Ne-Yo to ‘revitalise’ Motown

Ne-Yo has been hired to bring Motown back to its "original glory".

The successful singer and songwriter has been recruited as senior vice president of A&R to breathe fresh air into the legendary label.

The R&B star will be in charge of discovering and nurturing new talent for the record company who once had Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye on their books.

"They sat me down and talked to me about the whole revitalisation of Motown, bringing Motown back to its original glory," Ne-Yo told MTV News. "I gotta say, beyond anything else, I was just flattered that they thought me worthy of such a responsibility."

Ne-Yo has enjoyed a hugely successful career not only with his own music but also writing and producing for other stars including Beyoncé Knowles and Mary J Blige.

The Beautiful Monster singer admitted that he is more than aware of the responsibility of his new task.

Currently working on his fifth studio album, he said that the Motown job has given him a new outlook on things.

"It's great big shoes to fill. I was told at one point the title that I now hold is the title that Smokey Robinson held when he was there," he said.

"As of right now, there is no title for the album. I'm still working on that ... the running title was The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, but I'm in a whole 'nother head space now."

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