ooh-ooh

When I had you to myself,

I didn't want you around

Those pretty faces always

made you stand out in a crowd

But someone picked you

from the bunch

One glance was all it took

Now, it's much too late for me

to take a second look

Oh, baby, give me

one more chance

To show you that I love you

Won't you please let me

Back in your heart

Oh, darling,

I was blind to let you go

Let you go, baby

But now that I see you

in his arms

Bum-bum-bum-ba

bum-ba-bum-bum

Bum-bum-bum-ba

bum-ba-bum-bum

Ba-bum-ba-bum-bum

Bum-bum-bum-ba

bum-ba-bum-bum

Ba-bum-ba-bum-bum

Bum-bum-bum-ba

bum-ba-bum-bum

Trying to live

without your love

Is one long sleepless night

Let me show you, girl,

that I know wrong from right

Every street you walk on

I leave tear stains

on the ground, yeah

Following the girl

I didn't even want around

Oh, baby, give me

one more chance

To show that I love you

Won't you please let me

Back in your heart

Oh, darling,

I was blind to let you go

Let you go, baby

But now that I see you

in his arms

A-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh

A-buh-buh-buh-buh-buh

You went to school

to learn, girl

Things you never,

never knew before

Uh-huh, like I before E

except after C

And why two plus two

makes four, now, now, now

Teach you, teach you

I'm gonna teach you

All about love

All about love, yeah

Sit yourself down

and take a seat

All you gotta do

is repeat after me

Oh, ABC,

easy as one, two, three

Oh, simple as do-re-mi, ABC

One, two, three, baby,

you and me, girl

Come on, let me love you

just a little bit

Come on, let me love you

just a little bit

I'm gon' teach you

how to sing it out

Come on, come on, come on

Let me show you

what it's all about

Reading, writing,

arithmetic

Are the branches

of the learning tree

But listen,

without the roots of love

Let me tell you, girl

Your education

ain't complete

Tea-Tea-Teacher's

gonna show you

Show you, show you

How to get an "A"

Na-na-na-na-na-na

Spell "me," "you,"

add the two

Listen to me, baby,

that's all you gotta do

ABC, it's easy

One, two, three

It's like counting

up to three

Do-re-mi, ABC

Sing a simple melody

That's how easy love can be

That's how easy love can be

[ Cheers and applause ]

Suzanne: I missed a lot of the

Motown Christmas parties because

I either was on the road,

or I was home in New York

visiting my family.

And I was always

happy for presents,

and the Christmas spirit

was abundant.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: When we return --

Halle Bailey's tribute

to Diana Ross,

The Temptations perform

their greatest hits,

and Jamie Foxx's all-star

tribute to Stevie Wonder.

Smokey: Welcome back

to "A Motown Christmas,"

and the quintessential

girl group -- The Supremes.

Diana Ross, Mary Wilson,

and Florence Ballard

went from Detroit, Michigan

to global superstars,

becoming one of the most

successful female groups

of all time.

With 12 number one hits,

The Supremes broke barriers,

paving the way

for generations of artists

to find mainstream success.

And now, to celebrate

The Supremes

please welcome back

to the Motown stage,

my co-host,

the wonderful Halle Bailey.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Stop! In the name of love

Before you break my heart

How's everybody feelin'?

[ Cheers and applause ]

Hey!

Baby, baby, I'm aware

of where you go

Each time you leave my door

I watch you

walk down the street

Knowing your other love

you'll meet

But this time,

before you run to her

Leaving me alone and hurt

Think it o-o-ver

After I've been good to you

Think it o-o-ver

After I've been sweet to you

Stop! In the name of love

Before you break my heart

Stop! In the name of love

Before you break my heart

One more time!

Stop!

Oo-oo-oo-h

Baby love, my baby love

I need you,

oh, how I need you

But all you do

is treat me bad

You break my heart

and leave me sad

Tell me, what did I do wrong

To make you stay away

so long

'Cause baby love,

my baby love

I've been missin' you

I miss kissin' you

Don't throw our love away

Instead of breaking up

Don't throw our love away

Let's do some kissing

and making love

Don't you

throw our love away

In my arms

why don't you stay?

