In December 1987, television audiences were treated to a festive blend of holiday cheer and Motown magic with Motown Merry Christmas. The NBC special brought together legendary Motown artists alongside newer stars of the era, creating a soulful holiday revue filled with music, dance, comedy, and seasonal sparkle.
Filmed at the Aquarius Theatre in Hollywood, California, the special was hosted by Miami Vice star Philip Michael Thomas, who kicked things off with a playful holiday monologue in true Motown style.
Who’s Who & What Went Down
The Temptations appeared in cozy nightshirts and slippers, delivering a swinging, upbeat version of “White Christmas” and a rich, soulful “Silent Night.” Their warm harmonies and Melvin Franklin’s unforgettable bass stood out as highlights.
The Pointer Sisters lit up the stage with a joyful “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
Redd Foxx, decked out as a flashy Santa Claus, brought comedy and a bit of cheeky rapping, joined by Marsha Warfield and Lola Falana for a mix of laughs and surprising heart.
Desiree Coleman, one of Motown’s then-current artists, gave a moving performance of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
Smokey Robinson teamed up with Natalie Cole for a tender duet, blending her powerful delivery on “This Christmas” with the Motown classic “Give A Little Love On Christmas Day.”
Run-DMC shook things up with their now-iconic holiday hip-hop anthem “Christmas in Hollis,” bringing streetwise swagger to the Motown celebration.
Stephanie Mills performed the soulful ballad “When You Love Someone (It’s Christmas Every Day),” a song penned by Redd Foxx.
Carrie McDowell, another Motown signee, joined the ensemble for a stirring medley and closing numbers, showing off her powerful vocals.
Finally, The Temptations returned for “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” closing the night with warmth and unity as the cast wished viewers a “Merry Christmas from the Motown family.”
Final Thoughts
Motown Merry Christmas was a dazzling, sometimes chaotic mix of tradition, soul, comedy, and pop culture. It captured the spirit of Motown’s enduring legacy while embracing the over-the-top energy of the 1980s. For many, it remains a nostalgic holiday gem—equal parts heartfelt and flamboyantly kitschy, just the way a holiday special should be.
Performance Setlist
- Opening Monologue – Philip Michael Thomas (’Twas the Night Before Christmas, Motown-style)
- “White Christmas” – The Temptations (upbeat, Drifters-inspired arrangement)
- “Silent Night” – The Temptations (classic harmony version)
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – The Pointer Sisters
- Comedy Rap Skit – Redd Foxx (as Santa), with Marsha Warfield & Lola Falana
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Desiree Coleman
- “This Christmas” – Natalie Cole
- “Give a Little Love on Christmas Day” – Smokey Robinson & Natalie Cole (duet)
- “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-DMC
- “When You Love Someone (It’s Christmas Every Day)” – Stephanie Mills
- Medley / Ensemble Performances – Carrie McDowell and cast
- “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” – The Temptations (finale)
- Closing Ensemble – Full cast farewell: “Merry Christmas from the Motown Family”
