Smokey Robinson

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, in February 2003, Smokey was given the National Medal of Arts Award - the most prestigious & 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. " My songs are written about love", says Smokey, revealing the deceptively simple secret of his success. "It's an ever-lasting subject. Love always has significance and it never goes out of style."  

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.  The singer inadvertently describes his voice on one of his new tracks, "Sleepin' In."  To wit: "like butter on a biscuit, hot and sweet, what a tasty treat."  

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 Smokey's debut solo albums, was such an influential recording; it spawned its own eponymous radio format.  

As frontman for the Miracles, Smokey's song-writing credits includes 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;" Mary Wells' "You Beat Me to the Punch," "My Guy," and "Two Lovers;" Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll be Doggone;" and the Marvelettes' "Don't 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 complemented his musical forays.  Smokey's Motown recordings became radio staples, while his songs have been recorded by a diverse array of artists 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 90s to focus on family.  The singer recently scored the music and wrote two songs - "Be Careful What You Wish For" and "Really Gonna Miss You" - for the acclaimed NBC feature, "The Temptations."  

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

*By arrangement with the William Morris Agency