It is impossible to talk about todays music without talking about the contributions of Smokey Robinson!! It is said that almost everyone who made it at Motown owes an huge debt to Smokey. Every act at Motown sang a song either written by, or arranged by Smokey. Smokey never wrote a song for Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye, but even they sang a Smokey song.
One of Smokey's songs created a whole new genre of easy listening evening radio programs. The song was "Quiet Storm" and radio stations around the country created programs for lovers in the early evening using "Quiet Storm" as their theme.
I think Smokey songs were so popular becasue everyone could understand what he was feeling with just a few simple words and phrases.
Over the years Smokey has won every award possible, but I think the greatest tribute to his understanding of the human heart is in the number of artist that covered his songs. To give you an idea of how many covers there were, I'll give you a small list of some of the songs that were covered.
The Rolling Stones covered "Going To A GoGo", Michael McDonald covered "I Second That Emotion",along with Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Manhattan Transfer, and The Temptations. "Oh Be My Love" was covered by Barbara Lewis and Barbara McNair."I Like It Like That" was covered by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. "Who's Lovin You was covered by Archie Bell & The Drells and En Vogue. With hundreds of songs to choose from there was somrthing for everybody.
I have been a Smokey fan since the beginning of his career, and I'm still amazed at how many was he could find tell a woman how much he loved her.
If there are any Smokey fans out there please comments, and pass this blog along to your friends.
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