Motown 25 - Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983)

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Motown 25 – Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983)

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was a 1983 television special which commemorated the 25th anniversary of Motown Records. Produced by Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, the program was taped before a live audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, on March 25, 1983,and broadcast on NBC on May 16.

Among its highlights were Michael Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” (which popularized the moonwalk and was also the only non-Motown song performed on Motown 25), Smokey Robinson’s reunion with the Miracles, a Temptations/Four Tops “battle of the bands”, Marvin Gaye’s inspired speech about black music history and his memorable performance of “What’s Going On”, a Jackson 5 reunion, and an abbreviated reunion of Diana Ross & the Supremes, who performed their final #1 hit, “Someday We’ll Be Together” from 1969. The show was written by Buz Kohan, Ruth Robinson, and de Passe. The broadcast was watched by over 47 million viewers.

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Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever

Overview

Television special taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 25, 1983, and broadcast on NBC on May 16. Highlights include Michael Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean", a Temptations/Four Tops "battle of the bands", Marvin Gaye's inspired speech about black music history and his memorable performance of "What's Going On", and a Jackson 5 reunion. This performance is noted for Michael Jackson debuting his signature moonwalk.

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