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.
Daylight & Darkness
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Noonday shadow, blocking out my morning light
You don't even know What I'm talking about
It's what you do when you're just being you
How can you be daylight & darkness, at the same time, oh baby
How can you be daylight & darkness, at the same time
Flaming candle hey, burning in your sweet desire
Back and forward from ice to fire
You don't even know what you're putting me through
With all these bitter sweet things that you do
How can you bee daylight & darkness, at the same time, oh
How can you be daylight & darkness at the same time
O baby, oh baby
You don't even know what I'm talking about
It's just your way baby, that's what you say
How can you be daylight & darkness... same time
How can you be daylight & darkness, at the same time
Ah daylight, daylight, daylight... daylight
Ooo hoo, darkness, darkness, darkness... time
How can you be daylight & darkness, at the same time
Same time, same time, my baby
Ah... at the same time
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson's "Daylight & Darkness" explore the conflicting emotions that come with being in love with someone who is unpredictable and complicated. The song uses vivid imagery to convey this idea, with the "midnight sun" representing the brightness that the person brings to the singer's life, even in their darkest moments. On the other hand, the "noonday shadow" is a metaphor for the way this person can also block out the singer's happiness, like a cloud passing over the sun. The singer is frustrated by the duality of this person, not understanding how they can be both "daylight & darkness" at the same time.
The second verse continues the theme of being caught between extremes. The "flaming candle" and "eyes of coal" represent the person's passion and darkness, respectively. They are both thrilling and difficult to handle, like a rollercoaster ride. The singer is confused by the way this person can switch back and forth from "ice to fire", leaving them feeling uncertain and on edge. Despite this, the singer is still drawn to this person, unable to resist their magnetic pull.
Overall, "Daylight & Darkness" is a poetic exploration of the complexities of human relationships. It acknowledges the way that people can be both light and dark at the same time, and how this can cause confusion and turmoil for those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Midnight sun, shining through my darkest night
Despite my darkest moments, your presence is like a shining light that gives me hope.
Noonday shadow, blocking out my morning light
Sometimes your presence can be overwhelming, to the point where it obstructs my ability to think clearly.
You don't even know What I'm talking about
You may not understand the impact you have on me and my emotions.
It's what you do when you're just being you
Your actions and presence have an effect on me even if you're not actively doing anything.
How can you be daylight & darkness, at the same time, oh baby
Your presence has both positive and negative effects on me, which can be confusing and difficult to navigate.
Flaming candle hey, burning in your sweet desire
Your passions and desires burn bright like a flame, but can be difficult to handle at times.
Eyes of coal, hard to handle
Your intense gaze can be difficult to handle and can have a powerful impact on me.
Back and forward from ice to fire
Your emotions and mood can be unpredictable, swinging rapidly from one extreme to another.
You don't even know what you're putting me through
You may not realize the emotional turmoil and conflict that I experience as a result of your presence and actions.
With all these bitter sweet things that you do
Despite the pain and mixed emotions you cause me, there are still sweet and positive moments that make it difficult to completely separate myself from you.
O baby, oh baby
Addressing the person he's singing to.
Ah daylight, daylight, daylight... daylight
Repeating the word 'daylight'.
Ooo hoo, darkness, darkness, darkness... time
Repeating the word 'darkness'.
Same time, same time, my baby
Repeating the phrase 'same time'.
Ah... at the same time
Reinforcing the idea of experiencing both positive and negative effects from one entity simultaneously.
Contributed by Miles B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Patrick Austin
Lyrically one of the best song writers ever !!!
Teddyman
Let's not forget about "Skeet" AKA Lionel Ritchie himself
S. Fumbanks Jr.
William 'Smokey' Robinson, and Steveland Morris, AKA "Stevie Wonder' are two of the most prolific Love Song writers over the last 100 years....PERIOD
Eva Munoz
My jam, Smokey always puts it down. But this one is THE ONE.
Kevin McAllister
Big facts
John Stevenson
And you know it
Clarence Davis
Ms Munoz I too love this song brings back memories😊
Kathran Randolph
Just crying my eyes out listening to these songs.......these are real love songs....
Trenia Toney
Yess
Law Hawk
I must admit, Smokey is one of the greatest song writers of all time... I've made plenty of passionate love off his songs... l tilt my hat 2 you smokey!