SPRINGFIELD — Garfield Fleming’s 68-year-old heart still beats joyfully to the rhythm of one of America’s finest styles of music.

“When you enjoy what you are doing, it’s not really a job at all,” the legendary Motown singer said during a March 16 telephone interview. “It’s not a job. You are having fun with it and you are making people happy, and bringing back memories.

“It’s a blessing.”

Fleming, who lives in Lebanon, Pa., near Philadelphia, has been making himself and others happy with his powerful, exceedingly positive voice for decades. He intends to share his joy for life and Motown music Friday at 7 p.m. when he performs at the Mars Theatre with That Motown Band.

“It takes people,” Fleming said. “It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got people there. They are the ones who have to support you.

“I’m just blessed. I’ve got my health, I’m still saying my prayers  and taking my vitamins like Hulk Hogan, so I’m still in the race.”

Fleming, who spent 25 years as a member of The Delfonics, is proud to carry on the tradition of Motown, a form of rhythm and blues that rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. It is named after a small Detroit record company that became the largest Black American-owned enterprise in the country.

Motown productions typically featured gospel-influenced vocal harmonies and large bands that utilized stringed and brass instruments, and organs. The style exploded in popularity because of its crossover appeal.

“There was a message in the music and you could bring your grandmom, your grandfather or you could bring the kids if you wanted, and they could understand that type of message and the music,” Fleming said. “With the (my generation) came up, that’s not there anymore but at least we can keep take people down memory lane so that they can enjoy themselves. ... That’s our kind of music and it needs to be heard.”

Fleming said he gets the same charge out of performing at 68 that he did at 28.

“Truthfully, I don’t think age is involved. I think it’s all in how you feel and how you stay positive in this business,” he said. “You have to take the bad with the good and I’ve gotten more good out of it than anything because that is what it’s about.”

Fleming is grateful for Motown lovers and radio stations that still play songs by Motown legends Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations , The Delfonics and many others. He appreciates That Motown Band, too, which features three other singers.

“They are so authentic,” Fleming said. “They play the music as close to the original artists. They are great musicians and singers. Johnny Gale is a great musical director and he has a great team and a great unit. 

“I’m glad to be with them.”

 Gale is a Grammy-nominated producer, composer, arranger, vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire. He is an expert in the authentic stylings of classic soul, doo wop, R&B, blues and rock. 

Fleming has been touring with That Motown Band at his leisure for about three years. The 10-piece group (four singers) is based in Long Island, N.Y., which isn’t far from his home, making it easy to rehearse.

“I’m up in age now and I still love to (perform) but those guys go 24/8,” Fleming said. “You have to add another day to the week as much as they work. I can’t do that type of traveling as much as I used to like I did with the Delfonics. I’ve got a wife now — of course, she’s been in my life the last forty-something years anyway — but I’ve been married the last 14 years.

“I can’t stay away that long.”

Fleming, who also has a band of his own, said he still gives every performance everything he’s got. He also sings every love song with the same girl in mind.

“That’s my wife,” he said with a hearty laugh, “and that’s the truth. I’ve known her for 44 years.”

Tickets to Friday’s show cost $46 and can be purchased online at www.marstheatre.com, in person at the theatre or at Springfield City Hall from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (912-754-7617). 

Beer and wine are available at all live shows. Hand sanitizer is available in the lobby. 

For more information on upcoming shows and movies visit www.marstheatre.com or call 912-754-1118.