Back Down Memory Lane: ‘Motown 25’ Special To Air Throughout March

MY MUSIC Presents The Emmy Award-Winning Concert Special – A Landmark Event in Pop Culture History That Introduced the World to Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk and Reunited The Jackson 5, The Miracles and The Supremes.

When MOTOWN 25 – YESTERDAY – TODAY – FOREVER aired on NBC on May 16, 1983, it was an immediate sensation and became one of the most talked about concerts and TV specials ever. In an era before social media, MOTOWN 25 was a true water cooler event, marking the first time that music fans saw Michael Jackson do the Moonwalk (aka: the six seconds that changed the world) in addition to many other iconic performances. Six months after the broadcast, the show deservedly won a George Foster Peabody Award and an Emmy Award for Best Variety Program but has been unseen on television for decades.

Now, MY MUSIC presents, in association with TimeLife/StarVista and West Grand Media, the greatest performances from MOTOWN 25 on public television stations nationwide airing on Saturday, February
28, 2015 in two primetime back-to-back telecasts beginning at 8:00 P.M. Eastern/Pacific and 7:00 P.M. Central Time.

MOTOWN 25 was taped before a live audience and showcased virtually every key artist from the company’s inception, including Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Four Tops, The Miracles, The Supremes and others. The show also featured Motown inspired artist Linda Ronstadt, who performed a memorable duet with Smokey Robinson. As an added highlight, the evening was hosted by Richard Pryor, arguably the hottest comedian in the world at the time. As seminal event in pop culture history, this special would serve as the gold standard for all future televised concert events and go on to provide the back story for the Tony-nominated Broadway and touring play, Motown The Musical.

MY MUSIC Creator/Executive Producer TJ Lubinsky exclaims…

“Motown 25 was a huge inspiration to me as a 13 year-old kid. When I saw The Miracles reunite on stage, I knew it was a moment that would set my life’s calling in all the work I do today. I’m beyond thrilled to bring this special to public broadcasting.”

The special will run through March and followed by a 7 CD/3 DVD box set. Viewers who pledge to public television stations on the initial air date, Feb. 28th, will be able to purchase the Motown 25 collection. For more information, visit www.treasurycollection.com.