Aretha to perform at Motown gala

Singers Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder are among the musicians expected to perform at a Motown gala to mark the record label's 50th anniversary.

The Detroit event on 21 November will also feature tributes to Michael Jackson and Four Tops star Levi Stubbs, who died last October.

Wonder will perform a tribute to the label's founder Berry Gordy Jr.

Proceeds from the gala will go to the Motown Historical Museum, located in the label's original headquarters.

Motown connection

Otis Williams and The Temptations are also on the bill for the fundraiser, while original Motown musicians including Smokey Robinson will be honoured.

The black tie concert will form part of a weekend of events in the US city to mark the record label's half-century.

Franklin, was offered a contract with Motown but signed to Columbia Records in 1960.

But the "Queen of Soul", who sang at President Obama's inauguration ceremony earlier this year, has long been connected to Motown artists and record executives.

The label helped launch the careers of a number of musicians, including Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Motown Historical Museum
BBC Artist Page: Aretha Franklin
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