Martha Reeves headed to Hollywood Walk of Fame as fans, donors propel Motown star over top

Martha Reeves has secured her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, thanks to donations from fans worldwide amid a fast-approaching funding deadline.

A public fundraising campaign launched in March hit its $50,000 goal in late May, locking in Reeves’ spot on the famed showbiz landmark, her manager told the Detroit Free Press on Wednesday.

Reeves’ gold star will be installed at a ceremony on March 28, 2024. The Detroit singer will join the legion of celebrities, including fellow Motown luminaries, who are honored on the sidewalks along Hollywood and Vine.

The exact star location hasn’t yet been decided by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the site.

Reeves, 81, was ecstatic in a statement to the Free Press, paying tribute to her supporters and her new manager.

"One of my favorite parables from the Bible is, ‘We can do all things through Christ who strengthens,'" Reeves said. "Chris Roe Management and hundreds of supporters have proved that when we believe, it is possible to unite in faith, trust, and persevere. We've got the date, March 28, 2024. Hallelujah."

She added: "I am touched by everyone's kindness, love and support."

The "Dancing in the Street" singer was selected for the Hollywood landmark in 2021. But — unknown to much of the public — there’s a price for those vaunted sidewalk stars. The fee covers installation, security and other costs.

Reeves’ recently hired manager, L.A.-based Chris Roe, scrambled to set up a crowdfunding effort this spring. He aimed to hit the mark by June, when the next batch of Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees will be announced and the ceremony schedule gets backlogged.

"I am overwhelmed by the response we received," Roe said. "This was a grassroots campaign that ended up succeeding with contributions between $25 and $100 from most donors. At the end of the day, this star was delivered to Martha by her fans and admirers."

Roe said he will embark on a second phase of fundraising ahead of the March 28 ceremony, seeking about $25,000 for a post-installation reception for Reeves, likely to be held at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.

He also hopes to stage a reception in Detroit to celebrate Reeves and her hometown donors.

"I think that’s appropriate because a lot of them won’t be able to make it to L.A.," Roe said.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the latest accolade for Reeves and the Vandellas, who this year are marking their 60th anniversary with Motown. In 1963, the Detroit record company issued the group’s first two albums — "Come and Get These Memories" and "Heat Wave" — as the trio began a run of hit singles including "Heat Wave," "Quicksand," "Dancing in the Street," "Nowhere to Run" and "Jimmy Mack."

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, becoming the second all-female group so honored, following the Supremes.

Reeves will join a Hollywood Walk of Fame roll call that includes fellow Motown alums Diana Ross (1982), Smokey Robinson (1983), Michael Jackson (1984), Marvin Gaye (1990), Stevie Wonder (1994), the Temptations (1994), Four Tops (1997) and label founder Berry Gordy (1996).

Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Martha Reeves set for Hollywood Walk of Fame star after fan donations