-
Grateful and Blessed
- Words + Music | Vol. 10
- Narrated by: Smokey Robinson
- Length: 1 hr and 35 mins
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Publisher's summary
If any artist could brag about his contribution to the pop culture canon, it’s Smokey Robinson. His career is filled with so many “he was there” moments it’s a wonder he doesn’t recall them with the swagger of a conquering hero: songwriting and singing as a teenager in Detroit; co-founding Motown Records with Berry Gordy; creating 26 Top 40 hits with his group The Miracles; helping to spark racial integration of popular music in the 1960s; discovering hitmakers like Diana Ross and the Supremes; penning tunes for a jaw-droppingly diverse group of artists including Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, The Jackson Five, Kim Carnes, Linda Ronstadt; and releasing smash hits as solo artist well into the 1980s.
But surprisingly, and delightfully, Robinson is as awed by his success as we are listening to him describe it. He guides us through his extraordinary career with the same giddy sense of discovery and delight that music fans recall the first time they heard one of his infectious tunes.
He takes us back to his group’s first, disastrous performance at the Apollo Theater, opening for a brilliant and generous Ray Charles. He describes daily life at the famed Hitsville studio in Detroit, where a young Diana Ross or Martha Reeves could be found working as the receptionist. He shares his pride in being an influence on the Beatles and hearing his songs on their album - a transforming moment for the Motown sound. “I ain't never heard no popular white boys say anything like that ever. For them to come out and tell the world? They were my guys from then on.”
And, of course, he takes us inside his songs. He describes where he was - shaving in the mirror at home - when “The Tracks of My Tears” finally came together. He remembers taking the wheel on the last 150 miles back to Detroit after a tour, humming the melody that would become the Temptations hit “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” He recalls being floored by the way a 10-year-old Michael Jackson brought a depth and soul to “Who’s Loving You.” And he explains where the term “Quiet Storm” originated, a song title that went on to become an entire musical genre.
It’s a journey Robinson revisits with a grateful, humble heart. He has no agenda to push, no axes to grind, no scores to settle. He reflects on the ups as well as downs, and looks back with appreciation for the people who put love in his life. That makes listening a distinct pleasure: You get to spend time with a hugely influential artist who is warm, upbeat, and proud to have built a life and career through his art.
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About the Creator and Performer
Featured Article: From the Queen of Soul to the Purple One, Hear the Stories of Black Musicians and Artists Who Broke Boundaries
This Black History Month—and every day of the year—we're shining a light on artists and thinkers who demonstrate the boundless depths of Black creativity, joy, and love. We've gathered a list of memoirs by and biographies about artists who totally upended the expectations of a white-dominated field and crafted something entirely their own, making history and changing lives as a result.
What listeners say about Grateful and Blessed
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- John R. Meade
- 11-22-20
Man Crush
I've loved Smokey Robinson since I first heard "Shop Around." I've seen him 4 times in concert over 5 decades and I'm not quick to tears but "Ooo Baby Baby" brought raindrops to my eyes at each performance. The story he tells about the inspiration for Ooo Baby Baby is so cool. And his inspiration from a Sam Cooke record to write, "You Really Got A Hold On Me." is just another great story. He sings a number of his songs on this recording and his voice is ageless.
If he ever does a reprise, I would like to hear the story behind "Just To See Her." I know Smokey didn't write it but he sure did sing it. He closed two of the shows I saw with it and people were on their feet singing along.
The first time I saw him was in 1965 at the Uptown Theatre in Philadelphia. I was one of 4 white people in the audience - me and three friends. The lineup that night was Charley and Inez Fox, Ike and Tina Turner, a couple of Philly groups: The Volcanos and the Intruders, and the Four Tops. Smokey and the Miracles closed the show. After the 4 Tops went off, all the lights in the house dimmed, and very large police officers made their way towards the stage. I thought there was a bomb scare or something. Then the off-stage announcer Georgie Woods said, "The Uptown Theater in association with WDAS radio and Georgie Woods productions is proud to present SMOKEY ROBINSON AND THE MIRACLES!" The drums started banging, the curtain opened, the band was playing "Going To A Go-Go" and Smokey was out front singing. What happened next is forever inscribed in my mind. Girls came flying out of their seats rushing the stage longingly saying, "Smokey" and these police offers were throwing them back towards their seats. I knew I liked Smokey but to these young women, he was the Black Elvis.
Bob Dylan called him the "Master Poet From The Motor City." You will love this recording if you love Smokey.
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29 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-20-20
Just incredible!!!!!
Smokey Robinson is an icon and all around talent. Thank you for this it was wonderful. God bless you Smokey ❤️
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19 people found this helpful
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- Kisha M. Anderson
- 11-20-20
Loved it!
