Grateful and Blessed

Words + Music, Vol. 10

De: Smokey Robinson

Narrado por: Smokey Robinson

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.

©2020 Smokey Robinson (P)2020 Audible Originals LLC

Sensational Mr. Smokey Robinson

I enjoyed this immensely, it was the sounds of my childhood. I was born in September of 1968, in Brooklyn NY , and always had Mr. Smokey Robinson and Motown playing throughout my days. It was a pleasure to hear Mr. Smokey Robinson narrating and sharing stories from his life. He is such a humble man, and I am thankful that he shared his God given talents with the world.

Smokey Robinson, a new way to tell a story

Well done Mr. Smokey Robinson. I throughly enjoyed a different most welcoming way to tell your story with music and words.🤩🤩🤩🤩

great behind the scenes from an amazing songwriter

performances were not a good as i expected them to be but his stories are great.

Wonderful storytelling

Loved hearing Smokey’s story of his rise in music and that of so many friends. This was the music of my early teen years and it has had a place in my playlists ever since. I’m sad that I wasn’t able to share this review on my Goodreads page to let friends know about it. Loved it!

Excellent

Big long time fan here. Coming straight from Smokey himself, it’s Informative and very well done.