just spitballing here but I wonder if its a case of old outlook mismatched with new perspectives.

Until Marvin Gaye pushed to release 'Whats Going On' MoTown was largely focused on making apolitical music

Smokey was of the time were people he witnessed music bringing people together

So, in the time of hardlines being laid down - i.e. you either with us or against us, i.e. fuck waiting for a turn, the time is NOW - his old perspective is I think getting caught up in the times.

That is not to say there were never overtly political/vocal performers of his time...I just think hes coming at it from a perspective thats not being counted.


That said...when my wife told me about the performance I scratched my head because non of it made sense..then again, I can't think of a modern artist at the mainstream level who would fit with a MoTown performance, lesser known folks for sure - well actually, shit, Raphael Sadiq would have been a good choice since he made that album or even Sharon Jones...wait, no...or maybe Charles Bradley...shit, wait...Ralphael Sadiq then.

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