Dancing in streets again. In Detroit now with the reopening of the Motown Museum.
Hitsville USA is undergoing a $50m two-phase to transform three Motown-era homes and provide a “new front porch” for Martha Reeves to dance on.
And dance she did just as she and Motown’s finest had done back in their Sixties heyday.
When our favourite singers actually mingled with their fans rather than charging hundreds of quid for meet and greets.
The Motown family
Hitsville’s success was, of course, predicated on great tunes and magical performers but also the priceless family spirit in the studio.
All of which is evidenced by a story oft-told about Stevie Wonder.
Ever wondered how Stevie got that honeyed voice… well it might all come from his sweet tooth.
Stevie had a particular penchant for a Baby Ruth candy bar and he could feel for the button on the machine.
And crew at Hitsville would always make sure the nutty nougat was always in the right place and money was left to be put in the slot.
Sweet Stevie
A real nugget of nostalgia you’d think which you would be dying to share when commissioned to write an article.
Only that passed the twenty-something recipient of my largesse by.
Instead she was dancing in the street to a flashmob.
And now that I’ve calmed down over that writer’s omission I’m thinking Martha might have forgiven her.
Although Rachel would probably have missed out that she was leading the routine.
Summer’s here and the time is right
So when you’re planning your next US visit, don’t forget the Motor City.
Because they’re.. dancing in the streets again in Detroit.
