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
The lyrics to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "Going to a Go-Go" are about a new place that the singer has discovered where people from all over come to dance and have a good time. The song speaks about the excitement and anticipation of going out to have fun, seeing familiar faces from around town, and possibly even spotting a celebrity. The lyrics encourage everyone to join the party and not worry about going alone, because there is sure to be fun to be had by all.
Throughout the song, Smokey Robinson's smooth and soulful delivery adds depth to the lyrics, conveying both excitement and a sense of community. The repetition of the chorus, "Going to a go-go, everybody's going to a go-go," serves to reinforce the idea that this new place is the place to be, and everyone is in on it.
Overall, "Going to a Go-Go" is a feel-good song that speaks to the timeless appeal of going out and dancing to great music in the company of others. It's a song that celebrates the joy of life and encourages us all to let go of our worries and have some fun.
Line by Line Meaning
Going to a go-go
Going to a party/dance event
Going to a go-go
Going to a party/dance event
Na-na-na-na, yeah-hey
Vocal sound effects
Well there's a brand new place I found-a
A new party/dance venue discovered
Where people goin' from miles around-a
People from far and wide are attending
They come from everywhere and if you'll drop in there
Diverse groups of people attend and you may see anyone there
You might see anyone in town-a
People from all parts of town can be seen there
Going to a go-go, everybody's
A popular party event with everyone attending
Going to a go-go, come on now
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Don't you wanna go, yeah
Asking if the listener wants to attend
A one more time, yeah
Enticement to attend again
I'm going to a go-go, hoo-hoo-wee-eee
The singer is personally attending the party/dance event
Going to a go-go, baby come on now
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
It doesn't matter where you are-a
Irrespective of one's location
A go go can be found
One can always find a party/dance event
You'll see some people from your block
Familiar faces from one's neighborhood can also be seen
And don't be shocked
It's not unusual to see such people there
If you see your favorite star-a
Even celebrities can be seen there
Going to a go-go, 'cause everybody
A popular party/dance event with everyone attending
Going to a go-go, oh, come on now-ow
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Don't you wanna go?
Asking if the listener wants to attend
Yeah people, come on now
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Na-na-na-na-na yeah-hey
Vocal sound effects
Tell me
Asking a question
Don't you wanna go?
Asking if the listener wants to attend
Yeah, now it's alright-a
Expression of assurance that everything is okay
I-am going to a go-go
The singer is personally attending the party/dance event
Yes I am now going to a go-go
The singer is personally attending the party/dance event
Oh, come on now-ow
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
It doesn't matter if-a you go stag-a
Regardless of attending alone
It doesn't matter if-a you go drag-a
Regardless of wearing different or unusual attire
You're sure to have some fun, I'm tellin' everyone
Assurance given that the party/dance event will be enjoyable
Most every taxi a-that you flag is
Taxis are also heading to the party venue
Going to a go-go, oh come on baby
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Going to a go-go, baby come on now-ow
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Don't you wanna go, yeah
Asking if the listener wants to attend
A one more time, yeah
Enticement to attend again
I'm going to a go-go, a-hoo-hoo-wee-eee
The singer is personally attending the party/dance event
Going to a go-go, baby come on now-ow
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Going to a go-go, come on baby
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Going to a go-go, oh come on now
Invitation to attend the party/dance event
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Warren Moore, William Robinson Jr., Robert Rogers, Marvin Tarplin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vduffins
He doesn't get a lot of recognition, but James Jamerson, the bass player, makes this and all the other Hitsville, USA recording artists the songs the hits they were. He is just in a league by himself!
@1blastman
The back up band is exquisite. Bass and drums really make the song even better.
@oldermusiclover
amen and that is late great Benny B on drums and the late Mike Terry on sax
@oldermusiclover
@1blastmanThe Funks Rocked
@1blastman
@ginny white Their music lives on! Yes the sax is also brilliant.
@mildredgaynor5883
Funk Brothers?
@lindsayrogers6690
I was a young teacher riding to discos on my Lambretta scooter. We all loved this tune.
I’m now 68 years of age and recovering from surgery for cancer but this wonderful music still provides the soundtrack to my life ❤
@oldermusiclover
lost most of my family to cancer hope you are doing well God Bless
@lindsayrogers6690
@@oldermusiclover nice of you to wish me well, thank you very much. I had my latest “all clear” last December which was a wonderful Xmas gift.
All the best to you.
@oldermusiclover
@LINDSAY ROGERS so happy to hear that