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.
Can't Fight Love
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more)
To a woman than a love that she can count on
Yeah oh oh oh oh ooh
Darling dear yeah (ooh ooh ooh)
Whenever when you need me I'll be here (ooh ooh ooh)
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more to a woman) yeah than
Repeat after me now
I remember one day it come to me (I remember one day it come to me)
The guy next door has money you see (the guy next door has money you see)
Well, you know he buys his woman everything yeah (he buys his woman everything)
Oh he buys her cars and clothes and diamond rings (cars and clothes and diamond rings)
Oh, and although she accepts the things he buys (tho she accepts the things he buys)
What she needs is his love sometimes (really needs his love sometime)
So oh oh baby I want you to see yeh eh eh eh (baby I want for you to see)
Oh oh oh oh that you can always count on me
Yeah count on me to comfort you yeah eh eh eh (comfort you)
When you start to feeling sad and blue (sad and blue)
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more to a woman)
Yeah I'm here to tell ya' than a love that she can count on (nothing that means more to a woman)
Ask any woman about it yeah (nothing that means more to a woman)
Yeah yeah tell you they can't do without it (nothing that means more to a woman)
Oh yeah, I know that you know how precious this girl is and you know that
I know that I knoe my darling that there is (nothing that means more to a woman)
Not in the whole wide world (nothing that means more to a woman)
The song "A Love She Can Count On" is a soulful ballad that talks about the importance of a reliable and steadfast love in a woman's life. The lyrics are a pledge of commitment and unconditional love by the singer to his beloved. He promises to love her every day, regardless of what the future holds, because he understands that nothing is more valuable to a woman than having a love she can count on. The singer contrasts his approach to love with the material possessions that his neighbor uses to woo his woman, emphasizing the fact that what women truly need is an emotional connection with their partner.
The message of the song is timeless and universal, discussing the importance of emotional intimacy and support in relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of emotional intelligence and sensitivity, making it an excellent love ballad for its time. Smokey Robinson and The Miracles were pioneers of the Motown sound and released this song in 1965. The song's soulful melody, combined with Robinson's emotive voice, creates a romantic and sentimental song.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyday, I'm gonna love you come what may
I will love you every day, no matter what.
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more)
I know that nothing is more important.
To a woman than a love that she can count on
Women need a love they can rely on.
Darling dear yeah (ooh ooh ooh)
My dear, my love.
Whenever when you need me I'll be here (ooh ooh ooh)
I'll always be there when you need me.
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more to a woman) yeah than
Because I know that nothing is more important to a woman.
Repeat after me now
Listen carefully and say it with me.
I remember one day it come to me (I remember one day it come to me)
I recall a realization I had one day.
The guy next door has money you see (the guy next door has money you see)
My neighbor has wealth.
Well, you know he buys his woman everything yeah (he buys his woman everything)
He buys extravagant gifts for his partner.
Oh he buys her cars and clothes and diamond rings (cars and clothes and diamond rings)
He buys her luxurious items such as cars, clothing, and jewelry.
Oh, and although she accepts the things he buys (tho she accepts the things he buys)
She may accept these gifts but they aren't enough.
What she needs is his love sometimes (really needs his love sometime)
She wants love and affection from him too.
So oh oh baby I want you to see yeh eh eh eh (baby I want for you to see)
I want you to understand and realize.
Oh oh oh oh that you can always count on me
You can always rely on me.
Yeah count on me to comfort you yeah eh eh eh (comfort you)
I'll comfort you when you need it.
When you start to feeling sad and blue (sad and blue)
When you're feeling down and sad.
'Cause I know that there is (nothing that means more to a woman)
Because nothing is more important to a woman.
Yeah I'm here to tell ya' than a love that she can count on (nothing that means more to a woman)
A dependable love is crucial for a woman.
Ask any woman about it yeah (nothing that means more to a woman)
Every woman will tell you the same thing.
Yeah yeah tell you they can't do without it (nothing that means more to a woman)
They cannot live without it.
Oh yeah, I know that you know how precious this girl is and you know that
You know how important she is to me.
I know that I knoe my darling that there is (nothing that means more to a woman)
There is nothing more important to a woman.
Not in the whole wide world (nothing that means more to a woman)
There is nothing more important in the world for a woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind