How often do you get to work with a Legend?
Smokey Robinson, by any measure, is a Music Legend.
At Celebrity Direct Inc., I was asked to book and produce a private show by Smokey Robinson for a party at The Boca Raton in Florida.
And, Ooo Baby Baby, what a show it was!
When you see someone that was born to be on stage and truly loves his audience, you have found the magic that makes a legend.
His music reads like a playlist of Motown’s greatest hits
– “Going to a Go-Go” (1966)
– “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (1963)
– “Ooo Baby Baby” (1965)
– “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965)
– “I Second That Emotion” (1967)
– “The Tears of a Clown” (co-written with Stevie Wonder, 1970)
– “Cruisin’” (1979)
– “Being With You” (1981)
– “Just to See Her” (1987)
As producer and songwriter, Robinson was the creative force behind many Motown classics. “My Girl,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Get Ready,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” “My Guy,” “You Beat Me to the Punch” and “Don’t Mess with Bill” are among the many hit songs that Robinson wrote for other Motown artists.
His music influenced The Beatles—who recorded Robinson and the Miracles’ “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” in 1963—The Rolling Stones (“Going To A Go-Go”); Michael Jackson (“Who’s Loving You”) and The Supremes (“I Second That Emotion”).
Robinson founded the Matadors in 1954 when he was in high school. Three years later the group added a female voice and became The Miracles. Berry Gordy’s first vocal group, The Miracles released the single “Shop Around” in 1960, which became Motown’s first million-selling hit.
Robinson’s collaboration with Gordy from day one of the Motown record label grew into a musical dynasty. Producer, talent scout and songwriter for Motown, Robinson also served as the label’s vice president for nearly three decades.
