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.
Cruising
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, let's cruise away from here
Don't be confused, the way is clear
And if you want it you got it forever
This is not a one night stand, babe, yeah
So let the music take your mind, whoa
Just release and you will find
I love it when we're cruisin' together
The music is playing for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Babe, tonight belongs to us
Everything's right, do what you must
And inch by inch we get closer and closer
To every little part of each other
Ooh, babe, yes
Let the music take your mind, babe
Just release and you would find
Your gonna fly away, glad you're going way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is playin' for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together
(Cruise with me, babe)
(Cruise with me, babe)
Cruise
Oh, oh, babe, yeah
Oh, babe
Oh, oh
Ah, Babe
So good to cruise with you, babe
So good to cruise with you
Oh, yeah
You need me, babe
Ah, babe loves crusin'
Let's flow, let's glide
Oh let's open up, and go inside
And if you want it you got it forever
I can just stay there inside you
And love you, babe, oh
Let the music take your mind
Just release and you would find
Your gonna fly, yeah, glad you're going way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
The music is for love, cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Oh, babe
We gonna fly away
Oh, yeah
Plan to go my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
The music is for love, cruisin' is made for love
I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it
Smokey Robinson's song Cruising is a romantic soul track about going on a journey with someone you love, leaving everything behind and just enjoying each other's company. The song is a classic hit from the 70s and it has become a staple in the smooth jazz and R&B genres. The song begins with the lyrics "Baby, let's cruise away from here, don't be confused, the way is clear", which suggests that Smokey and his lover want to leave all their troubles behind and just enjoy their time together. He emphasizes that this is not a one night stand and that they can be together forever.
The chorus of the song highlights the romance and sweetness of the journey they're about to embark on. Smokey sings "You're gonna fly away, glad you're coming my way, I love it when we're cruising together, the music is playing for love, cruising is made for love". The idea is to let loose to the melodic rhythm and just let the music guide them on their romantic journey. In the following verse, Smokey suggests that they take things slow and inch by inch they'll get closer to one another, both physically and emotionally.
In the end, the song reaches a climax with the lyrics "Let's flow, let's glide, oh let's open up and go inside". This is a powerful suggestion of intimacy and love, that they'll enter into each other and experience a deep level of connection.
Overall, Robinson's Cruising is a beautiful love song about two people who want to escape from their everyday life and find a place where they can be together and enjoy each other's company. The song emphasizes the power of music to unite people and enhance their experience together.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, let's cruise away from here
Let's escape from our current location
Don't be confused, the way is clear
There is nothing to worry about or be unsure of
And if you want it you got it forever
I will always be there for you if you want me to be
This is not a one night stand, babe, yeah
Our connection is not temporary, it is genuine
So let the music take your mind, whoa
Let the music help you relax and escape your thoughts
Just release and you will find
If you can relax and let go, you will find inner peace and happiness
Your gonna fly away, glad your going my way
We will soar together, and I am grateful you are with me
I love it when we're cruisin' together
I am so happy when we are spending time together like this
The music is playing for love
The music we are listening to symbolizes pure love
Cruisin' is made for love
The activity of cruising is meant for two people in love
Babe, tonight belongs to us
This night is special and meant for us to enjoy together
Everything's right, do what you must
We are in a good place, so enjoy yourself however you wish
And inch by inch we get closer and closer
We are gradually deepening our connection with each other
To every little part of each other
Our intimacy is growing, both physically and emotionally
Let the music take your mind, babe
Once again, allow the music to help you relax and clear your mind
Your gonna fly away, glad you're going way
We will soar together, and I am grateful you are with me
I love it when we're cruisin' together
I am so happy when we are spending time together like this
Music is playing for love
The music we are listening to symbolizes pure love
Cruisin' is made for love
The activity of cruising is meant for two people in love
So good to cruise with you, babe
I am enjoying this experience with you
You need me, babe
I feel needed and appreciated by you
Ah, babe loves crusin'
I love spending time with you and cruising together
Let's flow, let's glide
Let's continue this journey and enjoy each other's company
Oh let's open up, and go inside
Let's be vulnerable with each other and deepen our connection
And if you want it you got it forever
Again, I will always be there for you if you want me to be
I can just stay there inside you
I feel a strong connection with you, both physically and emotionally
And love you, babe, oh
I love and care for you deeply
Your gonna fly, yeah, glad you're going way
We will soar together, and I am grateful you are with me
I love it when we're cruisin' together
I am so happy when we are spending time together like this
The music is for love, cruisin' is made for love
Once again, the music and the activity of cruising both represent pure love
We gonna fly away
Together, we will soar higher than we ever have before
Plan to go my way
I hope we will continue to be together and love each other
I love it when we're cruisin' together
I am so happy when we are spending time together like this
I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it
I truly love this experience and being with you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LotusDViolet
The day my husband, then bf, got his first car, we blasted this song as we drove off for a weekend of fun. We're still cruisin' 24yrs later.
@quincyaudreyholloway9868
God bless you guys to cruise many more❤
@dianemcquay8460
That’s beautiful! my husband of 40 years, who was my boyfriend, and I walked into Woolworth and purchased the Quiet Storm album in 1977. Just went to Smokey concert in Atlantic City tonight 2019. Best concert in the world!! My daughter, who is 41, could have been named Quiet Storm🤣🤣🤣
@donnarose-caesar1946
Awesomeness! Gonna imitate you guys and do that on my 23rd anniversary coming up in December :)!
@phyllisthornton8974
Amen @!
@jeffreybell9697
Thats so awesome congrats to you and your husband
@steph9561
My mom and dad played this at their wedding in 1983. She just passed away. This song always reminds me of her. Hope she’s cruisin’ now!
@ellenschwartz-tn5wi
I hope so too!!!
@karen-ur8nn
Waltzing acrossing Heaven
@dalelerette206
May your mom's memory be blessed in Heaven.❤