| Smokey Robinson | |
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Show starts at 08:00 PM May 31, 2008 River Rock Show Theatre Hailed by some as the greatest living American songwriter, Motown star Smokey Robinson has been composing and singing rhythm and blues hits for more than three decades. Robinson, who grew up in Detroit, Michigan spent his youth writing songs and singing in local bands. In 1954, he formed a rhythm and blues group called the Matadors … changed to the Miracles three years later when female singer, Claudette Rogers, joined the group. During an audition, Robinson was lucky to have encountered Berry Gordy who began to produce the Miracles' singles in 1958 collaborating with Robinson on lyrics and tunes. Robinson and the Miracles earned more than six Gold records featuring such hits as "The Tracks of My Tears," "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "I Second That Emotion" and "Ooo Baby Baby." After "Tears of a Clown" became a #1 hit in 1972, Robinson left the Miracles. Robinson’s solo albums were on the whole, more thoughtful and mellow than his work with the Miracles and his records of the late 1980s continued to gain popularity and the approval of critics. His 1987 album entitled One Heartbeat was termed "another winning package of sharp, sophisticated soul" by a reviewer from Rolling Stone. Songs like "Cruisin'," "Just to See Her"—a Grammy Award winner—and "Being With You" became both rhythm and blues and pop hits. Coupled with his success with the Miracles and as a major Motown song writer, Robinson's solo achievements in the music industry led to his 1986 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 1989, he was named a Grammy Living Legend. With the onset of the 1990s, Robinson left Motown and moved to SBK Records. With SBK, Robinson released a well-received album which he co-produced and recorded in less than six weeks, 1991's Double Good Everything. Musical productivity and recognition for his accomplishments have not slowed down for Robinson. In 1999, he released the well-received Intimate album followed in 2004 by the gospel LP, Food for the Spirit. In 2006, he recorded Timeless Love, a new album of pop standards from the early 20th century and as well, he was presented with the Kennedy Center Honors Award. Today, Robinson continues to perform to sold out crowds throughout Canada and the United States. Tickets on sale Thursday January 31 @ 10am Tickets: Golden Circle $79.50 | Orchestra $69.50 | plus service charges |
