Martha Reeves on her new album, Searching, and why purple is her favorite color
Original Airdates: Aug. 7-9, 2026
TVC 745.4: Ed welcomes Martha Reeves, the legendary Motown powerhouse who is also one of the most influential voices in American music. Searching, Martha’s first new album in twenty-two years, is a blend of jazz, gospel, blues, R & B, and lived experience that was recorded in New Orleans, alongside acclaimed trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, and co-produced by Marsalis and Martha’s longtime manager, Chris Roe. Chris also appears with Martha during our call. Searching becomes available wherever you find music beginning Friday, Aug. 14.
Topics this segment include how the making of Searching was very much a collaborative experience; how Martha’s mother taught her never to sing a song unless she understood it and could feel it; meeting Stevie Wonder for the first time when he was eight years old, in Berry Gordy’s office at Motown; why the release of Searching is an answered prayer; and why purple is Martha’s go-to color.
