Martha Reeves’ big night out

Martha Reeves, who is now at the grand old age of 72, plays 53 Degrees on December in Preston’s Got Soul.

The Christmas show will celebrate a career stretching back to the golden days of soul and a huge string of radio hits to her name,.

It was in 1962 that Motown’s Artist and Repertoire Director William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson first heard the voice that would become synonymous with “the sound of young America”.

A young jazz/blues singer with the unlikely name of Martha Lavaille was bringing audiences to their feet at Detroit’s famed 20 Grand Nightclub.

Martha was invited to audition at the new Motown Records headquarters, “Hitsville, USA”.

Quickly ingratiating herself into the company’s A&R department, Martha watched, learned and, whenever the opportunity presented itself, sang.

And when she did, everyone took notice.

Martha was soon backing the likes of Marvin Gaye, but it wasn’t long before she became a bona fide hitmaker in her own right.

Soon Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were never off the airwaves with an enviable string of hits including ‘Heath Wave’, ‘Jimmy Mack’ and evergreen anthem ‘Dancing In The Street’.

Since leaving Motown in 1972, Martha has expanded her repertoire to perform with everyone from James Brown to Bruce Springsteen, and even spent a four-year stint as a member of Detroit City Council!

Tickets cost £20 www.53degrees.net.

Or Call Seetickets: 0871 220 0260.