The soul singer Martha Reeves was discovered in the 1960s. She started out on the Motown label alongside musicians like Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Now they’re celebrating on Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame.”
The American soul singer Martha Reeves has been honored with a star plaque in Hollywood. The 82-year-old has now unveiled the 2,776th star on the “Walk of Fame”. Guest speakers who paid tribute included music producer Berry Gordy (94), founder of the Motown label in Detroit, and singers Smokey Robinson (84) and Stevie Wonder (73).
Reeves, in a floor-length dress and a huge gold floppy hat, recalled her childhood in Detroit with 11 siblings. She is very proud that she has reached this age because she once thought she would only make it to 37, the singer said in her speech.
The blind soul singer Stevie Wonder (“Superstition”), who was signed to the Motown label when he was eleven, thanked Reeves for their support. She listened to his songs back then, encouraged him to write songs and sing – and stopped him from eating too many sweets, Wonder joked. This award for Reeves on the “Walk of Fame” is long overdue, said the singer, who himself received a star on the famous sidewalk in the 90s.
Reeves was discovered by Motown Records
“Being with You” singer Smokey Robinson, who unveiled his plaque on the Walk of Fame in 1983, welcomed another honor “for a member of the Motown family.” Reeves made Motown world famous with her music, Robinson said.
The singer celebrated hits like “Dancing in The Street” and “Heat Wave” with the female band Martha Reeves & The Vandellas in the 1960s. Reeves had previously been discovered by Motown Records. She later released solo albums, including Martha Reeves (1974), The Rest of My Life (1976), Gotta Keep Moving (1980) and Home To You (2001).
The “Walk of Fame” is a stretch of sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles where the star-shaped plaques are embedded. Since 1960, the stars have been awarded in categories such as film, television, theater and music.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
