Legendary Motown singer Martha Reeves faces an uphill battle to secure her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The 81-year-old Heatwave singer—who was a rival to Motown icon Diana Ross—must raise $55,000 to secure her major career breakthrough, because prestigious plates don’t come cheap.
According to the Detroit Free PressHowever, Martha could not finance the costly tribute herself—expenses normally covered by the star’s record label or a major Hollywood studio.
The Vandellas front woman was slated to star in 2021, but her former manager allegedly dropped the ball when it came to securing funds and ultimately “wasted a year of fundraising.”
Now Nowhere to Run and its new director are hoping that fans can help them make up for lost time by donating to the cause.
Fighting for her star: Legendary Motown singer Martha Reeves, 81, faces an uphill battle to secure her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Myth: The Vandella’s frontwoman must raise $55,000 to secure her major career achievement, because prestigious paintings don’t come cheap. Reeves (center left) pictured with fellow Vandellas Rosalind Ashford (bottom) and Betty Kelly (top) in their 1960s heyday
Talking to Detroit Free PressMartha’s new principal, Chris Rowe, said, “The previous Martha’s representation got in over their heads about this. They didn’t realize how hard it was and wasted a year of fundraising time. We’re now going to the wire.”
Roe installed a file Powerful fundraising campaignand working with companies and private donors to help put Reeves on top before June.
Urging the public to donate, said the veteran talent agent, “It doesn’t take much to make a big impact. Going without three or four cups of Starbucks for a week is a great contribution. A $25 donation goes a long way.”
When Reeves was chosen to receive a star in 2021, she couldn’t have been more thrilled with the honor and declared that her “wildest dreams are coming true.”
Her new manager echoed this sentiment Detroit Free PressHe tells the publication, “This honor given to Martha means a lot.
This superstar is around for generations to come, and Motown will always be sewn into the fabric of our society. So, it’s a great achievement. Martha deserves it so much, and I’m happy to take her across the finish line.”
Martha and her manager are also seeking an additional $25,000 in donations to pay for travel, hotel accommodations, and a follow-up reception, bringing the grand total to $80,000.
The duo aims to hold the party in the latter half of this year, as 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of Martha’s debut album with Motown, Come Get These Memories.
Expensive and prestigious: According to the Detroit Free Press, Martha couldn’t finance the expensive tribute herself—an expense that would normally be covered by the star’s record label or a major Hollywood studio
LOST TIME: Heatwave hitmaker (center) was named for a star in 2021, but its former manager allegedly dropped the ball when it came to securing funds and ultimately ‘wasted a year of fundraising’
Giving It Their All: The Nowhere to Run hitmaker and its new manager hope fans can help them make up for lost time by donating to the cause
Expensive: Martha and her manager are also seeking an additional $25,000 in donations to pay for travel, hotel accommodations, and a follow-up reception, bringing the grand total to $80,000.
Icon: As the lead singer of Martha and The Vandellas, Reeves has amassed over a dozen hit songs including Quicksand, Jimmy Mack, I’m Ready for Love, and Dancing in the Street
As the lead singer of Martha and The Vandellas, Reeves has amassed over a dozen hit songs including Quicksand, Jimmy Mack, I’m Ready for Love, and Dancing in the Street.
Along with former members Annette Bird, Rosalind Ashford, Louis Reeves, and Betty Kelly, Martha was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
Reeves began her career as a struggling club singer and eventually broke into Motown as a secretary.
It wasn’t long before Martha’s stunning vocals took her away from the reception and into the recording studio, where she became one of the icons of ’60s soul.
