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.
Going To A Go-Go )
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Going to a go-go
Na-na-na-na, yeah-hey
Well there's a brand new place I found-a
Where people goin' from miles around-a
They come from everywhere and if you'll drop in there
You might see anyone in town-a
Going to a go-go, everybody's
Don't you wanna go, yeah
A one more time, yeah
I'm going to a go-go, hoo-hoo-wee-eee
Going to a go-go, baby come on now
It doesn't matter where you are-a
A go go can be found
You'll see some people from your block
And don't be shocked
If you see your favorite star-a
Going to a go-go, 'cause everybody
Going to a go-go, oh, come on now-ow
Don't you wanna go?
Yeah people, come on now
Na-na-na-na-na yeah-hey
Tell me
Don't you wanna go?
Yeah, now it's alright-a
I-am going to a go-go
Yes I am now going to a go-go
Oh, come on now-ow
It doesn't matter if-a you go stag-a
It doesn't matter if-a you go drag-a
You're sure to have some fun, I'm tellin' everyone
Most every taxi a-that you flag is
Going to a go-go, oh come on baby
Going to a go-go, baby come on now-ow
Don't you wanna go, yeah
A one more time, yeah
I'm going to a go-go, a-hoo-hoo-wee-eee
Going to a go-go, baby come on now-ow
Going to a go-go, come on baby
Going to a go-go, oh come on now
"Going To A Go-Go" is a classic song by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles that celebrates the joys of going to a dance party. The lyrics depict a brand new place that people from all around town are going to. It doesn't matter where you are, you can always find a go-go, where you can have fun and forget your troubles. The song asserts that everyone is going to a go-go, including your favorite celebrities or artists.
The upbeat and infectious melody, combined with Smokey Robinson's silky smooth voice, makes "Going To A Go-Go" a timeless hit. The lyrics invite you to join the party, encouraging you to come along and have a good time, whether you're going stag or in drag. The song highlights a cultural phenomenon of the time, where people would gather at dance clubs or "go-gos" to have fun and dance the night away.
The song has a universal appeal and great energy that makes you want to jump up and dance. It was a hit in the 60s and continues to be popular with audiences across generations. The song has also been covered by several artists, including the Rolling Stones, and has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials throughout the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Going to a go-go
We are headed to a sensational party event
Going to a go-go
We are still joyously headed to the party
Na-na-na-na, yeah-hey
The rhythm of the song is captivating and upbeat
Well there's a brand new place I found-a
I have discovered a new entertaining venue
Where people goin' from miles around-a
People travel from far and wide to come to this place
They come from everywhere and if you'll drop in there
The venue welcomes all and sundry to the party
You might see anyone in town-a
There are different personalities present, and so you can expect anything
Going to a go-go, everybody's
Everyone is headed to this party venue
Going to a go-go, come on now
The invitation to come and have fun is open to everyone
Don't you wanna go, yeah
Are you curious and eager to join in?
A one more time, yeah
Allow me to emphasize how great this party will be
I'm going to a go-go, hoo-hoo-wee-eee
I am super excited to be going to this party
Going to a go-go, baby come on now
The party is calling, and it's time to join in
It doesn't matter where you are-a
Your current location is not a barrier to join the party
A go-go can be found
Such parties are ubiquitous
You'll see some people from your block
Some of your neighbors will also be at the party
And don't be shocked
Do not be surprised by who you see at the party
If you see your favorite star-a
You might even be able to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity
Going to a go-go, 'cause everybody
Everyone is going to this super fun party
Going to a go-go, oh, come on now-ow
The invitation is still open, so you should come along
Don't you wanna go?
Are you still contemplating whether to come?
Yeah people, come on now
Get up and join the fun
Tell me
Can I convince you to come?
Don't you wanna go?
One more push to lure you in
Yeah, now it's alright-a
You have decided to come along, and that's perfect
I-am going to a go-go
I am headed to the spectacular party
Yes I am now going to a go-go
Reiterating my excitement to be going to the party
Oh, come on now-ow
Let's move and join the festivities
It doesn't matter if-a you go stag-a
It's okay to attend solo, and still have fun
It doesn't matter if-a you go drag-a
Your dressing doesn't matter
You're sure to have some fun, I'm tellin' everyone
Everyone will have a great time at the party
Most every taxi a-that you flag is
Many taxis headed that way are available
Going to a go-go, oh come on baby
Let's go and have some fun at the party
Going to a go-go, baby come on now-ow
The invitation is still open, join us at the party
Going to a go-go, come on baby
The party is still happening, and it's a must-attend
Going to a go-go, oh come on now
Let's motivate each other to join in on the fun
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN TARPLIN, ROBERT ROGERS, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WARREN MOORE, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind