Smokey Robinson
[The Spoken
Word Poet]
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William Smokey Robinson, award-winning singer and song-writer was born in February, 1940 in Detroit and there he was raised; 1955 he formed the singing group The Miracles; since then he has written over 4,000 songs.
Smokey Robinson is a musical genius. Even now he writes significant lyrics and poetry. He has appeared on Russell Simmons' Def Jam Poetry reading his spoken word poetry. There he brought the audience to their feet with, I Love Being Black. A poem of seriousness that spoke to what Black people are called and call themselves and how those terms arise.
What Smokey showed by moving across the poetry gap to a Spoken Word style was that he is a poet for all seasons. His style was excellent and his poetry was profound and serious Black poetry.
He was was nicknamed "Smokey" as a child because of his love of western movies. Smokey Robinson met Berry Gordy, Jr., when he was just a songwriter, and they co-wrote a single called, "Got a Job," as an answer song to The Silhouettes' hit single "Get A Job." And they teamed up from there.
During their life on top, The Beatles called Smokey Robinson America greatest living poet. Robinson was a singer and a writer; he wrote some of the top songs for other singers and singing groups.
During the 1980's Robinson became addicted to cocaine, his recordings slowed, and his marriage to Claudette Robinson faltered and they divorced in 1986. He eventually overcame his cocaine habit and revitalized his career.
In 2004, Robinson launched a line of soul food entrees with the slogan, "The Soul is in the Bowl." And in May 2006, Howard University conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Music. Of course, Robinson has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Smokey Robinson]
Gibbs staff