Growing up, Smokey Robinson was one of my favorite artists with The Miracles. I had many of their ‘45s’ and played them till they didn’t work any more from creating grooves in the vinyl from overuse. When I became a DJ in my late teens, Smokey Robinson as a solo artist became a sensation all over again. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles solo and as a group are a DJ’s dream since there are few listeners who do not like at least one of their songs. It is common for me to be playing a classic Miracles song like, “The Tears of a Clown” or “Love Machine” at a wedding or party and have a young adult come up and ask me, “What was that incredible old skool R&B stuff you were just playing?”
Of course, I smile and share with them “It is one of my musical influences, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.” They run away excited to tell their friends about this ‘new’ artist that jams. Before the night is through, one of their friends will come up and request another Smokey Robinson & The Miracles tune, which I will oblige willingly.
Still to this day, one of my favorite R&B mellow songs is “Crusin”. I know that “Being With You” achieved more commercial success globally but I still like it better.
The Miracles were the original artists signed by Motown Records. “Motown founder and First President Berry Gordy Jr. said: “Without The Miracles, Motown would not be the Motown it is today”.”
In 2006, Smokey was one of the Kennedy Center honorees. The Miracles received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 20, 2009 and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on February 9th, 2012.
Thanks Smokey for sharing the miracle of your music with all of us!