It’s tempting to start predictably – albeit appropriately – by listing the countless accomplishments of Smokey Robinson’s distinguished career.  After all, we’re talking about a singer-songwriter whose influence spans four decades and whose achievements include 36 Top 40 hits, a Grammy “Living Legend” Award, berths in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, the Soul Train “Heritage Award”, a NARAS “Lifetime Achievement Award”, and numerous other honors and achievements.  Of recent, Smokey was given the National Medal of Arts Award – the most prestigious & the highest honor and artist can receive – by the President of the United States.  This velvet-voiced  crooner has always been a major part of the soundtrack of our lives and continues to be.

As timeless as the passions he sings about, Smokey’s voice has never lost its smoldering allure.  Forty years after his emergence, Smokey still sings with the  same sensual passion he  is famous for.

A founding Motown executive, songwriter and producer, Smokey began his career fronting the Miracles, as well as composing tunes for other Motown acts (most notable his work with the Temptations’ classic “My Girl”).

As frontman for the Miracles, Smokey’s song writing credits include R&B and rock standards like “Shop Around”, “Going to a Go-Go”, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me”, “Tears of A Clown”, “Ooh Baby Baby”, “I Second That Emotion”, and “More Love”.  The singer is just as renowned for the songs he composed for other Motown artists, including classics like the Temptations’ “My Girl”, “Get Ready” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t  That Peculiar” and “I’ll be Doggone”.  His solo career includes mega hits “Cruisin”, “Being With You”, “Just to See Her” and “One Heartbeat”.

Over the years, Smokey has maintained a close rapport with his fans.  During his remarkable performances, the singer displayed a sharp comic wit that complemented his musical forays.  Smokey’s Motown recordings became radio staples, while his songs have been recorded by a diverse array of artist worldwide including The Beatles, D’Angelo, Terence Trent D’Arby, Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Massive Attack, Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones and others.  Smokey mania reached  a new peak in 1987 when new wave rockers ABC scored a hit with their stylish tribute to the Motown legend, “When Smokey Sings”. Yet, despite his success, Smokey went into self-imposed exile at the outset of the Nineties to focus on family. 

Entering this fourth decade as a professional singer, songwriter and producer, Smokey Robinson still refuses to rest on his laurels.

Smokey does a striking rendition of the classic love song "You are so Beautiful" for this album.


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