Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
At the age of 15, Smokey Robinson joined forces with the first members of what would eventually be the powerhouse group, The Miracles. The group was one of the first to be taken on by the Motown Record label and The Miracle’s first single, “Shop Around”, became the first million-copy-selling track for the label. As lead singer and songwriter for the group, Smokey Robinson single-handedly drummed up extensive success for Motown after producing 26 top 40 hits for the band, including the number one single, “Tears of a Clown”.
Smokey Robinson’s golden song-writing touch saw him quickly become Motown’s go-to writer and he was sought to write songs for artists such as Mary Wells, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. Many of Smokey Robinson’s songs for other artists, such as “My Girl” and “Operator”, became legendary and are still well known today.
In 1972, Smokey Robinson left The Miracles to focus on his job as Vice President of Motown. Unable to stay away from the music, though, he returned to the limelight in 1973 to launch his solo career. His debut solo album “Smokey” shot to the number 10 spot on the US R&B charts, but a bout of writers block meant that Smokey Roninson was unable to score a top twenty single on the US Billboard 200 until the release of “Cruisin’” in 1979.
The release of “Cruisin”, which got to number four on the Billboard 200, seemed to reignite Smokey Robinson’s career and his 1981 album, “Being With You”, hit the number 10 spot on the Billboard 200 and shot to number one on the US R&B chart. The album’s lead single of the same name is Smokey Robinson’s most successful solo track, going to number two on the US Billboard 200 and hitting the number one spot on the US R&B chart and on the UK singles chart.
Smokey Robinson’s talents have been recognized all over the world. The recipient of a Grammy Award and an Ivor Novello Award, the singer also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Live reviews
Our oldest daughter presented my wife & I with the gift of two tickets, plus hers to attend the Smokey Robinson show at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA. We had seats in the very last row at the very top of the Paramount. The stage was so ar away I thought I should have brought my binoculars. The opening note by Smokey's incredible band, & background singers set the stage for one of the best performances I have ever seen in my 65 years on planet earth.
The venue had to be sold out because every seat in the back row & balcony was occupied. We were mesmerized by Smokey's amazing vocals, & his off the chart energy at 79 years of age. Unbelievable . . . Truly an 8th Wonder of the World. My family had just seen Smokey the year before at the Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco, CAwhere we had perfect seats no more than 60 feet from the stage, dead center. He turned that performance out also.
But, his performance at the Paramount was special for us because we had to be over 75feet above the stage & 150 feet back., in the last row of the "nose bleed" section. Smokey's sound engineers & the Paramounts accoustics were amazing. He knew how to use his soaring and smooth vocals like the "master" that heis. He hasn't lost anything in his 60+ year career as one of the most prolific songwriters, producers, & performers in modern music history. He ran around that stage so much with such energy, that I got tired just trying to imagine myself duplicating his phenomenal physical conditioning.
Smokey Robinson is the 8th Wonder of the Musical World of Intergalactic Musical Performers & Geniuses.
derek-l.-toliver
You have to wonder what the Motown secret is, because there seems to be so many of their stars of yesteryear still out performing on the live circuit today; alongside the likes of The Four Tops and The Temptations, the living legend that is Smokey Robinson continues to hit the road on a regular basis. After an initial retirement way back in 1972, back when he was vice president of the label, he returned to make a slew of new hits through the eighties, before leaving the imprint in 1990. Recently, he made a high-profile return to the UK, performing live on the BBC from their pre-Commonwealth Games outdoor gig at Edinburgh Castle. Backed by a full live band, he played a handful of classics, ‘Tracks of My Tears’ included, before duetting with Jessie J on ‘Cruisin’ to a rapturous reception from a huge crowd. He’s now gearing up for the release of Smokey and Friends, a new record that features a slew of collaborations, from the impressive - James Taylor, Mary J. Blige - to the highly questionable, like a version of ‘Get Ready’ with Gary Barlow. He’ll play the Hammersmith Apollo in November; it’s probably not unreasonable to expect some special guests.
Joeg_67
There must have been something great in the water during the Motown boom of the 1970s as so many of the iconic musicians who made their name during this time are still touring today. Perhaps it is touring itself that is the unknown life elixir as 75 year old Smokey Robinson seems personally invigorated by every round of rapturous applause he receives from his crowd.
