Smokey festivities begin at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum

**Sharpmoves** · 11-07-2015, 02:30 PM

Here he is with Martha and Mary all looking fabulous at the reception.

**Roberta75** · 11-07-2015, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Sharpmoves

Here he is with Martha and Mary all looking fabulous at the reception.

They all look so great. The First Lady of Motown Records looks real stylish in her lovely black suit and black boots. Thanks so much for sharing dear sharpmoves.

yours, with every good wish.

Roberta

**arr&bee** · 11-07-2015, 02:39 PM

Always good to see motown legends together.

**marv2** · 11-07-2015, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Sharpmoves

Here he is with Martha and Mary all looking fabulous at the reception.

I was hoping to be there. I told Martha last month that I'd see her, Mary and Smoke over there but I couldn't make it.

**luke** · 11-07-2015, 11:06 PM

That's too bad Marv. Love Mary's hair!

**Roberta75** · 11-08-2015, 12:22 AM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lauren Onkey never stood a chance.
Onkey, a Tri-C professor, was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday morning to interview Motown legends Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas.
The two were in town to honor Smokey Robinson, 20th subject of the Rock Hall's Music Masters series in "The Music and Life of Smokey Robinson."
Before the two divas could even take their seats on the stage, before Onkey could ask one question, the women were off and running, talking about their lives, careers and the old days of Motown. The sparks flew, and the conversation sparkled.
"When we were at Motown, a woman named Maxine Powell actually taught us how to sit down," said Reeves.
Wilson concurred.
"She said you never cross your legs when onstage. Just cross your ankles."
"We were told that we were diamonds," said Reeves. "And they just needed to polish us."
Reeves told the audience that she got her start singing in her grandfather's church.
"There was a singing contest at the church, and my brothers and I won. I began performing as Martha Lavelle. Shortly after that, I met a man from Motown named Mickey Stevenson. He was the head of artist development. He gave me his card and told me to come by.
"I went over there the next day. He acted surprised to see me. He said the auditions weren't until the following Thursday. Then he asked me to answer the phone and he would be right back. He didn't come back for four hours. By that time, I was a secretary at Motown."
Wilson and Reeves went to the same high school in Detroit and had the same singing teacher named Abe Silver. When the Supremes and the Vandellas toured for Motown, Mary and Martha always roomed together.
"We're like sisters," said Reeves. "That's why we'll always love each other," she added about their good-natured banter.
The Rock Hall's 164-seat Foster Theater was almost sold out for the day's Smokey conference.
"I met Smokey the first day I worked at Motown," said Reeves. "He was a vice president there, but he was also one of the 17 songwriters who came in every day, working regular hours writing songs for the Motown artists. I would see him walking around the office, lost in thought, mumbling lyrics to himself. It was as if he was trying to draw them out."
Wilson said that Robinson and Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. were much alike.
"They even dressed the same way. But Berry Gordy had this thing where he could look at a person with one eye and decide whether or not that person had talent. Whether that person had potential to become a star."
Wilson also said that the Supremes owed a debt of gratitude to Robinson.
"After our first album came out, there wasn't a hit on it. Behind our back, they were calling us 'the no-hit Supremes.' They didn't think I knew. But I did."
"And then Smokey wrote some songs for you," Reeves interjected. Wilson just smiled.
At one point, Wilson and Reeves teased one another about who kissed up to Gordy more.
"I ain't got no babies that look like Berry Gordy," said Reeves to gales of laughter from the audience.
Onkey played part of an early hit song that Robinson had written for Reeves, called "No More Tear-Stained Make-Up."
"It's so amazing how Smokey was able to write that song from a woman's point of view. How he was able to get into another person's mind like that," said Reeves.
During the Q&A session, an audience member asked the two women what special associations they had with Cleveland. Wilson didn't hesitate.
"It was Leo's Casino. I will never forget playing that place. I remember one night when we had a new comedian open up for us. His name was Richard Pryor," she said.
"We had Flip Wilson open for us at Leo's," said Reeves.
A singer for the local Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here, Sharron McPherson Foxx, asked the singers how they rest their voices between performances.
Wilson had her own personal remedy.
"I drink tea, honey, lemon and Courvoisier," she said.
Reeves had another method.
"I shut up."
The audience was lucky neither of them used that technique Saturday morning.

