smokey robinson
R&B/soul
history
- Born in Detroit, Michigan on February 19, 1940
- Started in 1955 with the Five Chimes
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Closest ally with Motown ever
- Robinson was a Motown producer, songwriter, talent scout and was Gordy’s most trusted confidant and right-hand man
- He was the vice president of Motown Records
- Robinson went solo in 1972
- First Grammy Award as a solo artist in 1987
Event that propelled the artist to fame
Smokey Robinson met with producer Berry Gordy Jr. which led to a contract with Motown Records and his first hit song "Shop Around" in 1960.
top songs
"The Tracks of My Tears"
"You Really Got a Hold on Me"
"I Second That Emotion"
"Shop Around"
"Cruisin'"
"My Girl"
"More Love"
top albums
A Quiet Storm
Timeless love
Big Time
Smokey and Friends
Touch the Sky
Characteristics of R&B/Soul
- Call and response
- Shouting
- Improvisation
- Secular lyrics about real life
- Use of horn section
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles 1960 /Shop Around/スモーキー・ロビンソン
"Shop Around"
S-main vocals, back-up vocals, saxophone, guitar, piano
H-back-up vocals, saxophone, guitar, piano
M-main vocals
R-slow-moderate-, in 4
G-moderate
line
intro-chorus-verse 1-chorus-interlude-chorus-verse 2-verse 3-outro
citation
"Smokey Robinson." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.