The beating heart of Motown music is still alive. Thanks to Netflix and legendary musician Smokey Robinson, a whole new generation will be introduced to the songs of Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, The Supremes, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Robinson and more.
The Motown project, which is at this time is untitled, features a fantastical world created by director/producer Josh Wakely. The series will be created with counsel from Motown legend Smokey Robinson, who has signed on as Executive Music Producer.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful new series that will embrace the magic of Motown and present our songs to a whole new generation of fans and their entire families,” said Robinson. “I’m so impressed with Josh’s creative vision for the series and can’t wait to play my part in bringing it to the world.”
The animated project revolves around the adventures of a lovable and slightly shy eight year old boy named Ben with an extraordinary artistic ability to bring street-art to life.
According to Netflix, here’s how the storyline will go. Ben and his family live in the imaginary city of Motown, based on Detroit and its rich musical heritage. Inspired by the words and melodies of Motown’s classic songs, Ben and his friends Angie and Mickey, along with street art characters discover that creativity is magic as they revive vibrancy to their city and learn life lessons.
“Josh and his team have done another incredible job of interweaving iconic songs with compelling narratives from which children can learn and grow, and that families can enjoy together,” said Andy Yeatman, Director of Original Kids Content at Netflix. “We look for storytellers that can take on the responsibility of creating the content that the next generation of kids will bond over and love, and this project speaks perfectly to that goal.”
Wakely secured the rights to thousands of compositions drawn from Jobete Music Company, Inc. and Stone Diamond Music Corporation publishing catalogs in an agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Grace: A Storytelling Company is producing the Netflix original series in conjunction with Beyond Screen Production, and will lean on Robinson to advise on curating cover artists and selecting songs.
Based on who participated in the last project, we’re told that the cover artists are going to be some folks that could blow the doors off.
This is the second project for Wakely and Netflix. Previously he worked on “Beat Bugs,” inspired the Beatles and cover artists included Eddie Vedder, P!nk, Sia, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden and more. “Beat Bugs” will be available to stream on Netflix globally on August 3rd.
The soundtrack to Season 1 will be released on Melodia/Motown Records timed to the global launch of the show that will be announced at a later date.