**Roberta75** · 11-08-2015, 12:23 AM

Link with great photos,

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainme....html#comments

**marv2** · 11-08-2015, 12:38 AM

Mary Wilson, Martha Reeves pay tribute to Smokey Robinson

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainme...medium=twitter

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer

Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer By Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer
Follow on Twitter

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lauren Onkey never stood a chance.

Onkey, a Tri-C professor, was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Saturday morning to interview Motown legends Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas.

The two were in town to honor Smokey Robinson, 20th subject of the Rock Hall's Music Masters series in "The Music and Life of Smokey Robinson."

Before the two divas could even take their seats on the stage, before Onkey could ask one question, the women were off and running, talking about their lives, careers and the old days of Motown. The sparks flew, and the conversation sparkled.

"When we were at Motown, a woman named Maxine Powell actually taught us how to sit down," said Reeves.

Wilson concurred.

"She said you never cross your legs when onstage. Just cross your ankles."

"We were told that we were diamonds," said Reeves. "And they just needed to polish us."

Reeves told the audience that she got her start singing in her grandfather's church.

"There was a singing contest at the church, and my brothers and I won. I began performing as Martha Lavelle. Shortly after that, I met a man from Motown named Mickey Stevenson. He was the head of artist development. He gave me his card and told me to come by.

"I went over there the next day. He acted surprised to see me. He said the auditions weren't until the following Thursday. Then he asked me to answer the phone and he would be right back. He didn't come back for four hours. By that time, I was a secretary at Motown."

Wilson and Reeves went to the same high school in Detroit and had the same singing teacher named Abe Silver. When the Supremes and the Vandellas toured for Motown, Mary and Martha always roomed together.

"We're like sisters," said Reeves. "That's why we'll always love each other," she added about their good-natured banter.

The Rock Hall's 164-seat Foster Theater was almost sold out for the day's Smokey conference.

"I met Smokey the first day I worked at Motown," said Reeves. "He was a vice president there, but he was also one of the 17 songwriters who came in every day, working regular hours writing songs for the Motown artists. I would see him walking around the office, lost in thought, mumbling lyrics to himself. It was as if he was trying to draw them out."

Wilson said that Robinson and Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. were much alike.

"They even dressed the same way. But Berry Gordy had this thing where he could look at a person with one eye and decide whether or not that person had talent. Whether that person had potential to become a star."

Wilson also said that the Supremes owed a debt of gratitude to Robinson.

"After our first album came out, there wasn't a hit on it. Behind our back, they were calling us 'the no-hit Supremes.' They didn't think I knew. But I did."

"And then Smokey wrote some songs for you," Reeves interjected. Wilson just smiled.

At one point, Wilson and Reeves teased one another about who kissed up to Gordy more.

"I ain't got no babies that look like Berry Gordy," said Reeves to gales of laughter from the audience.

Onkey played part of an early hit song that Robinson had written for Reeves, called "No More Tear-Stained Make-Up."

"It's so amazing how Smokey was able to write that song from a woman's point of view. How he was able to get into another person's mind like that," said Reeves.

During the Q&A session, an audience member asked the two women what special associations they had with Cleveland. Wilson didn't hesitate.

"It was Leo's Casino. I will never forget playing that place. I remember one night when we had a new comedian open up for us. His name was Richard Pryor," she said.

"We had Flip Wilson open for us at Leo's," said Reeves.

A singer for the local Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here, Sharron McPherson Foxx, asked the singers how they rest their voices between performances.

Wilson had her own personal remedy.

"I drink tea, honey, lemon and Courvoisier," she said.

Reeves had another method.

"I shut up."

The audience was lucky neither of them used that technique Saturday morning.

**bradsupremes** · 11-08-2015, 03:33 AM

It was an awesome show. Complete sold out show at the State Theatre. Smokey received not only the American Music Masters award, but an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Case Western Reserve University.

Throughout the concert, they weaved classic clips of Smokey's performances throughout the years. Definite highlights were Avery Sunshine who took "Crusin'" and "You've Really Got A Hold Of Me" and sent them soaring. The audience of 3,400 ate it up. JoJo was the other surprise of the night. She performed "Who's Loving You" and "If You Can Want." Her rendition of "If You Can Want" is deserving of a recording. It was so good it could be a single.

