William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B … Read Full Bio ↴William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. Robinson is noted for being one of the primary figures associated with the Motown record label, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. As both a member of Motown group The Miracles and a solo artist, Robinson recorded seventy Top 40 hits for Motown between 1959 and 1990, and also served as the company's Vice President from 1961 to 1988.

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.

Girl I'm Standing There
Smokey Robinson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Girl, I'm standing there beside you
This is a decision of my own
Girl, I'm standing where, if you only knew
Then you'd know you'll never stand alone

I wanna make love to you
Want to make wild and tender, sweet, sweet love
But whether or not we do

I will never desert or let anything hurt you

Girl, I'm standing there beside you
This is a decision of my own
Girl, I'm standing where, if you only knew
Then you'd know you'll never stand alone

Some people just love like me
And then hope that they're not being used
Look at me and who do you see
A friend or two, a man or a fool, oh

Even if you go away
My love will remain
And if somewhere deep inside of me
Unpretending, never, never ending

Girl, I'm standing there beside you
If you ever need a helping hand
Girl, I'm standing where, if you only knew

Then you'd know you'll never have to stand alone
As long as there's just me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Smokey Robinson's song "Girl I'm Standing There" convey a sense of unwavering love, support, and devotion to the girl he is addressing. The singer emphasizes that he is always by her side, ready to stand with her through all decisions and challenges. This highlights the importance of their connection and the singer's commitment to being there for her.

The phrase "This is a decision of my own" suggests that the singer's choice to stand beside her is not influenced by anyone else. It implies that he has consciously made the decision to support and be there for her without any external pressure or expectation. This verse conveys a sense of agency and determination in his commitment to her.

The repetition of the line "Then you'd know you'll never stand alone" emphasizes the singer's desire to ensure that she feels loved and supported. It signifies his dedication to being her source of strength and comfort, reassuring her that she will never have to face difficulties alone as long as he is there. This reinforces the theme of unwavering support and loyalty in their relationship.

The lyrics also touch upon the desire for intimacy and physical connection, as expressed in the line "I wanna make love to you." This line conveys the singer's longing for a deep emotional and physical bond with the girl. However, it is important to note that his commitment to her goes beyond physical intimacy. He expresses that even if they do not engage in a physical relationship, he will still remain devoted to her and protect her from any harm.

Overall, these lyrics depict a strong and selfless love, where the singer is willing to stand by the girl's side through thick and thin, offering support, love, and protection. It highlights the singer's unwavering commitment and loyalty, regardless of the circumstances they may face.

Line by Line Meaning

Girl, I'm standing there beside you
I am committed to being by your side

This is a decision of my own
I have chosen to be here

Girl, I'm standing where, if you only knew
I am in a position where I can support you

Then you'd know you'll never stand alone
You will always have someone to rely on

I wanna make love to you
I desire a deep, intimate connection with you

Want to make wild and tender, sweet, sweet love
I want to experience passionate and affectionate love with you

But whether or not we do
Regardless of whether we engage in physical intimacy

I will never desert or let anything hurt you
I will always be there for you and protect you from harm

Some people just love like me
There are others who express love similarly to me

And then hope that they're not being used
They hope that their love is genuine and reciprocated

Look at me and who do you see
When you see me, what do you perceive?