Early years and formation of the Miracles
Robinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and was nicknamed "Smokey" as a child, because of his love of westerns. The name originally came when an uncle (who would take a young Robinson to see westerns) gave him the name "Smokey Joe", Robinson began being called "Smokey" whilst in his teens. In 1955, Robinson founded a group he called "The Five Chimes" with his best friend Ronnie White, and Northern High School classmates Pete Moore, Clarence Dawson, and James Grice. By 1957, the group was called "The Matadors" and included cousins Bobby Rogers and Claudette Rogers in place of Dawson and Grice. With Robinson as lead singer, the Matadors began touring the local Detroit venues. In 1958, Robinson met songwriter Berry Gordy, Jr., who co-wrote for them the single "Got a Job," an answer song to The Silhouettes' hit single "Get A Job." The group renamed itself The Miracles, and issued singles on both End Records and Chess Records before Robinson suggested to Berry Gordy that he start a label of his own.
In 1959, Gordy founded Tamla Records, which he soon reincorporated as Motown. The Miracles were among the label's first signees. Gordy and Robinson had a synergistic relationship, with Robinson providing a foundation for Motown's hit-making success and Gordy acting as a mentor for the budding singer and songwriter. By 1961, Gordy had appointed Robinson vice-president of Motown Records, a title Robinson held for as long as Gordy remained with the company.
Motown and The Miracles
The 1960 single "Shop Around" was Motown's first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart, and the first big hit for The Miracles. They scored many more hits over the years, including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" (1962), "Mickey's Monkey" (1963), "Ooo Baby Baby (1965), "The Tracks of My Tears" (1965), "Going to a Go-Go" (1965), "More Love" (1967), and "I Second That Emotion" (1967).
Besides penning hits for his own group, Robinson also wrote and produced hits and album tracks for other Motown artists. Mary Wells had a big hit with the Robinson-penned "My Guy" (1964), and Robinson served as The Temptations primary songwriter and producer from 1963 to 1966, penning hits such as "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Since I Lost My Baby," and "Get Ready." Among Robinson's numerous other Motown compositions are "Still Water (Love)" by The Four Tops, "Don't Mess With Bill" by The Marvelettes, "When I'm Gone" by Brenda Holloway, "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" by Marvin Gaye, "My Guy" by Mary Wells and "First I Look at the Purse" by The Contours.
Fellow singer/songwriter Bob Dylan described Robinson as "America's greatest living poet." Robinson's hit ballads also earned him the title "America's poet laureate of love." Over the course of his almost 50-year career in music, Robinson has over 4,000 songs to his credit.
After marrying Claudette Rogers, Robinson started a family, and named both of his children after Motown: his son was named Berry after the company's founder, and his daughter was named Tamla after the Motown imprint for which Robinson and The Miracles recorded.
The Miracles remained a premier Motown act through most of the 1960s. Albums were released as "Smokey Robinson & the Miracles" after 1965. By 1969, the group's fortunes began to falter, and Robinson decided to quit The Miracles so that he could remain at home with his family and concentrate on his duties as vice president. The group stopped recording and Robinson prepared to leave the group. Unexpectedly, however, their 1966 recording of "The Tears of a Clown" was released as a single in 1970, and became a #1 hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Due to the surprise success of "Tears of a Clown," Robinson was convinced to remain with The Miracles for a few more years. In 1972, he followed through on his original plans to leave the group, and The Miracles began a six-month farewell tour. On July 16, 1972, Smokey and Claudette Robinson gave their final performances as Miracles at the Carter Barron Amphitheater in Washington, DC, and Robinson introduced the group's new lead singer, Billy Griffin. The Miracles went on for a while, even having another #1 hit, "Love Machine," in 1976.
Successful solo career
Smokey Robinson began a low-key solo career while concentrating on his duties as vice-president of Motown, releasing his first solo LP, Smokey, in 1973. His first hit single, "Sweet Harmony" (1973), was dedicated to The Miracles.
In 1975, Robinson's solo career went into full-drive after the success of the #1 R&B hit "Baby That's Backatcha." Robinson's 1976 single "Quiet Storm" and its accompanying album typified a smooth, slow style of R&B that is today called "quiet storm." Other Robinson solo hits include "Cruisin'" (1979), "Being With You" (a UK #1 hit) (1981), "Tell Me Tomorrow" (1982), and "Ebony Eyes," a duet with labelmate Rick James (1983). He also recorded the soundtrack to the film Big Time (1977).
Spokesmanship
Smokey Robinson is the spokesman of the Great American Smokeout, which takes place annually one week before Thanksgiving. It's a day when smokers quit smoking for at least a day. In 2006, It takes place on November 16th.
Later years
During the mid-1980s, Robinson fell victim to cocaine addiction. His recording slowed, and his marriage to Claudette faltered; the two were divorced in 1986. Robinson eventually overcame the addiction and revitalized his career, scoring hits in 1987 with "Just To See Her" and "One Heartbeat." Also in 1987, British band ABC scored a US and UK hit with their tribute to Robinson, entitled "When Smokey Sings". In 1988, Robinson published his autobiography, Smokey, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Upon Motown's sale to MCA in 1988, Robinson resigned from his position as vice-president. After one last album for Motown, Love, Smokey (1990), Robinson departed the company. He released one record for SBK Records, Double Good Everything (1991), the same year he won a Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement. Eight years later, he returned to Motown, which by then was a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and released Intimate (1999).
