Motown legend Smokey Robinson’s enjoys a career that spans 50 years as he celebrates the release of latest album, “Time Flies When You’re Having Fun.”
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Timeless
“I can’t believe that 50 years has passed myself,” admits Robinson. “I am living my impossible dream.”
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Gift of Song
“When I write for other artists that song is for that person,” explains Robinson. “I never wish I’d kept the song for me.”
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Studio Time
In January 1960, Robinson is hard at work creating classics.
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Silky Soul Singer
Robinson served as the front man for The Miracles, the Motown quartet, and upon his retirement he settled into his job as vice president of Motown to work with his best friend Berry Gordy.
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G.Q. Gents
The Miracles (left to right) Ronnie White, Pete Moore, Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers were debonair and harmonious.
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The Awesome Two
Smokey gives Aretha Franklin a kiss on stage at a rehearsal for the “Aretha Franklin: Duets” concert to benefit the Gay Men’s Health Crisis at the Nederlander Theater in April 1993 in New York City.
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Black Knights
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles serenade their fans in style.
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Born to Sing
Robinson wrote his first song when he was 6 for a school production. “You would have thought I was George Gershwin. My mom called everyone to tell them.”
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Soul Man
Smokey Robinson performing at the Palladium in London in 1978.
“I love every aspect of my career, but my favorite thing is the concerts because I get to connect with the people,” admits Robinson.
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Survival of the Fittest
Smokey Robinson, a national antidrug spokesperson, admits to falling prey to drugs at the age of 40 and getting through it with much prayer.
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Rock Steady
Smokey Robinson performs during the evening hosted by producer David Gest at the Grosvenor House on May 24, 2006, in London, England.
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Shot Caller
Smokey Robinson does his thing at the second day of rehearsals for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2007.
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Man to Man
Robinson hugs his best friend and fellow Motown legend Berry Gordy after singing a tribute to him at a 50th anniversary celebration of Motown October 20, 2007, in Detroit.
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Heavenly Voice
Smokey Robinson performs at the Sinatra Theater on March 5, 2008, in Sunrise, Florida.