I suppose when you are as passionate about something as Robinson is about his music, you would endeavour to keep doing it for as long as humanly possible. It is impressive to see the man himself sauntering from side to side of stage with the vigour and energy of an artist half his age. He has the audience in the palm of his hand from the offset, inducing mass singalong to the classic 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me' as Smokey goes about jamming with his brilliant backing band. He pays tribute to fellow legends of the Motown era The Temptations with a wonderful cover of 'The Way You Do the Things You Do' before he closes this lively, musical extravaganza with a luxurious version of 'Just to See Her'.
sean-ward
His performance was extraordinare. He is beyond comprehension the GREATEST entertainer/performer EVER!!!. I listened to his sound/voice very closely and for the split second that I closed my eyes to baste in the "Miracle" of seeing him live and up close, I was actually a teenager again screaming to one of his songs being played. He sounds the same leaving no doubt it's him singing only in the here and now. I got my life long dream to hug him by being called to the stage and in my excitement running to him, I tripped and almost fell. He asked" are you okay?" and I responded"I am now!" The joy it brought will be with me forever cause in my world "He is Forever" Bottom Line. My prayer is that he continues to perform for quite a while cuz I need to see him AGAIN!!! Really don't have a clue what I'll do when he retires. Smokey has echoed my life story for almost 60 years.5 STAR
jmyoung.white
I saw Smokey Robinson last night at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach. I give Smokey's show an A++ His voice is still as silky smooth as ever. He is also the consummate showman. He ENTERTAINED. His commentary on how his songs were created; his memories at Motown and other Motown artists were a history lesson ... and worth the price of admission itself. He was energetic and engaged with the audience as well.
The songs were a sing-along to all the classics. This was a bucket item list for me! I'm glad to say I saw Smokey STILL at his best. If he ever comes back to the area ... I will certainly be the first in line to see this living legend. Highly recommend you do the same ... you will not regret it.
jaysnead
I really enjoyed myself last night I had so much fun he couldn't have did a better job it was really really fun he sounds so good I enjoyed hear him signed Quiet Storm Tears of a Clown I don't care what they think about me just being with you I really enjoyed that Smokey Robinson look so good he put on a wonderful show I am truly a fan of Smokey Robinson I would love for him to come back and do another show next time I would like to hear him sing Baby Come Close Soul responding and salad all over and above Smokey Robinson he really put it down last night I had so much fun just being in the present of Smokey Robinson I am truly a fan of Smokey Robinson love Mary a bell
maryalice.bell
WOW!!! Smokey at 78 years old was impressive... My wife and I were lucky enough to see him on Valentines Day here in Portland, Oregon..
A great entertainer and his vocals still hold up...sounded great! His band was amazing too along with the Oregon Symphony. He still has sex appeal...so my wife says...lol
I didn't realize that he was so engaging with his audience and very humorous too.
Would love to be in Las Vegas where he has several shows coming up on tour starting on Feb 27th, 2019!
Thank you Smokey...what a Legend!!!
Jahne & Krista Cody
jahne44
Saw Smokey at The Genessee Theater in Waukegan Illinois went with 3 girlfriends ooh baby baby I think we were 16 years old ago did we have fun you bet we did so glad we made the trip from the south side of Chicago to Waukegan will do it again in a heart beat.love us some Smokey we told everyone we were going to get our smoke on.❤❤❤❤❤❤.Ronnip
veronica-peterson-2
Saw Smokey at The Genessee Theater in Waukegan Illinois went with 3 girlfriends ooh baby baby I think we were 16 years old ago did we have fun you bet we did so glad we made the trip from the south side of Chicago to Waukegan will do it again in a heart beat.love us some Smokey we told everyone we were going to get our smoke on.❤❤❤❤❤❤.
veronica-peterson-2
The Smokey Robinson concert was off the hook! It was a very nice'n smooth sexy show! Smokey was just incredible! He sang his heart out passionately! It was a really great show and worth every cent I spent. The women went wild for Smokey Robinson! He still got it going on and he looks super good today! Go see Smokey Robinson live in concert soon!
polkn1st
Videos (1)
