CLOSE

One American “idol” may have just made history at Carnegie Hall, but plenty more are about to celebrate history at the world famous venue. Just days after Jay-Z performed on back-to-back nights for charity, “American Idol” Music Director Ray Chew will be holding “A Tribute To The Music of Motown” tonight, February 9th, 2012 at the concert hall.

25 Artists That Need To Be Heard: CJ Hilton

The event is being sponsored by United Airlines and hosted by CNN journalist, Soledad O’Brien with a guest list that includes the legendary Dionne Warwick, Paul Shaffer, Boys II Men, BeBe Winans and Motown’s own, Martha Reeves.

“This is a tribute to the great iconic music of Motown felt and known the world over, crossed cultural lines and spans generations,” Mr. Chew told TheUrbandaily.com. “It’s very befitting that we bring this music that is part of the American fabric to an iconic venue like Carnegie Hall.”

Chew explained that after holding a tribute to Motown on “American Idol” the reality set in that many of the legends of Black music are passing away. And after speaking with Motown founder Berry Gordy that night, Chew felt it was time to “give them their roses while they can smell them” so to speak, and what better time than Black History Month?

“A lot of the young artists that I encounter, Motown is in your blood stream whether you realize it or not,” said Chew. “When you rattle of the names of the artists and the songs everyone realizes how much this is part of the experience. Stevie Wonder alone…everyone has performed a Stevie Wonder song at some point. Artists are standing on the shoulders of these giants.”

The night will also include tributes to the late Nick Ashford, who Chew says was, “very close to me” and the recently departed Don Cornelius.

“His contribution to not only Black music and R&B and the support he gave the Motown artists can not be overstated,” Chew said of the Soul Train founder. “So he will be part of our tribute.”

Details are below: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

RELATED POSTS:

WBW Honors: The Tuskegee Airmen [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Way Black When Honors: Leon Huff On Making The “Soul Train” Theme Song

Way Black When Honors: Lenny Williams

<p>Facebook Live Is Loading....</p>