Silky, Silky Soul Singer

Legend Smokey Robinson To Descend on MGM

By D.A. Phillips // MAIN PHOTO COURTESY BET.COM

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR // SEPTEMBER 2018

He wrote his first song at age 5 and is credited with writing over 4,000 songs since then.

If someone said William Robinson Jr. was going to be performing at The Theater at MGM at National Harbor, how many of us would be lined up around the block for tickets?

That name may not be too familiar but here are some clues that will certainly identify this mega star.  He formed his own vocal group (The Matadors, who later became The Miracles) in high school. With Berry Gordy, he founded the Motown record label. He has written songs for many, many legendary singers and groups including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Mary Wells. He penned such hits as “Ooo Baby Baby,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Shop Around,” “Tears of a Clown” (with Stevie Wonder), “One Heartbeat,” and “Just to See Her.”

Like many A-listers who are identified by one name---Cher, Deniro, Streisand, Prince, and others--this artist is instantly identified by his pseudonym ,“Smokey,” and may also be known as one who gave voice to songs children were conceived by. The silky soul-full sound of his voice is like watching sweet, hot caramel glide down a staircase.

But there are more reasons to check out the 78 year old icon than his iconic voice. Smokey’s historic career spans nearly 60 years in the business (Robinson's first hit, "Shop Around," was in 1960). He’s a living monument to American music whose influence predates The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson. As much as he’s set the path other music legends have built their careers on, Smokey has survived all of them as well. He’s three generations into the game and it might be cool to take your kids and grandkids to check him out.

Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. CREDIT: KCET

Smokey’s also a great statesman of culture and change in the industry and the nation. A member of the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, Smokey’s received countless awards and honors including the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

More than his signature green eyes, Smokey's unique voice - that amazing falsetto - is timeless. The smooth mastery he wields over such a treasured instrument is worthy of a first class audience.

The Grammy award-winning singer, song-writer, producer and so much more will be performing September 15 at 8pm at MGM.

When you step up to the ticket window, let the rep know you need tickets to see “Smokey.”  Now you got it!