
Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
1983 • Music | Documentary
Buz Kohan
Writer
Suzanne de Passe
Writer
Ruth Adkins Robinson
Writer
Don Mischer
Director
Status
Released
Release date
May 16, 1983
Duration
128 Min
Language
en
Popularity
0.5048
Budget
$0
Revenue
$0
Overview
Television special taped before a live studio audience at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 25, 1983, and broadcast on NBC on May 16. Highlights include Michael Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean", a Temptations/Four Tops "battle of the bands", Marvin Gaye's inspired speech about black music history and his memorable performance of "What's Going On", and a Jackson 5 reunion. This performance is noted for Michael Jackson debuting his signature moonwalk.
Cast

Richard Pryor

Adam Ant

Nick Ashford

Cindy Birdsong

Dick Clark

Dennis Edwards

José Feliciano

Melvin Franklin

Marvin Gaye

Berry Gordy

Howard Hesseman

Jermaine Jackson

Marlon Jackson

Michael Jackson

Rick James

John Moschitta Jr.

Martha Reeves

Tim Reid

Lionel Richie

Smokey Robinson

Linda Ronstadt

Diana Ross

Valerie Simpson

Billy Dee Williams

Mary Wilson

Stevie Wonder

Randy Jackson

Tito Jackson

Jackie Jackson

Lamont Dozier

Eddie Holland

Brian Holland

Otis Williams

Levi Stubbs