SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES
Blessed with extraordinary talents as a songwriter, producer and vocalist, Smokey Robinson is unquestionably one of the treasures of modern music. But for many it’s all about that gorgeous voice, that silky smooth falsetto, a seductive and sensual instrument of almost supernatural power that continues to transfix fans around the globe.
From his seminal work with The Miracles and as a solo artist to his consummate songwriting, Robinson’s songs have been recorded by hundreds of notable artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Jackson 5 and many others.
GOLDMINE: At what point did you find your voice as a writer?
SMOKEY ROBINSON: I grew up under the tutelage of Berry Gordy. I met Berry Gordy before we started Motown. Berry Gordy was a songwriter himself. He had written all the hit songs for Jackie Wilson who was my number one singing idol as a kid growing up. When we started Motown, Berry said, “We’re not gonna make black music. We’re gonna make good music. We’re gonna make music with some great beats and some great stories. We’re gonna make music for everybody.” That’s what we set out to do. That was our craftsmanship under his tutelage. So when I sit down to write a song, I’m not necessarily trying to write a record. A hit record is a bonus. I want to write a song that would have meant something 50 years before. I want to write a song that will mean something 50 years later. That’s what I try to do as a songwriter.
GM: When did you realize you had a special gift as a vocalist?
I don’t look at myself like that. You know what mean? I think that’s all up to the person who’s listening to your music. Listen, I’m a very blessed man because I get a chance to live a life that I love. I absolutely my life. I’m living my childhood dream. My initial dream was to be doing what I’m doing, to be involved in music as a singer and a songwriter. I grew up in the ghetto of Detroit and thought that was an dream. When I met Berry (Gordy) I had just graduated from high school and I was going to junior college. I was gonna be an electrical engineer because I just didn’t think a career in music was possible. When
