Legendary Motown singer Martha Reeves could soon be dancing in the street for her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony, but for now, money is an issue.
The Martha and the Vandellas lead singer, who was the voice of hits such as the 1964 single “Dancing in the Street,” only has a couple of months left to raise money for her star before the two-year nomination window expires in June.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Reeves was selected to receive a star in 2021, but it’s up to each artist’s supporters to cover the fees to make the star, install it, and pay for the ceremony.
A star on the Los Angeles landmark currently costs $55,000, and most of the time they’re fronted by a movie studio, fan club, or record label.
Related Story: Here’s Why a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Costs $55,000 and Who Pays for It
The “Nowhere to Run” singer’s former manager waited too long to kick off the fundraising efforts, according to the Detroit Free Press.
“Martha’s former representation got in over their heads on this,” Chris Roe, a veteran Los Angeles talent agent who signed on last summer as Reeves’ manager, told the Free Press. “They didn’t realize how hard it would be and wasted a year of fundraising time. Now we’re down to the wire.”
Still, Roe said Reeves remains hopeful things will work out.
“This honor bestowed upon Martha has meant a lot,” Roe explained. “That star is there for generations to come, and Motown will always be stitched into the fabric of our society. So it’s a great accomplishment, Martha is very deserving, and I’m happy to take her across the finish line.”
The talent rep is urging fans to send funds to MarthaReeves.net to meet the June deadline for Reeves’ slot on the Walk of Fame.
“It doesn’t take much to make a huge impact,” Roe said. “Doing without three or four Starbucks coffees for a week is a pretty nice contribution. A donation of $25 goes a long way.”
Roe previously held fundraisers for the stars of actor Malcom McDowell in 2012 and late filmmaker George A. Romero in 2017.
The talent rep is holding listening parties to raise money and commemorate Reeves’ 60th anniversary with the Detroit-based Motown record label. Her first song with the Vandellas, “Heat Wave,” came out in 1963.
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