Smokey Robinson (b. 1940)

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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.

In Their Own Words (5)

I don't like youBut I love you.See that I'm alwaysThinking of you.Oh, oh, oh,You treat me badly;I love you madly.You've really got a hold on me.You've really got a hold on me, baby.

You've Really Got a Hold on Me (1962) , 1962

Ah, they tell me that the river's too deepAnd it's much too wide for you can't get across to the other side.But they don't know I've got to get there and hold her in my armsJust a one more time like I did before when she was mine all mine.Cause I can hear her saying (come to me baby)I'm going away.I'm going to stay.I'm gonna get to you, no matter what I have to do.

Way Over There, written by Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, Jr. (1960) , 1960

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

I will build you a castle with a tower so highIt reaches the moon.I'll gather melodies from birdies that flyAnd compose you a tune.Give you lovin' warm as Mama's oven.And if that don't do,Then I'll try something new.

I'll Try Something New (1962) , 1962

Timeline

The story of Smokey Robinson, told in moments.

Legacy

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."

What does 4,000 songs feel like looking back? Is Berry Gordy right that you were the inspiration for Motown? At eighty-plus, what keeps you performing?

1940 Birth

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.

Did growing up two miles from where Motown would be feel like destiny? Was the nickname 'Smokey Joe' a burden or a gift? What was Detroit like before the music changed everything?

1957 Event

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.

What did Berry Gordy's ambition look like when he was broke? Was that notebook full of songs your audition? Did you know at seventeen that you'd help build an empire?

1960 Event

"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.

How do you write hits faster than you can record them? Was giving 'My Girl' to the Temptations generosity or strategy? Did being Motown's vice president change how you wrote songs?

1965 Event

"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.

What did Bob Dylan calling you 'America's greatest living poet' mean to you? At twenty-five, were you the poet or the executive? Did you ever sleep during those years?

1972 Event

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.

Was leaving the Miracles freedom or amputation? Did the desk at Motown satisfy you? How long before you missed the stage?

1981 Event

"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.

Does a comeback at forty-one prove the voice or the songwriting? What changed in your music between the Miracles and 'Being with You'? Will you ever stop writing songs?

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