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Its tempting to start predictably albeit appropriately by listing the countless accomplishments of Smokey Robinsons distinguished career. After all, were 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. In February 2003, Smokey was given the National Medal of Arts Award the most prestigious and the highest honor an 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, Smokeys voice has never lost its smoldering allure. Forty years after his emergence, Smokey still sings with 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 notably his work with The Temptations classic My Girl). Now, at the dawn of a new century the Miracle Man is still going strong. A Quiet Storm,, one of Smokeys debut solo albums, was such an influential recording, it spawned its own eponymous radio format. As frontman for the Miracles, Smokeys song-writing credits includes R&B and rock standards like Shop Around, Going to A Go-Go, Youve 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, Mary Wells You Beat Me To The Punch, My Guy and Two Lovers, Marvin Gayes Aint That Peculiar and Ill Be Doggone, and the Marvelettes Dont Mess With Bill. 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 complimented his musical forays. Smokeys Motown recordings became radio staples, while his songs have been recorded by a diverse array of artists worldwide, including The Beatles, DAngelo, Terence Trent DArby, Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Massive Attack, Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones and others. This spring, Robinson took his first step into the gospel world with "Food for the Spirit," released in April on his own Robso Records. Prior to recording the nine-song album, he'd been writing inspirational songs with the intention of shopping them to other artists. |
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