After Berry Gordy came out and spoke on his relationship and admiration for Smokey, Martha came out and sang "My Guy" and surprised us with "No More Tear Stained Makeup." Despite Martha's overuse of vibrato, it was nice to hear and the band was solid on it.

Mary came out after her and performed "Floy Joy." She really should perform it more often because it works so well for her. I'm glad she did it. I would have liked to see her do "A Breathtaking Guy" or "Your Heart Belongs To Me," but I was more than satisfied with "Floy Joy." She then performed "The Way You Do The Things You Do" and "Ooo Baby Baby." Both songs showcased her perfectly. She could easily add "Ooo Baby Baby" to her set. The audience loved her.

Dennis was the last to perform. He did "The Tracks of My Tears," "Don't Look Back" and finally "My Girl." Smokey and the rest of the performers joined him at the end along with Berry Gordy.

It was a wonderful show and a great tribute to Smokey.

**detmotownguy** · 11-08-2015, 04:22 AM

[QUOTE=Sharpmoves;309244]Here he is with Martha and Mary all looking fabulous at the reception.

[/QUOTE
Thanks Sharpmoves! Seems like all three are in their happy space right now. They are true survivors in that crazy industry.

**midnightman** · 11-08-2015, 02:36 PM

All three of them look ageless. I see you Mary with the Fro.

**marv2** · 11-08-2015, 02:43 PM

Here is a new article on the event:

http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/i...ed_teased.html

**marv2** · 11-08-2015, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

All three of them look ageless. I see you Mary with the Fro.

There like the older folks in my family> they always remained current> LOL!

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:33 PM

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Mary and Martha

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:35 PM

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and again

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:36 PM

Smokey

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:37 PM

Smokey again

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:39 PM

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainme..._story_package

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:41 PM

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Mary Dennis and Smokey

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:43 PM

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Mary Smokey and Mr Gordy

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 12:44 PM

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Martha singing My Guy

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 12:52 PM

Excellent, excellent, excellent pictures! Thank you so much boyfromxtown!!!!

**midnightman** · 11-09-2015, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

There like the older folks in my family> they always remained current> LOL!

Lol they know how to keep up.

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

Lol they know how to keep up.

My Grand and I use to discuss George Bush when she was 98 years old. She lived to 100 LOL!

**midnightman** · 11-09-2015, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

My Grand and I use to discuss George Bush when she was 98 years old. She lived to 100 LOL!

Lol I wonder how turning 100 would be like in this century...

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

Lol I wonder how turning 100 would be like in this century...

A friend of mine father passed away last week at age 101. He was still driving his own car in New York traffic and doing his own grocery shopping!

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

Lol I wonder how turning 100 would be like in this century...

You know what's really wonderful when I look at that pic of Martha, Smokey and Mary? Even at their ages if you did something to set them off, they would still try to beat your ass! LOL! All three of them would try to take you out, hehehehehehehe1 I love them.

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-09-2015, 02:36 PM

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You go girl

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by theboyfromxtown

you go girl

the supreme survivor!

**marv2** · 11-09-2015, 05:15 PM

The big finale y'all !

**REDHOT** · 11-09-2015, 05:21 PM

Thanks Sharpmoves for postin this great info.Mary Wilson Berry Gordy Smokey Robinson Martha Reeves and Dennis Edward,it was full of Motown Royalty in the how,loved this.

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-10-2015, 06:56 AM

This is a great thread and I am really pleased to see that finale.

I have to say that pose of Mary Wilson that I found and posted in post 28 has to be my picture find of the year. I love it.

**Sharpmoves** · 11-10-2015, 01:54 PM

And a clip of Mary and Martha being interviewed together - hilarious!
https://www.facebook.com/MARTHA-REEV...00852/?fref=ts

**marv2** · 11-10-2015, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Sharpmoves

And a clip of Mary and Martha being interviewed together - hilarious!
https://www.facebook.com/MARTHA-REEV...00852/?fref=ts

There is a lot being said in that short clip if you read between the lines and look closely. I love it! Thank you.

