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.
Depend of Me
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You need a love like mine that you can depend on
When your whole world's falling in
And you need a friend
You can depend on me
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I'll be by your side
When you need me (you can depend on me)
When the whole world seems unfair
You can depend on me
Oh when life seems not worth living
And nothing seems to be going right
The comfort my love will be giving
Will change your darkness to light
I'll, I'll, I'll be right by your side
When you need, need me (you can depepend on me)
When the whole world seems unfair
And no one seems to care
You can depend on me (you can depend on me)
Oh, don't you know that I'll, ooh, that I'll be right by your side
Oh, little girl, little girl, little girl
Ooh, when you need a friend
I'm yours 'til the end
Oh, yeah, I love you, I love you (you can depend on me)
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles' song Depend On Me express a deep sentiment of unconditional love and loyalty. The singer is addressing their lover and assuring them that they need not worry about anything because they have someone to depend on. The lyrics describe how sometimes life can feel overwhelming and unfair, but even then, the singer will be there for their lover. The singer promises to be by their side and provide comfort and love, even when things get rough. The line "When your whole world's falling in/And you need a friend" perfectly encapsulates the message of the song - that no matter what happens, the singer will always be there to offer support and be a friend to their lover.
The lyrics to Depend On Me are incredibly powerful and emotive. They express a sentiment that is all too rare in today's world - that of unwavering loyalty and support. The song is a beautiful reminder of the importance of having someone to depend on and the comfort that such a relationship can bring. The lyrics also touch on the theme of the darkness and light - how even in the darkest of times, love can provide a ray of hope and change everything. Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of love and loyalty that has touched the hearts of millions of people.
Line by Line Meaning
You
The listener, this song is specifically for you
You need a love like mine that you can depend on
You require an affection and commitment similar to mine that you can rely on
When your whole world's falling in
During the time of a significant crisis or upheaval in your life
And you need a friend
You require someone to confide in and support you
You can depend on me
I will always be there for you when you require me
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I'll be by your side
I will stay close to you during your difficult time
When you need me (you can depend on me)
I am available to aid you whenever you require my help
When the whole world seems unfair
In times when everything appears to work against you
And no one seems to care
When it feels like no one is interested in your well-being
You can depend on me
You can rely on me for support and kindness
Oh when life seems not worth living
In moments where it appears like there is no justification or meaning to life
And nothing seems to be going right
In situations where everything appears to be working against you
The comfort my love will be giving
My love will provide you with the solace and reassurance you need
Will change your darkness to light
My love will positively change your current negative perspective to a positive one
I'll, I'll, I'll be right by your side
I will continually support and stay close to you
When you need, need me (you can depend on me)
Whenever you require me, I am always available and helpful
Oh, don't you know that I'll, ooh, that I'll be right by your side
Do not forget that I am always here and prepared to assist you
Oh, little girl, little girl, little girl
Affectionate reference to the listener
Ooh, when you need a friend
When you require someone to confide in or support you
I'm yours 'til the end
I will remain loyal and supportive of you until the end
Oh, yeah, I love you, I love you (you can depend on me)
I have a lot of affection for you and will always be here to support you
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@brownkl3
I've always thought that this song was the best showcase for Smokey's amazing voice. Β Very possibly the best falsetto in all of soul music.
@benabney4766
It was not falsetto!
@hegra32
β@@benabney4766according to Google his falsetto voice was one of the things that made him so famous.
@stephenmarcus2825
Early song that begins to show the depth of feeling In Smokeyβs voice. Simply beautiful.
@denisemcdonald4233
Wowww..I think I will play this at my wedding reception..absolutely mind blowing..
@billklein8745
One of the best songs ever made thank you Smokey
@sherryratliff7068
Smoke y Robinson and the Miracles are the great masters of romantic lingo!
@WSenator1
The greatest ballad singer of the rock era.
@MRLJG408
One of the best songs ever.
@passivedepressive8291
i would like to thank my grandma and grandpa for showing me these wonderful oldies