Motown Legend Martha Reeves' Birthday Song Has Them Dancing in the Hills

Martha Reeves, pictured here on the cover of a 2011 issue of “Daeida” magazine, sang “Happy Birthday” and two other songs to Helen Robinson, a resident of The Grand Court in Farmington Hills, to celebrate Robinson’s 100th birthday. (Photo: Martha Reeves official Facebook page.)

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Motown legend Martha Reeves belted out “Happy Birthday” to Helen Robinson to help Farmington Hills’ newest centenarian observe her birthday last week

The legendary singer met Robinson, her great nephew, Kevin Mayer, and his partner, Jeff Garrett, of Livonia, earlier this year. When she heard about Robinson’s 100th birthday on Aug. 19, she agreed to perform a short set at The Grand Court, where Robinson lives, the Observer & Eccentric reports.

“It was Martha’s idea to sing — she’s awesome,” Mayer said.

Robinson, who lived with her great nephew for about seven years before moving to The Grand Court. “My aunt doesn’t usually show much emotion because she’s 100,” Mayer said. “But this time she did. Martha made her feel like the queen of the ball.”

Reeves’ party anthem “Dancing in the Streets” debuted 50 years ago this summer. To commemorate the milestone, she launched an anniversary tour in Atlantic City last week and will play several venues in the UK before returning to the United States next spring.