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On May 16, 1983, much of America was sitting in front of the television watching the event that was Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Featuring a star-studded guest-list including Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, the anniversary special still holds a special place in the hearts and memories of many. Now after 31 years, the vibrant program has finally been released on DVD in various editions.
EBONY.com recently spoke with executive producer Suzanne de Passe about the magic that was Motown 25.
EBONY: The day following Motown 25, it seemed that everyone in the country, regardless of race or class, was talking about the show. Did you anticipate such a major reaction?
Suzanne de Passe: We were so focused on getting that sucker in the can, we didn’t think about what the reaction might be. But from watching the rehearsals, we knew we had something special. Honestly, the program took on a life of its own; it made a lot of people very happy.
EBONY: What was it like to have so many big names together after all those years?
SP: It was like when Quincy [Jones] recorded “We Are the World,” people just automatically checked their egos at the door. People walked in and saw all their old friends and it turned into a party.
EBONY: Well, it might’ve been a party for them, but you were chaperoning.
SP: It was more like being the ringmaster with a whip and a chair. [laughter]
EBONY: Of course, Michael Jackson performing “Billie Jean” and doing the moonwalk for the first time became the highlight of the show.
SP: A letter came by massager during rehearsals saying we were forbidden to tape “Billie Jean.” The reason was that Michael wanted to do it for the people in the theater, but he didn’t want it on the broadcast. I went to Michael, and said, “Are you serious? I’ll tell you what, we will tape it and you come to the editing room. And, if you don’t like it, we won’t use it.” Luckily he not only liked it, he loved it. His manager later told me that performance helped sell four million more copies of Thriller.
EBONY: What was Berry Gordy’s reaction when you proposed the special?
SP: He had mixed emotions, which was understandable. Many of the biggest artists, including Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and the Jacksons, were no longer on the label.
Source: EBONY / / MJ-Upbeat.com
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