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.
Crusin'
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be confused, the way is clear
& if you want it you got it forever
This is not a one night stand, baby, yeah so
Let the music take your mind, ooh
Just release & you will find
You're gonna fly away
I love it when we're cruisin' together
The music is played for love,
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Baby tonight belongs to us
Everything's right, do what you must
& inch by inch we get closer & closer
To every little part of each other ooh baby, yeah So
Let the music take your mind
Just release & you will find
You're gonna fly away
Glad you're going my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
The music is played for love,
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Cruise with me baby
Cruise
Baby let's cruise
Let's flow, let's glide
Ooooh let's open up, & go inside
& if you want it you got it forever
I can just stay there inside you
& love you baby,
Let the music, take your mind
Just release & you will find
You're gonna fly (away)
Yeah, I'm glad you're going my way
I love it, when we're cruisin together
The music is played for love,
Cruisin' is made for (love)
I love it, I love it, I love it
You're gonna fly away
Yeah, glad you're going my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
(The music is played for love)
It's love music
(Cruisin' is made for love)
...& fade
"
The song "Crusin'" by Smokey Robinson is all about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life to spend some quality time with your loved one. The song is an invitation to cruise away from the mundane and just let the music take over. The lyrics explore the idea of being together in a moment without any worries about what might happen next.
Smokey Robinson's silky-smooth voice helps to create an intimate mood that carries throughout the song. He croons to his lover to let the music guide them and let go of any inhibitions. The chorus repeats the phrase "I love it when we're cruisin' together," which drives home the message that both partners are enjoying being in each other's company. Robinson uses the metaphor of cruising to represent a journey of love and happiness.
In conclusion, "Crusin'" is a romantic ballad that encourages the listener to take a break from the world and enjoy the company of their loved one. The lyrics offer a sense of escapism and a reminder to cherish the moments with the people that matter most.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby let's cruise, away from here
Let's go on a romantic trip, just the two of us, leaving everything behind
Don't be confused, the way is clear
Don't worry or hesitate, I know the perfect way for us to go forward
& if you want it you got it forever
I am offering my love and commitment to you forever, if that's what you want too
This is not a one night stand, baby, yeah so
Our connection is not just a temporary fling, but something deeper and long-lasting
Let the music take your mind, ooh
Let's relax, forget our problems, and get lost in the beautiful music
Just release & you will find
Stop holding back, let go of your worries, and you'll discover something wonderful
You're gonna fly away
You'll experience intense feelings of joy, happiness, and love
Glad you're goin' my way
I'm happy to share this journey with you, and grateful that we're together
I love it when we're cruisin' together
There's nothing I enjoy more than spending intimate, romantic moments with you
The music is played for love,
The songs we're listening to are all about expressing deep emotions and passion
Cruisin' is made for love
Going on a cruise is the perfect way to celebrate and express our love for each other
Baby tonight belongs to us
This evening is all about you and me, and nobody else
Everything's right, do what you must
Let's enjoy ourselves fully, without any worries or inhibitions
& inch by inch we get closer & closer
Every moment we spend together brings us closer, physically and emotionally
To every little part of each other ooh baby, yeah So
We're discovering and exploring each other's bodies and souls, in a beautiful, loving way
Cruise with me baby
Join me on this amazing, romantic journey, and let's enjoy each other's company fully
Cruise
Let's keep cruising, enjoying each other's love, and listening to the beautiful music
Let's flow, let's glide
Let's move together, effortlessly and gracefully, like the rhythm of the music
Ooooh let's open up, & go inside
Let's be vulnerable, let's share our deepest desires and feelings, and get closer than ever before
I can just stay there inside you
I want to be so close to you, physically and emotionally, that I feel like a part of you
I love it, when we're cruisin together
These moments we're sharing together are truly special, and I cherish them deeply
It's love music
These songs are not just about music, but about expressing love and intimacy
...& fade
As the music fades out, our love and connection remains strong and beautiful
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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 moreβ€
@dianemcquay8460
Thatβs 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 Stormπ€£π€£π€£
@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 sheβs cruisinβ now!
@ellenschwartz-tn5wi
I hope so too!!!
@karen-ur8nn
Waltzing acrossing Heaven
@dalelerette206
May your mom's memory be blessed in Heaven.β€