"The Tears of a Clown" recapitulated the happy veneer theme, and consolidated everything Smokey had learned about production, using piccolo highs and saxophone lows to create a festive circus feel that is chased by a rocking beat and Robinson's most powerful vocal. He seems to find heretofore untapped reserves of air. Smokey's words are sorrowful, but he seems simultaneously elated to have found the right images to convey that pain.
Robinson left the Miracles in 1972 and moved from Detroit to L.A., following the migration of the Motown offices. Robinson had been appointed vice president of Motown in 1961, and he took his company responsibilities seriously. As Berry Gordy once remarked, "He's the most unselfish artist I've ever met. Not only does he write hits for himself, but everyone else."
Some of his best work with others includes Mary Wells' sultry "Two Lovers," a tale of a good lover and his evil twin, who turn out to be the same person in a classic Smokey twist. Her "My Guy" reached No. 1 on the strength of a gently rocking beat, Wells' self-assured vocal and another great Smokey melody. Robinson put the Temptations on the map with the smash "My Girl" which is much more than the gender reverse of "My Guy."
Smokey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in '87, and won the Grammy's Living Legend Award in '89. In recent years he has been singing gospel music and selling "The Soul Is In the Bowl" gumbo.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
alas Smokey, no one gave a fig
2 - Pat Chisolm
I am one of Smokey Robinson's biggest fans. He is simply incredible not to mention beautiful. London's extremely lucky to have him in concert.
3 - G00GLE
GEST HOPES JACKSON CAN MAKE SMOKEY TRIBUTE
2006-05-30 22:21:24
Music promoter DAVID GEST is hoping to persuade MICHAEL JACKSON to return to America for a tribute to soul great SMOKEY ROBINSON.
Gest, who organised Jackson's one-off 30th anniversary TV special in 2001, has been asked to plan Robinson's 50th anniversary tour later this year (06).
And he wants his friend Michael to return from his new home in the Middle East to star in the celebrations.
Gest says, "I'm hoping that he will because Michael grew up listening to Smokey and wanting to be like him, and I think, if he does something, this would be the one where he would show up." But Gest admits tracking down the reclusive pop superstar, who fled to Bahrain after he was acquitted of child molestation charges last year (05), is proving difficult.
He adds, "I last spoke to him about five months ago... He's pretty reclusive."
4 - Teresa Pruitt
Smokey is my all time favorite. I recently saw him perform at Count Basie theater in Red Bank, NJ. What a night! I even got to lead "group 2" while performing Cruising. Smokey keep up the good work, and I hope to be in the audience during your 50th Anniversary Celebration. Many Blessings, Teresa
5 - Leon london
You indicated no personal attacks; anyone who personal attack this icon has to be out of his mind Smokey is Motown his song writing is excellent. I have every song he's ever wrote. I can't express myself in words from the dictioary how his music moves me I love him and his music. I'm truly a fan truly!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 - Cindi Peed
I have been to over 40 (yes, 4-0!) Smokey concerts. I have stood in line for hours to see him and get his autograph. As a recent breast cancer patient, Smokey's voice calmed me thru the chemo and brought me peace. Recently I had the good fortune to be able to take my children to share this thrill at a concert in Gaithersburg, MD, where I had been to see Smokey when I was their age over 30 years ago. My life long hope is to one day meet Mr. Robinson. He is totally fantastic.....a Kennedy Center Awardee!