Grateful and Blessed

Words + Music, Vol. 10

By: Smokey Robinson

Narrated by: 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

love me some Smokey

I find Smokey's story captivating. Love the music. It was a nice cruise down memory lane.

Favorite

I have always loved his music! He comes across here as a very humble gentleman!

Beautiful!

Listening to Smokey talk about his life is like having a good visit with him. He is so charming and loving in his memories of how he came to be the star that he is today. I highly recommend this audio book, and it leaves you feeling great when he sings some of his big hits. I loved his insights into the early days of Motown. If there was one thing I'd have enjoyed, it would've been more of the great songs and music we've all come to love so much. But that is another audio book.

Smokey is the GREATEST (and so is this audiobook)!

Grateful and Blessed Words + Music by Smokey Robinson is excellent. I knew his story and have been a big fan since the early 60's. It's great to hear him tell his own story. I met Smokey outside the Copacabana in NYC in 1968. As a 19-year old kid I waited to ask for his autograph. He asked if I wanted to meet the rest of the Miracles and took him to their hotel room next to the Copa. What a memory meeting one of my idols. Great Story!

A great listen for musicians and music lovers.

As an amateur musician and music lover, I really enjoyed listening to the stories in this Audible book. Smokey Robinson comes across as very sincere, kind, and talented. He gives a wonderful historical perspective of the origins of Motown and his own creative methods. Loved the book.

An amazing story and life’s work!

Loved loved loved this audible production.
Smokey is such a talent and gifted human.
His Story is so amazing and narrated with such heart and beautifully performed music.

I love you even more

Amazing, talented, humble, beautiful soul of a man. This was very entertaining. What I would give to have lived in that neighborhood in those moments in time. One of my all time favorite musicians.

Smokey's Story is Legendary

Hear Smokey share his amazing story. From growing up with legends, and writing so many hit songs for so many artists, to being part of the start of Motown. Definitely a great way to spend an hour and a half.

Nice Story

Thank You Smokey for taking the time to share your story and giving us a small insight into the Motown Era.

Nice walk down musical memory lane

Smokey tells stories about his time in music and sings his hits and hits he wrote for others. If you like the early Motown Sound you'll enjoy this walk down memory lane with one of it's pioneers!