Ooh, ooh

Need to hold you

once again, my love

Feel your warm embrace,

my love

Don't throw our love away

Don't throw our love away

Please don't do me this way

Not happy like I used to be

Baby, baby, baby

Baby, yo-o-o-u

Come on, everybody!

Hey!

Set me free,

why don't you, baby?

Get out my life

why don't you, baby?

'Cause you don't

really love me

You just keep me hanging on

No, no, you don't

really need me

You just keep me hanging on

Why do you keep

coming around

Playing with my heart?

Why don't you

get out of my life

And let me make a new start

And let me get over you

The way you've

gotten over me

Hey

Set me free,

why don't you, baby?

Hey!

Let me be,

Why don't you, baby?

'Cause you don't

really love me

You just keep me hanging on

No, no, you don't

really need me

You just keep me hanging on

You say although we broke up

You still want

to be just friends

But how

can we still be friends

When seeing you just only

breaks my heart again

There ain't nothin'

I can do about it!

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa

Why don't you

be a man about it

And set me free?

No, 'cause you don't care

a thing about me

You're just using me-e-e

Go on, get out,

get out of my life

And let me sleep at night

Please

'Cause you don't

really love me

You just keep me hanging

o-o-o-o-o-n

[ Cheers and applause ]

Smokey: A celebrated group

that helped define

Motown's distinctive sound --

The Temptations.

With their smooth harmonies

and unforgettable choreography,

they deliver classic hits

time after time.

With a well-established lineup,

The Temptations

continue to entertain fans

with music and moves.

Now, please welcome

to the Motown stage

My brothers, The Temptations.

[ Cheers and applause ]

I've got sunshine

on a cloudy day

When it's cold outside,

I've got the month of May

Oh, baby

Well, I guess you'd say

What can make me

feel this way?

My girl, my girl, my girl

O-o-oh

My girl

I've got so much honey

The bees envy me

I've got a sweeter song

Than the birds in the trees

Oh, baby

Well, I guess you'd say

What can make me

feel this way?

My girl, my girl, my girl

Talkin' bout my girl

My girl

Hoo-hoo

Now, I know everybody out there

knows the next bar, right?

Come on, y'all,

let's sing it together.

Hey!

Ah, yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Say yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Say yea-a-a-h

Ooh-hoo

I know you wanna leave me

But I refuse to let you go

If I have to beg and plead

for your sympathy

I don't mind 'cause

you mean that much to me

Ain't too proud to beg,

you know

Please don't leave me, girl

Don't you go

Ain't too proud to please,

baby, baby

Please don't leave me, girl

Now, I heard a cryin' man

is half a man

With no sense of pride

If I gotta cry to keep you,

then I don't mind weepin'

If it'll keep you by my side

Ain't too proud to beg,

sweet darlin'

Ple-e-e-ase

don't leave me, girl

Ain't too proud to please,

baby, baby

Please don't leave me, girl

Don't leave me, girl, no

Ooh, hoo-hoo-hoo

I never met a girl who makes

me feel the way that you do

All:

You're alright

Whenever I'm asked

who makes my dreams real,

I say that you do

All:

You're out of sight

So fee-fi-fo-fum

Look out, baby,

'cause here I come

I'm bringin' you

a love that's true

All:

So get ready

Get ready

Gonna try to make

you love me, too

All:

Get ready

Get ready

Here I come

All: Get ready,

'cause here I come

I'm on my way

All: Get ready,

'cause here I come

Get ready

So get ready

Get ready, ready, ready

Or not, 'cause here

We

Come

Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh

Get ready, baby

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer: Next on

"A Motown Christmas,"

Jordin Sparks, Andra Day,

and BeBe Winans join

Jamie Foxx live onstage

to celebrate Stevie Wonder.

Announcer: It's 1965.

