Robinson is ready to bring his timeless hits to audiences

There’s a reason Smokey Robinson is known as the “King of Motown.” His voice — smooth, drenched in soul — has carried across generations, weaving through love stories, heartbreaks, and dance floors for more than five decades. Whether it was the unmistakable falsetto that made “The Tracks of My Tears” an anthem or the lyrical touch that gifted “My Girl” to the Temptations, Robinson’s mark on music is unmistakable. When asked if it feels surreal to look back on all he’s accomplished, Robinson’s response is grounded in humility. “None of it, or the magnitude of it, was expected,” he shared over the phone, still lively as ever.

Robinson hails from Detroit, where he was a kid with big dreams and a notebook full of lyrics long before Motown existed. He formed The Miracles in the mid-1950s and when Berry Gordy took notice, everything changed. Robinson didn’t just become a star — he became the architect of a sound that broke racial barriers and shaped American music. The Miracles’ hits, from “Shop Around” to “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” became top hits and cultural gems. And even beyond his own recordings, Robinson was the pen behind some of Motown’s greatest classics, writing for Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Mary Wells.

“When we first started out, I never imagined this level of success,” he continued. “I met Berry Gordy before Motown even began. On that very first day, neither of us anticipated that Motown would become a global phenomenon. We were just making music because we loved it. Back then, it wasn’t even guaranteed that we’d be paid fairly, especially being Black. It’s gone far beyond what we ever imagined.”

At the time, music was still deeply segregated, and mainstream success for Black artists was far from guaranteed. But Motown wasn’t just a record label—it was a movement.

“Berry Gordy said, ‘We’re not just going to make Black music; we’re going to make music for everyone,’” Robinson recalled. “And I’m proud to say we accomplished that.”

Now, at 84, Robinson is still doing what he loves—performing, creating, and proving that timeless music never really fades. As he celebrates 50 years of “Being With You,” Robinson is reflecting on his journey, his enduring passion, and the music that continues to bring people together.

Songs like “Ooo Baby Baby,” “ Cruisin’,” and “Being With You” became soundtracks to people’s lives, and Robinson’s ability to write with both heartache and hope ensured his music never lost relevance. For Robinson, the connection with his audience has always been at the heart of his performances, and it’s something that has only deepened over the years.

“I do concerts, honey,” he said, his voice filled with joy. “And it really makes me feel good. I see people at my concerts with their children, their children’s children, all sitting on their laps. When I first saw them, they were on their parents’ laps.”

Despite the decades that have passed, he finds that every night offers a new opportunity to rediscover the joy in his own music. “Every night, those songs feel new to me,” he continued. “I’m extremely blessed to have a job I love, and I look forward to it every night. I’m having such a good time.”

It’s that sense of excitement that he brings to every show, often adjusting his setlist based on the energy of the crowd. “I mix it up depending on where I’m performing,” he explained. “If it’s a younger crowd, I’ll pick songs that resonate with them. Every concert is a unique experience.”

Though his music is timeless, Robinson isn’t one to look back when creating new work. “I don’t think about the past or any of that when I write,” Robinson said. “Inspiration just hits me. When I write a song, I aim for it to resonate today and 50 years from now.” His approach to songwriting remains as fresh as ever, with his upcoming album “What the World Needs Now” being a prime example.

Associated Press