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.
Ebony Eyes
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Wind in your hair, sun on your skin
You're looking good, girl, all over again
Hey there, Miss Brown
I want you to know I love you
You're leaving me hungry, I'm crying for more
Oh, we, baby, girl, you're such a score
And I want you to know that, you know what, girl
I love you
I bet you didn't know that, girl
You didn't know that
I need you
Right now, baby, right now, baby
And I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
Ooh, ooh, hoo, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.
Ooh, hoo, hoo, ooh, hoo, ooh, ooh.
Lips soft and tender, ready to speak
Her voice says, "I love you" (I love you)
And it's making me weak
Hey there, little girl, may I just say I love you
Tell 'em how you feel, Rick
Love is the brown skin girl in my eyes
Think it's time that I told you, don't you realize
You´re such a queen, woman, you're such a prize
And I want you to know that, you know what, girl
I love you
And I bet you didn't know that, girl
You didn't know that
I need you
Right now, baby, right now, baby
And I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
I love you ebony eyes, oh, my
I need you, woman
I need you (Oh)
Oh, and I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
I really love you (Oh, oh), woman, I love you (Love you)
Ebony eyes (Ooh), oh, my
I want to say that I need you (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh), honey, I
Need you
And I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
Ebony eyes (Woo, woo, ooh, woo, hoo)
Ebony eyes, oh, my (Hoo)
Ebony eyes (Hoo, hoo, hoo)
Girl, and I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
Love you (Love you, love you)
Ebony eyes
Smokey Robinson's song "Ebony Eyes" is a love song dedicated to a woman whose skin is as brown as sand, with eyes as dark as ebony. The song starts by describing the beauty of the woman, with the wind blowing in her hair and the sun shining on her skin. Smokey confesses his love for her, appreciating the softness of her skin and the way she speaks, which makes him weak in the knees. The chorus repeats his love for her and how he needs her right at the moment.
The song is romantic and straightforward in showing affection. It acknowledges the beauty in darker skin and appreciates the elegance in a woman's softness. The song's chorus, "I love you/Ebony eyes," repeats itself, reiterating the song's theme, focusing on the woman's eyes and how they mesmerize Smokey. The song elicits a sense of romantic admiration and appreciation for the brown-skinned girl he loves, and her dark eyes seem to pull him in the more he gazes on them, evoking a sense of rapture.
Line by Line Meaning
Wind in your hair, sun on your skin
The singer describes the physical appearance of the woman he loves, praising her beauty.
You're looking good, girl, all over again
The woman is as beautiful as ever, and the singer can't help but be attracted to her.
Hey there, Miss Brown
The singer addresses the woman, who he refers to as "Miss Brown" due to her brown skin.
I want you to know I love you
The artist expresses his love for the woman, letting her know how he feels.
Brown as the sand, you're soft as the shore
The artist compares the woman's brown skin to the color of sand, and describes her as soft and desirable like the shore.
You're leaving me hungry, I'm crying for more
The woman's beauty is teasing the singer and making him desire her even more than he already does.
Oh, we, baby, girl, you're such a score
The singer expresses that the woman is a prize, and that he's lucky to have her.
And I want you to know that, you know what, girl
Once again, the artist reiterates that he wants the woman to know how much he loves and desires her.
I bet you didn't know that, girl
The artist is surprised that the woman might not know how much he cares for her.
I need you
The artist expresses a strong desire and need for the woman he loves.
Right now, baby, right now, baby
The singer wants the woman to know that he wants her right now, in this moment.
Lips soft and tender, ready to speak
The artist describes the woman's lips as he imagines speaking with her.
Her voice says, "I love you" (I love you)
The singer imagines the woman telling him she loves him, which is a source of great happiness for him.
And it's making me weak
The woman's love makes the singer feel vulnerable and weak, but in a good way.
Hey there, little girl, may I just say I love you
Once again, the singer expresses his love for the woman, this time using a term of endearment, "little girl".