Stevie Wonder is 15 and already

capturing hearts with

his soul and talent.

From a teenager to

an American icon,

Stevie's classic

hits continue to

connect with fans of

every generation.

Yes indeed. Yes, yes.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, Jamie.

Yes?

Now, It's clear to me, in fact,

you can do everything.

This man is so

multi-talented.

He does everything.

And I know you know how to

sing and play the piano,

but what do you know

about Stevie Wonder?

In fact, do a little

Stevie Wonder for me.

I'll tell you what.

I watched Stevie

play that harmonica

and that piano,

and I thought he was lying

about saying he was blind.

Stevie is going to roll

up on us and swing on us.

And miss.

I'm telling you,

Stevie might be blind,

but he ain't never

been handicapped.

You're right. He was blind,

but never handicapped.

There you go.

Give it up for Stevie,

the great Stevie Wonder.

He's not here to defend

himself, which is great.

Oh, he's gonna

jump on you when --

when I tell him

everything you said,

he's going to

jump on you.

I'm gonna tell him

I'm Eddie Murphy.

[ Laughs ]

Announcer: The man who gave us

the soundtrack of our lives,

the legendary Stevie Wonder.

Stevie signed to Motown at

the unprecedented age of 11

and, by 13,

became the youngest artist

in history to top the

Billboard Hot 100.

His iconic lyrics,

unforgettable melodies

and commitment to joy,

love, and happiness will define

Stevie's legacy for

generations to come.

So happy to be here.

Thank you so much.

[ Cheers and applause ]

This is a song

so close to my heart.

I know this song like the

back of my hand.

Oh, come, they told me

Pa ra pa pa pum

A newborn king to see

Pa ra pa pa pum

Our finest gifts we bring

Pa ra pa pa pum

To lay before the king

Pa ra pa pa pum

Pa ra pa pa pum

Me and my drum

Me and my drum

Me and my drum

Pa ra pa pa pum

Oh, oh

[ Cheers and applause ]

Little baby

What?

Pa ra pa pa pum

Everybody sing it

I am a poor boy, too

Pa ra pa pa pum

Do you have a gift, because

I have no gift to bring

Pa ra pa pa pum

That's fit to give our king

Pa ra pa pa pum

Ra pa pa pum

Ra pa pa pum

Shall I play for you

Pa ra pa pa pum

On my drum?

Me and my drum

Me and my drum

Somebody help me out tonight

Me and my drum

Yeah

Me and my

Sing it with me

Me and my drum

How do we say it?

Me and my drum

Ra pa pa

Pum pum

For Jesus.

For God. For you.

Thank you so much.

[ Cheers and applause ]

Now, y'all know that Stevie had

too many hits to

stop right there,

so I brought a few

friends along to

join me in this celebration.

Come on, now, choir.

How y'all feelin'?

So, I know y'all know this song,

Just like Jamie knows

"Pa ra pa pa pum," right?

[ Laughter ]

Hey!

Music is a world

within itself

With a language

we all understand

With an equal opportunity

For all to sing and dance

and clap your hands

But just because a

record has a groove

Don't make it in the groove

But you can tell

right away, at the letter "A"

When the people

start to move

Here we go.

You can feel it all over

You can feel it all over,

people

You can feel it all over

You can feel it all over,

people

You can feel it all over

You can feel it all over,

people

You can feel it all over

You can feel it all over,

people

Hey!

What up?!

You know this one.

I want to see you movin'.

Come on. Let's go.

You can keep it right here.

Let's go. You guys ready?

Mm-hmm

Yeah, yeah

Whoo!

Ooh

Very superstitious

Writing's on the wall

Very superstitious

Ladders 'bout to fall

Hey!

13-month-old baby, yeah

Broke the looking glass

Seven years of bad luck

The good thing's

in your past

Yeah, yeah

When you believe in things

you don't understand

Then you suffer

Oh, whoa

Superstition ain't the way

Oh, no, no, no, no, no

Whoo!

