Dancing in the Streets ... (I mean tent)

A Motown legend - Miss Martha Reeves at the National Mall

Tonight it was classic Motown's turn at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival as Martha Reeves and her band turned the Motor City Tent into giant 60s dance party.

The evening started with a half-hour sit-down  interview in which Reeves explained her relationship with fellow Motowner Diana Ross"Who? Let's just say that she has never changed" and explained that she was too busy to form close personal relationships with other Motown stars."It was pack, get on the bus, perform, come home, pack, get back on the bus perform, come home. That really was our life," Reeves said.

While the crowd enjoyed the insights into Reeves' life it was clear that they were there to hear her sing.  And she did not disappoint, performing a 90-minute hit-packed show.

Here are my 5 personal high points.
5. A cover of Marvin Gaye's classic "What's Going On."
4. A rousing rendition of "Jimmy Mack" which started with timed hand claps from the crowd.
3. "Nowhere to Run" (my personal Martha Reeves all-time favorite).
2.  "Heat Wave" which Reeves introduced by saying "Is it hot in here? Well it's going to get hotter."
1.  An extended show-closing version of "Dancing in the Streets" where Reeves directed the crowd through a host of 60s dances from the twist to the mashed potatoes to the funky chicken.

There's no question that Martha Reeves has talent - you can't have a 50-year music career without it. But Reeves, who will turn 70 this month, also exhibited another trait tonight - the lady definitely has class. Whether it was urging young people to stay in school so they could follow their dreams or thanking The Funk Brothers for "making all of us (singers at Motown) what we are," Martha showed a grounding in reality.  And, after finally seeing her perform, I have to agree with her own tongue-in-cheek question - Diana who?  To me, Martha Reeves is the true queen of Motown.