Smokey Robinson

Williarn Robinson, 19th February 1940, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A

Smokey Robinson
a Sweet Motown Song
by
Forest Hairston

Smokey Robinson, undoubtably one of the greatest composers and performers of our time, will forever be known as a captivating legend. Smokey and Motown Records are synonymous with a musical happening which began in 1959 by dramatizing the artistic imagination of Detroit, Michigan, and so touched the entire world. His incredible repertoire of hits written for himself and other legendary artists is an astounding achievement. However, along with his many musical awards including his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and Grammy accolades, Smokey is proud of the little known fact that he began life as a superb athlete at Detroit's Northern High School. His close friends will attest to his athletic ability in that he is a fine golfer and fierce competitor.

Smokey is as well, one of the more modest, generous and spiritual persons one would ever meet. Smokey often modestly disregarded himself as emerging among the greatest poetic songwriters of our modern history, in that many of his albums include works written by other composers. Personally, I've had the wonderful pleasure of Smokey touching his extraordinary vocal style upon several songs, which I've written. I would say my favorite is a beautiful tune from his hit Being With You album entitled, "I Hear The Children Singing." But then, I also loved "Destiny," from his Yes It's You Lady album, as well as "Even Tho," an awesome song that I wrote for Smokey from his wonderful Touch the Sky album.

William Robinson--a composer exceeding his legacy. Absolutely! An African American role model. A Black man who reached inside his soul and achieved his destiny. Absolutely! A story of success. A legend of our time. And so we proudly applaud, a captivating personality. Smokey Robinson. . . . A Star.