As a kid Smokey's voice was too much! All the slow songs and how it held a key for minutes. Too smooth. Ha! My family LOVED him, especially my granny. As a kid you don't appreciate soul music as you should and not as interested in the value of a wonderful back story. So glad I've matured and understand history is life. This book provides heritage and history of a powerhouse genre. I remember very song, but learning the back story and Smokey's contribution was wonderful. Thank you Audible for giving us more insight to a phenomenal living legend.
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16 people found this helpful
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- Jennifer Carter
- 11-19-20
Loved it.
A great summary covering at least 4 decades of life. I would certainly recommend listening to this book. It's amazing how God works miraculously in our lifes and it's wonderful to celebrate His greatness.
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14 people found this helpful
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- Marie
- 11-20-20
The story behind the music is fun
I did tell my family to skip Part 12 where he became addicted and how religion saved him. I'm happy for him and it's great he kicked drugs but it became a bit too religious for me. He's an amazing talent. I went to a Sesame Street letter U performance when he got to the song You Really Got a Hold On Me.
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- AmazonCustomer
- 11-22-20
Love Love Love Smokey!
I really enjoyed Smokey's story along with his beautiful singing and lyrics. Excellent Excellent job!
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- Amazon Customer
- 11-20-20
love me some Smokey
I find Smokey's story captivating. Love the music. It was a nice cruise down memory lane.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 11-20-20
Loved This!!
Hearing the history behind his music Is amazing. I wish this was much more longer. Great listen!!
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- nija tamarr mckinnis
- 11-20-20
Ceylon mckinnnis, Nevada
I love and very much listening to my man Smokey Robinson. I grew up listening to him since i was very young. When his first single came out my uncle brought the record for me to listen to. Hold me was the title of the hit single. I thought his was just singing to me only. I have all his albums from Apple Music. I am trying to get more ring tones to download. I grew up listening to everyone that he review in his book, i hope he will have more music like this to listen to. Got to go to only of his concert for my birthday when i live in California. It was beautiful when he song the song happy. Always a fan, love you Smokey.
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- Kindle Customer GeorgiaK
- 11-22-20
Must listen!
This is a very worthwhile listen.The words and music of Smokey Robinson! I just keep listening and will enjoy this a second time.
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Story
From its inception, hip-hop has challenged ideas about morality, religion, and truth. Genuinely, it’s a philosophical genre. Both philosophers and hip-hop artists think about God, death, and justice, among other things. But rarely do members of these two groups talk to one another about these issues. This is a shame, given that both hip-hop and philosophy have a rich history in deep thinking and have produced exemplary thinkers.
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Good stuff
- By DogNose1 on 08-29-23
By: Brandon Hogan, and others
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Temptations
- Revised and Updated
- By: Otis Williams, Patricia Romanowski - with
- Narrated by: JD Jackson, Otis Williams
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The Temptations' heritage, influence, and contributions to American culture and the global music landscape is undeniable. The group produced some of the greatest music of our era and it transcends generations. Through the years, the group's trademark razor-sharp choreography, finely tuned harmonies, and compelling vocals made them the exemplars of the Motown sound. Their story is one of courage, struggle, triumphs, setbacks, and ultimately, international superstardom.
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History in the making
- By Stephen H. Platt on 04-15-20
By: Otis Williams, and others
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Divided Soul
- The Life of Marvin Gaye
- By: David Ritz
- Narrated by: Dion Graham
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Abridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In this intimate biography of the Prince of Soul, David Ritz provides a candid look at a star and a friend. Ritz had been collaborating with Marvin Gaye on his story for several years before the singer's tragic death and had conducted a series of extraordinary interviews in which Gaye discussed his deepest secrets. What emerges is a full-scale portrait of a charming but tortured artist, a brilliant singer with a divided soul.
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Wow made for the big screen
- By Adé Ngeno on 08-12-16
By: David Ritz
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A Dynamic Career in Communications
- Words + Music | Vol. 37
- By: yasiin bey
- Narrated by: yasiin bey
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In his W+M installment, A Dynamic Career in Communications, yasiin bey treats listeners to a rich and immersive experience that goes beyond the surface. It's a captivating journey that explores his roots, beliefs, and creative process. Through his words and music, yasiin bey offers a unique and powerful perspective on life, art, and the role of communication in shaping the world we live in.
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Such an interesting artist!
- By JRMurd on 07-08-23
By: yasiin bey
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Overground Railroad
- The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
- By: Candacy Taylor
- Narrated by: Lisa Reneé Pitts
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Green Book, a travel guide for Black motorists.
