when smokey sings

Ken Sharp celebrates the 50-year career of the sublime SMOKEY ROBINSON

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 and production prowess, penning gold for The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, The Four Tops and The Marvelettes, Brenda Holloway and The Contours, Robinson’s songs have been recorded by hundreds of notable artists including The Beatles, Rolling Stones,  Supremes, Jackson 5, Linda Ronstadt, Sonny & Cher, Elvis Costello, The Beat, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren, Zombies, Bryan Ferry, and many others.

Hailed by none other than Bob Dylan as ‘America’s greatest living poet’, Smokey’s songs have an elegant lyrical simplicity and eloquence that demonstrates the mark of a master craftsman. He has been saluted in song by such ardent fans as George Harrison and ABC and for further proof of Smokey’s impact on rock and roll, just listen to the Beatles’ early Sixties jewels, This Boy (described by John Lennon as his attempt to write a Miracles song), Not A Second Time and their …

by Ken Sharp
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