Black History Month Music: Smokey Robinson

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Would you believe that, out of all of the people I chose for celebrating Black History Month with, only two are still living? That’s a testament to the long history of influence of black artists in music. Today we celebrate one of the greats in R&B. Smokey Robinson In deep despair on lonely nights He knows just how you feel (ABC, “When Smokey Sings”) See you tomorrow. Yeah, like what can I say about Smokey? All this month we’ve been talking about great voice here and great voice there, but MAN Smokey Robinson’s voice. Another example of why this is a rare “alphabetically-only” list: how do you pick between Robinson, Gaye, or Cole???? Robinson has had three careers: as a member of the Miracles, as a solo artist, and as the songwriter of all these great songs that got covered in the 70s and 80s. (Quick review of covers: avoid Captain & Tennille, keep Linda Ronstadt. ) Smokey just celebrated his 86th birthday last week. We’re the ones doing the celebrating with all this marvelous music. Smokey Robinson Born William Robinson Jr., February 19, 1940, Detroit, Michigan (age 86) HALLS OF FAME: Rock and Roll 2x (1987 solo, 2012 with the Miracles); Songwriters, 1989; National Rhythm & Blues, 2016 Here’s Smokey and the Miracles doing “The Tracks of My Tears”: