More than 50 years ago, Smokey Robinson -- a founding Motown executive, songwriter and producer, as well as lead singer for The Miracles, released his first record. Since then, Robinson's countless hits and consistent contributions to the Motown label have earned him the title of the "King of Motown." As both a member of Motown's The Miracles and as a solo artist, Robinson recorded 37 Top 40 hits between 1960 and 1987. He also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988.Smokey Robinson is well known for composing tunes with The Temptations including "My Girl," "Get Ready" and "The Way You Do the Things You Do." Other songwriting credits include R&B and rock standards by The Miracles 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." Robinson has also composed for Mary Wells, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and The Marvelettes.
Entering his fifth decade as a professional singer, songwriter and producer, Robinson's latest releases include “A Quiet Storm”, “Time Flies When You're Having Fun” (2009) and “Now and Then” – a compilation CD available exclusively at Cracker Barrel.
Robinson's impressive roster of musical achievements include a Grammy "Living Legend" award, the National Medal of Arts Award - the most prestigious and highest honor an artist can receive - by the President of the United States. He's also received a Grammy Award for "Best R&B Performance, Male," The Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement and has been inducted into to the Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Robinson continues to sing about love, what he says is an "ever-lasting subject" that "never goes out of style."
Smokey Robinson will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida on Thursday December 1, 2011.