Since then, Robinson has continued to periodically perform and tour. In 2003, Robinson served as a guest judge for American Idol during "Billy Joel Week." He issued a gospel LP, Food for the Spirit in 2004. A new album of pop standards from the early 20th century, Timeless Love, was released in June 2006. It was originally recorded with a jazz combo, but strings were added after the fact, giving the album more of a lush sound but removing much of the jazz feeling of the disc.
In 2004, Robinson's company, SFGL Foods, launched a special brand of gumbo called "Smokey Robinson's 'The Soul is in the Bowl' Gumbo." [1].
In May 2006, at its 138th Commencement Convocation, Howard University conferred on Robinson the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa.
Smokey Robinson is scheduled to appear on Duets on Fox along with Randy Travis, Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Dionne Warwick, Aaron Neville, Clint Black, Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins, Brian McKnight, Macy Gray, Richard Marx, and Cyndi Lauper. David Foster will be a judge.
On 27th October 2006 Smokey appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
2. Baby Come Close
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put your hand in mine, oh please be kind
Let me touch your heart, let the fire start
Oh so warm, so warm
Soft music plays, please sit down & stay
Put your trust in me, let this love be
This is for real, let time stand still
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Oh so warm, so warm
So warm, so warm
Oh turn the lights down low, baby come close
Let dreams come true for me & you
We won't regret, we won't forget
Oh so warm, so warm, yeah yeah
So warm, so warm
so warm
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
[Repeats till fade]
Oh so warm
In Smokey Robinson's "Baby Come Close," the singer is inviting his lover to come closer to him. He wants to create an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth by requesting to have the lights turned down low and soft music playing in the background. He is asking for her trust and is promising that their love is real and worth investing in.
The lyrics suggest that he wants to touch her heart and let the fire of their passion start. He promises that they won't regret this moment and it will be something they won't forget. The repetition of "so warm" emphasizes how he wants their connection to feel both physically and emotionally.
The song's message is one of intimacy, trust, and commitment. Smokey Robinson's smooth vocals and the mellow music create a romantic ambiance that enhances the song's sentiment. The lyrics are timeless and still resonate with listeners today as a reminder to cherish and nurture their love.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Dim the lights and come near me, so that we can be together in a more intimate way.
Put your hand in mine, oh please be kind
Hold my hand and be gentle with me, as we embark on this romantic journey together.
Let me touch your heart, let the fire start
Allow me to connect with your emotions and ignite a passion between us that will continue to grow.
Oh so warm, so warm
The feelings we're experiencing are warm and comforting, making us feel safe and secure.
Soft music plays, please sit down & stay
The music is setting the tone for the evening, and I hope you'll stay and enjoy it with me.
Put your trust in me, let this love be
Have faith in me and our relationship, and let this love grow and flourish.
This is for real, let time stand still
Our love is real and genuine, and in this moment, let's forget about everything else and just cherish each other's company.
Let dreams come true for me & you
Let's make our romantic dreams a reality, together as a couple.
We won't regret, we won't forget
We won't look back on this night with any regrets or forget the special memories we will create together.
Oh so warm, so warm, yeah yeah
Our love is still warm and comforting, and we're happy to be experiencing it together.
So warm, so warm
The warmth of our love is still present, reminding us of the bond we share.
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
As the song comes to a close, I want to reiterate the desire for you to be near me, in this warm, intimate setting.
Oh so warm
The warmth of our love and romance continues to envelop us as the song fades out.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN TARPLIN, PAMELA MOFFETT-YOUNG, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PoohBearSally3
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Put your hand in mine, oh please be kind
Let me touch your heart, let the fire start
Oh so warm, so warm
Soft music plays, please sit down & stay
Put your trust in me, let this love be
This is for real, let time stand still
Oh so warm, so warm
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Oh so warm, so warm
So warm, so warm
Oh turn the lights down low, baby come close
Let dreams come true for me & you
We won't regret, we won't forget
Oh so warm, so warm, yeah yeah
So warm, so warm
so warm
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Oh so warm
LB Manuel
Love You Smokey🤎🎶🎵
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Put your hand in mine, oh please be kind
Let me touch your heart, let the fire start
Ooooh so warm, so warm
Soft music plays, please darling stay
Put your trust in me, let this love be
This is for real, let time stand still
Ooooh so warm, so warm
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Ooooh so warm, so warm
So warm, so warm
Oh turn the lights down low, baby come close
Let dreams come true, for me & you
We won't regret, we won't forget
Ooooh so warm, so warm, yeah yeah
So warm, so warm, so warm
Turn the lights down low, baby come close
Ooooh so warm
Lady Doc
This is such a sweet sweet love song.... any man that says "darling please please stay.....Baby come close....". You must consider it....
And the music so well matched with the words.....
And then Smokey's voice takes you all the way there....
This is the epitome of love and romance....
Not an unkind word.... just riding the waves of love .....
So warm......
Icey Bowie
everything blends together so perfectly. His voice, the guitars, the horns, the organ just all blend together beautifully.
Mr.President sir
He said its so warm!!
Lee Williams
@Mr.President sir j
M
TaLisa Looney
This song captured my heart as a little girl and now I'm a grown woman and I love it to this day now and forever!
Audrey Watts
I love this song forever!
Selena
Me too! It's even better now.
Nick Whitter
I'm Going to Do this Song Today Frank Parish me and my keyboard and Mike
Dayant Ramkalup
No bad language, no extreme sexual words, no naked women, no people with golden chains; only Love, Authenticity, Respect And The Legendary Smokey Robinson
Cliff Waters
Well said !
Catrina Wilson
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯👍🏾