Robinson’s smooth tenor vocals helped define the soulful sound of the legendary Motown recording empire in the ’60s and ’70s. Today the mellow crooner maintains his popularity.
“I respect show business,” Robinson told JET. “I know through the grace of God that I’m able co do this. I never forget that.”
Timeless Love, Robinson’s latest album, earned a Grammy nomination this year and has introduced him to a new generation. He recently joined forces during the Grammy Awards with Lionel Richie and newcomer Chris Brown for a medley.
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“It was an honor to perform with the legendary Smokey Robinson,” Brown told JET. “I learned that being humble can guarantee you longevity in this industry.”
Robinson’s music has transcended boundaries and played a major part in the soundtrack of Black America.
“The formula is truth,” Motown founder Berry Gordy told JET. “He deals with what’s real and what’s truth and people feel it. He’s a philosopher. He believes in what he’s singing and hasn’t gotten caught up in a lot of changes people think you have to go through to be understood by others. When the world changes, he doesn’t change his principles, integrity or character. He changes his style.”
Gordy met Robinson in 1957. Then a songwriter for Jackie Wilson, Gordy was looking for groups to produce when he met the upbeat teen singer and his group, the Miracles.
“He played what seemed like 100 songs for me. I turned them all down,” Gordy laughed, recalling that day. “Each time I would turn them down, he was so aggressive and excited. He would evaluate and keep coming back. He took everything so positive.”
One day Robinson came up with a song that did work. It was Got A Job, an answer song to the Silhouette’s 1958 hit Get A Job.
“I thought it was incredible,” recalled Gordy. “To think 50 years later he is one of the greatest writers in the world today. I had no idea that not only would he become way better than me as a songwriter, but better than everybody.”
