Grateful and Blessed

Words + Music, Vol. 10

De: Smokey Robinson

Narrado por: Smokey Robinson

If any artist could brag about his contribution to the pop culture canon, it’s Smokey Robinson. His career is filled with so many “he was there” moments it’s a wonder he doesn’t recall them with the swagger of a conquering hero: songwriting and singing as a teenager in Detroit; co-founding Motown Records with Berry Gordy; creating 26 Top 40 hits with his group The Miracles; helping to spark racial integration of popular music in the 1960s; discovering hitmakers like Diana Ross and the Supremes; penning tunes for a jaw-droppingly diverse group of artists including Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, The Jackson Five, Kim Carnes, Linda Ronstadt; and releasing smash hits as solo artist well into the 1980s.

But surprisingly, and delightfully, Robinson is as awed by his success as we are listening to him describe it. He guides us through his extraordinary career with the same giddy sense of discovery and delight that music fans recall the first time they heard one of his infectious tunes.

He takes us back to his group’s first, disastrous performance at the Apollo Theater, opening for a brilliant and generous Ray Charles. He describes daily life at the famed Hitsville studio in Detroit, where a young Diana Ross or Martha Reeves could be found working as the receptionist. He shares his pride in being an influence on the Beatles and hearing his songs on their album - a transforming moment for the Motown sound. “I ain't never heard no popular white boys say anything like that ever. For them to come out and tell the world? They were my guys from then on.”

And, of course, he takes us inside his songs. He describes where he was - shaving in the mirror at home - when “The Tracks of My Tears” finally came together. He remembers taking the wheel on the last 150 miles back to Detroit after a tour, humming the melody that would become the Temptations hit “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” He recalls being floored by the way a 10-year-old Michael Jackson brought a depth and soul to “Who’s Loving You.” And he explains where the term “Quiet Storm” originated, a song title that went on to become an entire musical genre.

It’s a journey Robinson revisits with a grateful, humble heart. He has no agenda to push, no axes to grind, no scores to settle. He reflects on the ups as well as downs, and looks back with appreciation for the people who put love in his life. That makes listening a distinct pleasure: You get to spend time with a hugely influential artist who is warm, upbeat, and proud to have built a life and career through his art.

©2020 Smokey Robinson (P)2020 Audible Originals LLC

Smokey my Heart

As a young adolescent growing up I really didn’t know or appreciate what I had. I would say I was a miserable child. One thing I can say is I loved music.
Smokey Robinson was my favorite singer. I didn’t know he wrote his songs and all the hit songs for others. I grew up on his music. As a child I thought he was personally writing the songs for me like “Baby Baby don’t cry.” His songs shifted my depressive thoughts to happiness.
I enjoyed hearing his voice on audio. I am 64 now and very blessed.

Outstanding

This audio book was well put together about the life of Smokey Robinson. Soulful success artist who gave us a look inside of his life. I must say I have read several books on audible but this was the best one so far. Great job to everyone who brought this story to life narrated by Smokey Robinson only he could’ve told the story the way it was meant to be told.

So Inspiring!

I’ve always loved Smokey Robinson’s music and have seen him Live several times since the late 80’s but this was so fun to hear his story through music and his own words! Mr. Robinson is a creative and inspiring singer and song writer and also funny and humble. I would love to hear more and can imagine an entire series❤️

Nicely Read by Author Great Music

Good historical Review perfectly highlighted with songs you love
Wish it had been longer. No I will have to review all of his music!

Love Smokey! Loved listening and learning

So interesting, totally held my attention . Wish there were more to enjoy! Great job

Fun and fascinating

I can’t think of a better way to spend 90 minutes than in the company of Smoky Robinson as he talks about his life and sing his hits. His feeling of being blessed and lucky comes though throughout. He’s upbeat and inspiring, and the stories of his life and the early days of Motown are fascinating. He has great stories about his encounters with other Motown immortals — Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Supremes, etc. I’m still trying to get my mind around Smoky and Marvin Gaye playing golf together — now THAT would be a foursome to join. His canon of songs matches that of anyone this side of Lennon/McCartney, and you get to hear him sing each of them during this story, although with a backup band that isn’t up to the rest of the production. A great listen, the story of a wonderful man — I only wish it had been longer.

Uncontrollable tears of joy and sadness

This piece was like hearing your favorite Uncle tell his life story. Its amazing and historical, a piece of history to be memorialized that will last for generations. It was better than a movie and better than a book. It was SMOKEY. This piece of work is amazingly beautiful and I pray you get more people to tell their stories in this way before they can't tell it like it is in their own words. Hats off.

loved it

I really enjoyed listening to this recording, I always appreciate artists who intentionally tried to bring truth into their music and Smokey is a perfect example of someone striving to be a good person and I really enjoyed this

love it

thank you for letting me hear .i am happy to listen to this over and over

Oldie But Goody

I have always been a motown fan. It is a family tradition of our to listen to oldies but goodies on sundays and listening to Smokey tell back stories to some of my favorite songs was eye opening.