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Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” by The Lester Wilson Dancers, 1984

Thembi Ford 11 November 2009 5 Comments

“Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” is that gift that keeps on giving. First aired in 1983, the special was a mainstay in my childhood for years later thanks to the newfangled wonder that was VHS recording. This is the same television special that I’ve already posted clips from three times – when Michael Jackson first unveiled the Moonwalk, the Four Tops and Temptations had a classic battle, and Stevie Wonder rocked the house in a way so memorable that I still remember every note. Why hasn’t anyone re-released this thing instead of making us watch the BET and MTV Awards with bated breath, knowing they’ll never compare? Meanwhile, all of the clips get pulled off of You Tube with the quickness. I’ve dedicated my existence to tracking down as many moments from this show as possible, and loyal reader Jazzfan360 has come through with the latest installment.

Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You,” is one of the sexiest songs ever, something that was lost on me back in the eighties. I did, however, understand the soulfulness of black folks when I watched the moving transitions between the Ernie Barnes painting “The Sugar Shack” and the modern dancers on stage. Just watch, it’s fantastic.

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5 Comments »

  • Ginneh said:

    That was HOT! Made me want to get 20 of my friends together and start practicing!!

    # 11 November 2009 at 6:53 pm
  • Bgats said:

    Love it. I remember my parents buying a VCR just so we could tape that special. I hope I’m still alive when the unedited DVD with the Diana Ross push is released.

    # 12 November 2009 at 7:57 pm
  • michelle m. said:

    Awwww…we danced to this for a show I was in while we were high school. I gotta share it with my old dance school buddies. They would truly appreciate it! I’ve loved that Ernie Barnes painting ever since!

    # 14 November 2009 at 5:36 am
  • jazzfan360 said:

    Man, that is some cool, sweet business. And wait, what’s this about Diana Ross pushing somebody?

    # 29 November 2009 at 8:49 pm
  • Moni said:

    I wish they would release this as well. This one and Motown Returns to the Apollo!

    Wonder what ever happened to Lester Wilson? I need to look that up.

    # 8 December 2009 at 2:07 am

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