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Narrator destroyed this for me! read it instead
- By purpleprose on 10-16-22
By: Candacy Taylor
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Quite the Contrary
- On Life, Work, and Loving Miles Davis
- By: Yvonne Durant
- Narrated by: Allyson Johnson, Yvonne Durant
- Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Yvonne Durant was one of the few Black women writing ads for major brands in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Ambitious and determined, she ultimately won a position at a global ad agency in Milan, Italy. While her career was exciting, it was a challenge to be self-defining in a Mad Men world that had little experience with or respect for Black experience.
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Compelling Story…Beautifully Written
- By Amazon Customer on 02-11-22
By: Yvonne Durant
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Hip Hop and Philosophy
- By: Brandon Hogan, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Brandon Hogan
- Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
From its inception, hip-hop has challenged ideas about morality, religion, and truth. Genuinely, it’s a philosophical genre. Both philosophers and hip-hop artists think about God, death, and justice, among other things. But rarely do members of these two groups talk to one another about these issues. This is a shame, given that both hip-hop and philosophy have a rich history in deep thinking and have produced exemplary thinkers.
-
-
Good stuff
- By DogNose1 on 08-29-23
By: Brandon Hogan, and others
-
Temptations
- Revised and Updated
- By: Otis Williams, Patricia Romanowski - with
- Narrated by: JD Jackson, Otis Williams
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Temptations' heritage, influence, and contributions to American culture and the global music landscape is undeniable. The group produced some of the greatest music of our era and it transcends generations. Through the years, the group's trademark razor-sharp choreography, finely tuned harmonies, and compelling vocals made them the exemplars of the Motown sound. Their story is one of courage, struggle, triumphs, setbacks, and ultimately, international superstardom.
-
-
History in the making
- By Stephen H. Platt on 04-15-20
By: Otis Williams, and others
-
Divided Soul
- The Life of Marvin Gaye
- By: David Ritz
- Narrated by: Dion Graham
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this intimate biography of the Prince of Soul, David Ritz provides a candid look at a star and a friend. Ritz had been collaborating with Marvin Gaye on his story for several years before the singer's tragic death and had conducted a series of extraordinary interviews in which Gaye discussed his deepest secrets. What emerges is a full-scale portrait of a charming but tortured artist, a brilliant singer with a divided soul.
-
-
Wow made for the big screen
- By Adé Ngeno on 08-12-16
By: David Ritz
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Dispossession
- By: Tayari Jones
- Narrated by: Gabrielle Union
- Length: 57 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Motherhood isn’t easy, especially when you’re a mother of a Black son. Ten years ago, Cheryl jumped at the chance to send her son, Javonte, to an exclusive boarding school in New England - far away from Atlanta and the violence of the city streets. It was the American dream, or was it? Now settled in Vermont, Javonte is married and well-employed, but Cheryl hardly ever sees him, and when she does, her own son seems like someone she only used to know.
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Wanted more
- By Sarah Peters on 01-19-21
By: Tayari Jones
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The Book of Baraka
- By: Ras Baraka, Jelani Cobb
- Narrated by: Ras Baraka, Jelani Cobb
- Length: 1 hr and 43 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
“When I become mayor, we become mayor.” Ras Baraka’s famous words speak to exactly who he is as a leader - a fiercely loyal member of his community. In this innovative and ground-breaking Audible Original, hear how Baraka - the mayor of Newark, New Jersey - grew from spoken-word artist to school principal to successful politician.
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We need more Barakas in our life....
- By Cecelia Rich on 02-25-22
By: Ras Baraka, and others
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Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words
- By: Malka Marom
- Narrated by: Carrington MacDuffie
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
When singer, musician, and broadcast journalist Malka Marom had the opportunity to interview Joni Mitchell in 1973, she was eager to reconnect with the performer that she'd first met late one night in 1966 at a Yorkville coffeehouse. More conversations followed over the next four decades of friendship, and it was only after Joni and Malka completed their last recorded interview, in 2012, that Malka discovered the heart of their discussions: the creative process.
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Painful and Dull
- By Trey on 11-03-16
By: Malka Marom
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Just as I Am
- A Memoir
- By: Cicely Tyson, Michelle Burford
- Narrated by: Cicely Tyson, Viola Davis, Robin Miles
- Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Just as I Am is my truth. It is me, plain and unvarnished, with the glitter and garland set aside. Here, I am indeed Cicely, the actress who has been blessed to grace the stage and screen for six decades. Yet I am also the church girl who once rarely spoke a word. I am the teenager who sought solace in the verses of the old hymn for which this book is named. I am a daughter and mother, a sister, and a friend. I am an observer of human nature and the dreamer of audacious dreams.
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A Legend and National Treasure
- By Mz Fabulous on 01-29-21
By: Cicely Tyson, and others