A Motown Christmas (2024) Movie Script
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[ 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 war 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,
war 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 ]
[ 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 war 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,
war 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 ]