Superstition ain't the way

It ain't the way

Superstition ain't the way

Whoo!

No, no, no, no,

it ain't the way

Superstition

ain't the way

It ain't the way

It ain't the way, yeah

Superstition ain't the way

[ Cheers and applause ]

Smokey:

Please welcome our Christmas

celebration BeBe Winans.

[ Cheers and applause ]

People

Keep on learning

And soldiers

Keep on warring

Hey, and world

Keep on turning

'Cause it won't be very long

Hey

Oh, my

I said, now, preachers

Keep on preaching

And my lovely

teachers, teachers

Keep on teaching

And world

Keep on reaching

'Cause it won't be very long

Look around

Won't be very long

Now, now, I'm so, so happy

that he's tried again

Sometimes, I'm living on

a world of sin

So glad I know

what I didn't know then

So I keep on trying till

I reach that highest ground

Don't you quit,

don't you stop

Till I reach that

higher ground

Higher

I said, higher

Don't let nobody

get you down

Yeah

Yeah

Ohhh

[ Cheers and applause ]

Announcer:

Coming up,

Gladys Knight performs

her biggest hit live,

and an all-star finale

for "A Motown Christmas."

Smokey: Please welcome to

the Motown stage

my good friend Gladys Knight.

Uh-oh!

L.A.

Proved too much

for the man

Too much for

the man

He couldn't

make it

So he's leaving

the life

He's come to know

Ooh-hoo

He said he's going

Said he's going

back to find

Going back

to find

Whoo, whoo, whoo

What's left of

his world

The world he left

behind not so long ago

Hey, hey

He's leaving

He's leaving

On that midnight train

to Georgia

Leaving on

the midnight train

Whoo!

[ Laughs ]

Said he's going back to find

Going back to find

Whoo, a simpler place

and time

When he takes that ride

Oh, yes, he is

He said he would

Guess who's gonna be

right by his side

I'm gonna be with him

I'm gonna be with him

Whoo, on that

midnight train to Georgia

Leaving on the

midnight train to Georgia

Whoo-whoo!

I'd rather live in his world

than live without him in mine

His and hers alone

One love

One love

All aboard

All aboard

Gotta board the

midnight train to Georgia

All aboard

All aboard

Gotta board the

midnight train to Georgia

Gonna board

Gonna board

Uh-huh

The midnight train

to Georgia

My world

One love

His world

Gonna board

Our world,

mine and his alone

My world

One love

His world

Gonna board

Our world,

mine and his alone

I've got to go, I've got to

go, I've got to go

Hey, yeah

I've got to go,

I've got to go

Yeah, yeah, yeah

Ooh, yeah

[ Cheers and applause ]

It's a Motown Christmas.

Yes, it is.

[ Laughs ]

Announcer: It's 1965,

and the Motown family

is on tour in London.

Smokey Robinson

and the Miracles,

the Supremes,

Martha and the Vandellas,

and The Temptations

were delivering joy to the

world one hit at a time.

Hey, thank you to

all the old friends

and the new friends

hanging out to celebrate

our Motown Christmas

party tonight.

It's been our pleasure.

Merry Christmas and

happy holidays to all.

And here's our

final gift to you.

And everybody sing

Joy to the world

The Lord has come

All: Let earth

receive her king

Oh, let every heart

prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

Will tell of His glory

Tell of His glory

For the savior

is born

Heaven and nature

Heaven and nature

All:

Joy to the world

For the Lord has come

Let earth

Let earth

Receive

Receive

Her king

Her king

While fields

and floods

Rocks, hills,

and plains

All:

Will tell of His glory

Tell of His glory

For the

savior is born, yeah

All:

Heaven and nature

Joy to the

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

Yeah, yeah

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

Sing joy

All:

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

Yeah, joy

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

Everybody, everybody

Joy to the world

Sing joy to the world

Joy to the world

Everybody sing

Joy to the world

One more time

All:

Joy to the world

Joy to the world

[ Cheers and applause ]