Historical Figure
Smokey Robinson
b. 1940
American singer (born 1940)
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"Eric Blair Interview on Motown and City of Hope Charity" — 2001
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Biography
William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. is an American R&B and soul singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was the founder and frontman of the pioneering Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. He led the group from its 1955 origins, when they were called the Five Chimes, until 1972, when he retired from the group to focus on his role as Motown Records vice president. Robinson returned to the music industry as a solo artist the following year. He left Motown in 1999.
Timeline
The story of Smokey Robinson, told in moments.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1987. Over 4,000 songs written. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Still performing in his eighties. Berry Gordy once said, "Smokey Robinson was the first artist and my inspiration for starting Motown."
Born William Robinson Jr. in Detroit. His uncle nicknamed him "Smokey Joe" for his light complexion. He shortened it to Smokey. Grew up two miles from the Motown headquarters that didn't exist yet.
Formed the Miracles as a teenager. Auditioned for Jackie Wilson's manager but met Berry Gordy instead. Gordy was broke, trying to start a label. Robinson was 17 and had a notebook full of songs.
"Shop Around" became Motown's first million-selling single. Robinson wrote it. He also wrote "My Girl" for the Temptations, "My Guy" for Mary Wells, and dozens more for other Motown acts. The hits came faster than he could record them.
"The Tracks of My Tears" was released. Bob Dylan called Robinson "America's greatest living poet." Robinson was 25. He was also Motown's vice president, talent scout, and producer. He barely slept.
Left the Miracles to focus on his solo career and Motown executive duties. His farewell concert filled a 12,000-seat arena. He planned to stay behind the desk. The desk didn't last.
"Being with You" hit number one in the UK and number two in the U.S. A comeback single at 41. He'd write and record into his eighties. The voice softened. The melodies stayed.
In Their Own Words (10)
I don't care what they think of me,And I don't care what they say.I don't care what they think if you're leavin'.I'm gonna beg you to stay.I don't care if they start to avoid me.I don't care what they do.I don't care about anything elseBut bein' with you,Bein' with you.
Being with You (1981), 1981
Now if there's a smile on my face,It's only there tryin' to fool the public,But when it comes down to foolin' you;Now honey, that's quite a different subject.But don't let my glad expressionGive you the wrong impression.Really I'm sad.I'm sadder than sad.You're gone and I'm hurtin' so bad.Like a clown I pretend to be glad.
The Tears of a Clown, written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby (1970), 1970
Maybe you want to give me kisses sweet,But only for one night with no repeat.Maybe you'd go away and never call,And a taste of honey is worse than none at all (oh little girl)Oh little girl, in that case I don't want no part. (I do believe that)That would only break my heart.Oh, but if you feel like loving me,If you got the notion,I second that emotion.
I Second That Emotion, written by Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland (1967), 1967
My girl has gone, and said goodbye.Don't you cry, hold your head up high.Don't give up, give love one more try,'Cause there's a right girl for every guy.
My Girl Has Gone, written by Smokey Robinson, Ronald White, Pete Moore, and Marvin Tarplin (1965), 1965
No don't you know my daddy told me,Told me right from the startAbout youth.He said no matter how old a man is,He's partly a boy in his heart.Yeah, and that's the truth.
(You Can't Let the Boy Overpower) The Man in You (1964), 1964
Artifacts (15)
The Stethoscope Vol. 2 No. 7, 14 June 1944 (IA Stethescope27440614)
U.S. Naval Hospital Seattle
RFD letter to radio farm directors (IA rfdlettertoradi1959unit 8)
United States. Department of Agriculture. Radio Service
Annual exhibition (electronic resource) (IA frick-31072002278044)
American Watercolor Society New York Etching Club. Exhibition New York Water Color Club National Academy of Design (U.S.). Catalogue of the winter exhibition American Watercolor Society. Catalogue of
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