Love is the brown skin girl in my eyes
The artist views the woman's brown skin as an expression of love, and he sees love every time he looks at her.
Think it's time that I told you, don't you realize
The artist believes that it's important for the woman to know how much he loves her, and he hopes she understands this feeling.
You´re such a queen, woman, you're such a prize
The singer expresses his admiration for the woman, believing that she is his queen and a great prize.
And I want you to know that, you know what, girl
Once again, the singer reiterates that he wants the woman to know how much he loves and desires her.
I love you ebony eyes, oh, my
The artist expresses his love for the woman and references her beautiful eyes, which he compares to ebony (black wood).
I really love you (Oh, oh), woman, I love you (Love you)
The artist once again emphasizes his love for the woman.
Ebony eyes
The artist refers to the woman's eyes once again, expressing his love for them.
And I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
The singer is once again surprised that the woman may not know how much he loves her eyes.
I need you, woman
The artist reiterates that he desires and needs the woman he loves.
And I bet you didn't know that ebony eyes
Once again, the singer expresses his surprise that the woman may not have known how much he loves her eyes.
Love you (Love you, love you)
The singer once again repeats his love for the woman.
Ebony eyes
The singer takes one final opportunity to praise the woman's eyes.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: JAMES A JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cpman1987
I remember when this song came out in the fall of 1983! I was a freshman in high school! That song was in heavy rotation all over urban radio stations!!
Then the video came out! Rick James and Smokey Robinson were so Cool!!
A very talented Musician, Composer, Arranger, and Producer!!
Motown was still pushing out Rick James projects!! Unfortunately after an argument in 1982 according to his former manager Kerry Gordy, with then Motown President Jay Lasker, Motown stopped promoting Rick James's music less and less!! His last successful project was this album "Cold Blooded." "Ebony Eyes" was on that album.
Back then Rick James was clean and clear! If he was dabbling in drugs, it surely didn't show in the quality of the music, he was making! Smokey Robinson's melodic tenor voice was smooth as silk!! A perfect combination!!
No matter what he did when he was alive...Rick James went down as a musical genius and innovator!! Rest In Peace, James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004)
@cpman1987
I remember when this song came out in the fall of 1983! I was a freshman in high school! That song was in heavy rotation all over urban radio stations!!
Then the video came out! Rick James and Smokey Robinson were so Cool!!
A very talented Musician, Composer, Arranger, and Producer!!
Motown was still pushing out Rick James projects!! Unfortunately after an argument in 1982 according to his former manager Kerry Gordy, with then Motown President Jay Lasker, Motown stopped promoting Rick James's music less and less!! His last successful project was this album "Cold Blooded." "Ebony Eyes" was on that album.
Back then Rick James was clean and clear! If he was dabbling in drugs, it surely didn't show in the quality of the music, he was making! Smokey Robinson's melodic tenor voice was smooth as silk!! A perfect combination!!
No matter what he did when he was alive...Rick James went down as a musical genius and innovator!! Rest In Peace, James Ambrose Johnson Jr. (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004)
@KarinFlower
This song makes me so emotional - I simply adored it then & adore it now..... 2023 still listening ❤❤❤❤❤
@joyceedane
Still listening in 2023❤
@rayejohn79rj11
Yeah this song brings good emotional tears thinking about how much I love my girl
@hectorvasquez8493
Emotional is a true understatement!!
I’m a Guy and this Diamond Cut “ ALWAYS BREAKS ME UP AND BUILDS ME UP AGAIN”!!
@henryvestal27
No capppp
@JuliansWorldTV
Just discovered it today, and I’m hooked
@jamesardoin820
Who’s still listening to this masterpiece in 2023?
@williebrinson4699
Present! This was a fantastic video of our culture, music, gifts and dreams. To name a few.
@ChrisWalker-wy7fy
2024
@Michelle-mq5cw
2024!