Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he also served as the group's chief songwriter and producer. Robinson led the group from its 1955 origins as the Five Chimes until 1972 when he announced a retirement from the group to focus on his role as Motown's vice president...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionRock Singer
Date of Birth19 February 1940
CityDetroit, MI
CountryUnited States of America
Originally I was not writing songs for myself
When you write a song, a song has longevity
And I can say this, most of the people who have recorded my songs are songwriters themselves.
I always try to write a song, I never just want to write a record. Originally I was not writing songs for myself. Songwriting is my gift from God.
People say I'm the life of the party Because I tell a joke or two Although I might be laughing loud and hearty Deep inside I'm blue So take a good look at my face You'll see my smile looks out of place If you look closer, it's easy to trace The tracks of my tears..
My philosophy on writing a song for myself is that I always, always, always want to write a song. I always want to write a song. I realize that as a record producer or a singer or whatever I might not, if I recorded on myself or someone else, the first time out I might not give it the right treatment, so that the world or many people will accept it and it'll be a public hit, or anything like that.
When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I'm a flattered man, it's a blessing to me
If I hear one of my songs by anybody, it's a dream come true every time for me as a songwriter, because I want to write a song, I want to write a song that the world can sing and will always sing.
Even if I don't release it myself, somebody else might hear it and want to record it. When you write a song, it gives it that potential.
I'm blessed, because I enjoy every part of my life. I enjoy writing songs. I've been trying to write songs since I was five years old.
Songwriting is my gift from God
I had been stockpiling Gospel songs for other artists, and had planned to submit them to Gospel artists.
So I wanted to sing inspirational music, and that's exactly how I approached it - only the words have been changed to declare my relationship with God.
I left Motown because of the regime of people who were there.