**Roberta75** · 11-10-2015, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Sharpmoves

And a clip of Mary and Martha being interviewed together - hilarious!
https://www.facebook.com/MARTHA-REEV...00852/?fref=ts

Dr Reeves is correct it is Martha AND the Vandellas. lol

Miss Reeves is a great storyteller and a real funny and down to earth and gracious lady.

Fondly,

Roberta

**marv2** · 11-10-2015, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by Roberta75

Dr Reeves is correct it is Martha AND the Vandellas. lol

Miss Reeves is a great storyteller and a real funny and down to earth and gracious lady.

Fondly,

Roberta

Also that other lady in that clip. You know the one they call "Mary Wilson". She too is funny and down to Earth as well.

**bradsupremes** · 11-10-2015, 08:10 PM

Here are my favorites from the evening...

Mary & Smokey at the Friday night reception at the Rock Hall.
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Mary backstage at the Saturday night concert.
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**rod_rick** · 11-10-2015, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by bradsupremes

Here are my favorites from the evening...

Mary & Smokey at the Friday night reception at the Rock Hall.
Name: Mary & Smokey.jpg
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Mary backstage at the Saturday night concert.
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Hey Brad did Mary sing the full lead to FLOY JOY or was it a duet?

**midnightman** · 11-10-2015, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

You know what's really wonderful when I look at that pic of Martha, Smokey and Mary? Even at their ages if you did something to set them off, they would still try to beat your ass! LOL! All three of them would try to take you out, hehehehehehehe1 I love them.

I believe it LOL

Don't let the numbers fool ya, they still got a lot of pep in their step! LOL

**midnightman** · 11-10-2015, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

A friend of mine father passed away last week at age 101. He was still driving his own car in New York traffic and doing his own grocery shopping!

Oh wow... sounds like he was doing just fine functioning. I wanna be like that at 100. I don't wanna have to rely on anyone lol

**marv2** · 11-10-2015, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

I believe it LOL

Don't let the numbers fool ya, they still got a lot of pep in their step! LOL

and they still got Detroit in their hearts.........LOL!

**marv2** · 11-10-2015, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by midnightman

Oh wow... sounds like he was doing just fine functioning. I wanna be like that at 100. I don't wanna have to rely on anyone lol

Yeah, he sure did. Mr Rhoda would drive from Queens out to Long island on the weekend and do whatever fix up work needed at his daughters house. Last week, he made his dinner, went to sit in front of his TV and just fell asleep......... Rest his soul.

**marv2** · 11-10-2015, 09:04 PM

Great pictures Brad, thank you!

**bradsupremes** · 11-10-2015, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by rod_rick

Hey Brad did Mary sing the full lead to FLOY JOY or was it a duet?

It was a condensed version. She had one of the background singers sing Jean's first and second verses and then Mary sang the rest. The song then launched into "The Way You Do The Things You Do" which Mary sounded great on. Mary also nailed it on "Ooo Baby Baby." It's a shame Motown didn't cut a version with her singing lead on it. It suited her voice perfectly. I have brief videos of the performances. I'll see if I can upload them.

**theboyfromxtown** · 11-11-2015, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by Sharpmoves

And a clip of Mary and Martha being interviewed together - hilarious!
https://www.facebook.com/MARTHA-REEV...00852/?fref=ts

I was quite impressed that Martha sung a little bit of Let Me Go The Right Way.

**marv2** · 11-11-2015, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by theboyfromxtown

I was quite impressed that Martha sung a little bit of Let Me Go The Right Way.

Check this out:

**sansradio** · 11-11-2015, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by marv2

Check this out:

Very cool take on a not-overdone Supremes choon. Thanks, marv2!

**REDHOT** · 11-11-2015, 02:55 PM

I'm feelin this,Sinead-Sanders,gave The Supremes Let Go The Right Way,new life,it's different,i like it.

**marv2** · 11-11-2015, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by REDHOT

I'm feelin this,Sinead-Sanders,gave The Supremes Let Go The Right Way,new life,it's different,i like it.

You see Mary was right when she reminded us recently that the Supremes were just as important as the Beatles. Many, many people have covered there songs professionally and academically [[all those college vocal groups that sing "Up the Ladder to the Roof", etc.). They were a Pop Cultural phenomenon!