A Celebration of Motown at the White House

Smokey Robinson, Sheryl Crow, Jamie Foxx, Ledisi, John Legend, Seal and other musicians performed at the White House last night for a special evening titled "The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House". The event was given in celebration of Black History Month and the legacy of Motown, the distinctive soul-infused pop music sound, style and presentation that was born in Detroit and embodied by the Motown Records label. 

John Legend performed Stevie Wonder's "Love's in Need of Love". During his set, he shared some of his Motown childhood memories, and how his father and uncle inspired his love for music.

Le

Smokey Robinson took the stage with Sheryl Crow for a duet on his hit, "You Really Got a Hold on Me,' and then Stevie Wonder followed with his classic, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

Stevie Wonder also thanked Motown's very own Berry Gordy: "Berry, thank you for this incredible Motown ride". 

"The Motown Sound: In Performance at the White House" will air on PBS Tuesday, March 1st. Check for local listings here.

Watch the full episode. See more In Performance at The White House.

Stevie Wonder - To Be Inducted into Apollo Theater Hall of Fame

Stevie Wonder performed for the first time at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in 1962, when he was only 12 years old. It was announced today that this incredibly talented singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer will be inducted into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame on June 13th during the Apollo’s annual spring gala.

Since Stevie first performed at the Apollo Theater, he returned many times to perform at the place where he started. In the 1980s, he took part of the "Save the Apollo" concert, and in 2005 he performed several solo shows.

Other artists who have been inducted in the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame include Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to Stevie Wonder, an artist like no other, who doesn't seize to amaze the world with his musical talent! 

Here's one of my favorite Stevie Wonder songs "Higher Ground", what's yours?

Stevie Wonder Kicks Off European Tour - Prince and Sheila E. Join Him!

Stevie Wonder started his European tour in Paris at the Palais omnisports by celebrating his 50 year long career in the music industry!

This music genius released his first album "The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie" when he was only 11 years old and since then has continued to impress people worldwide.

Accompanied with his orchestra, he managed the voe the crowed to popular songs such as "My Cherie Amour", "Free", "You are the sunshine of my life", and there also was another special surprise... Prince and Sheila E. accompanied Stevie Wonder while he was singing "Superstition". What a great way to start off his European tour and celebrating his 50 year anniversary of music! Congrats Stevie, you're awesome!

BET 2010 Honors – Whitney Houston, Sean Diddy Combs, Queen Latifah

 
BET celebrated Whitney Houston, Sean Diddy Combs, and Queen Latifah last night at the 3rd annual BET Honors.

Jennifer Hudson sang “I will Always Love You”, and had Whitney Houston standing full of admiration while she was singing.

Mary J. Blige sang a medley of “Love No Limit”, “I Love You”, and “Be Happy” for Diddy in appreciation for having helped launch her career.

Jazmine Sullivan performed “Unforgettable” and “Rock Steady” for Queen Latifah.

Stevie Wonder and Trey Songz surprisingly sang “I Invented Sex” together. They also sang a tribute to the late Teddy Pendergrass with India.Arie.

Soul singer Maxwell finished the show by singing two songs from his  Grammy nominated album BLACKsummers’night: “Fistful of Tears” and “Bad Habits”.

The show will air on February 1st on BET.

Mandela Day Line Up

Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Queen Latifah have all signed up for the 'Mandela Day'.

According to organizers, each artist will participate in a July 18 concert to raise awareness and funds with the intention of creating an official Mandela Day to be held annually on his birthday, July 18.

Tickets for the event, taking place at Radio City Music Hall, are currently on sale through Ticketmaster, Live Nation and thegarden.com.

Other artists and actors lined up for this event include Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Dave Stewart, Lil Kim, Jesse McCartney, Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Gaynor, Emmanuael Jal, Suzanna Owiyo, Whoppi Goldberg, Forest Whitaker, and Morgan Freeman.

Read more about Mandela Day here.