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.
I AM
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, who will be with you
Every day, all the way, come with me
Your? come through
Thick and thin, back again
I'm gonna hang right in
I said I am, I am, I am, I am
Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am
You can bet your life I am, yeah
I'll be standin' by
Prepared to take
Some heartache, for your sake
Can you did that, baby
What kind of fool am I
When winding up?
When the going gets rough
Can you did that, mama
[Chorus]
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
Why do you give your love
And like?
Through youth and age
Can you dig that, baby?
What of the life you?
Realize your dreams
Though it may seem
Too extreme
Can you dig that mama?
[Chorus]
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
I am, I am I am
I am I am I am, I am
Oh baby, I am I am I am
Oh, you bet your life I am
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
The song "I Am I Am" by Smokey Robinson in essence is about self-confidence and individuality. The lyrics encourage the listener to embrace themselves wholly and stand firm, even when the going gets tough. The song assures the listener that they have what it takes to face any challenge and that they are prepared to take heartache for the sake of their loved ones. The lyrical repetition in the chorus - "I am, I am, I am" - is a reinforcement of this message.
The song speaks directly to the listener, urging them to embrace their unique qualities and not worry about others' opinions. The lines, "And if the world don't like it / I don't give a damn," convey an unapologetic stance and one that is integral to achieving a sense of self-worth. The verse, "What kind of fool am I / When winding up?" further emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not conforming to societal standards or expectations.
In conclusion, "I Am I Am" celebrates individuality and encourages self-confidence by reminding the listener that they are strong enough to face any challenge and should not conform to societal expectations or worry about others' opinions.
Line by Line Meaning
I am, I am
I am who I am, unapologetic and proud
Lord, who will be with you
Who will stand by you and support you
Every day, all the way, come with me
I'll be by your side through everything
Your come through
I will always come through and be there for you
Thick and thin, back again
Through the good times and bad, I'll be there and come back around
I'm gonna hang right in
I won't give up or leave when things get tough
Chorus: I said I am, I am, I am, I am Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am You can bet your life I am, yeah
I am confident in who I am and I'll always be there for you
I'll be standin' by
I'll always be there for you
Prepared to take
I'm ready to face any challenges
Some heartache, for your sake
I'll bear the pain for you if I have to
Can you dig that, baby
Do you understand where I'm coming from?
What kind of fool am I When winding up?
Why did I act foolishly in the past?
When the going gets rough Can you did that, mama
When things get difficult, can you handle it?
And if the world don't like it I don't give a damn
I don't care if others don't approve of who I am
Why do you give your love And like?
Why do you give your heart and affection?
Through youth and age Can you dig that, baby?
Can you love me through all the stages of my life?
What of the life you?Realize your dreams Though it may seem Too extreme Can you dig that mama?
What about living your life and pursuing your dreams, even if it seems hard to achieve?
Chorus: I said I am, I am, I am, I am Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am You can bet your life I am, yeah
I am unapologetically myself and I'll always be here for you
And if the world don't like it I don't give a damn
I won't change who I am to please others, and I don't care if they don't like it
I am, I am I am I am I am I am, I am Oh baby, I am I am I am Oh, you bet your life I am
I am who I am, and I'll always be there for you
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SMOKEY ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pres
I am, I am
Lord, who will be with you
Every day, all the way, come what may
Your story may go through
Thick and thin and back again
I'm gonna hang right in
I said I am, I am, I am, I am
Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am
You can bet your life I am, yeah
Lord, who'll be standin' by
Prepared to take some heartache for your sake
Can you dig that, baby?
What kind of fool am I
When rising up, take it into your cup
When the going gets rough
Can you dig that, mama?
I said I am, I am, I am, I am
Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am
You can bet your life I am, yeah
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
Why do you give your love
And like a flower age through every stage
Of youth and age
Can you dig that, baby?
What of the life give you
Realize your dream
Though it may seem a little too extreme
Can you dig that, mama?
I said I am, I am, I am, I am
Oh baby, I am, I am, I am, I am
You can bet your life I am, yeah
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
I am, I am I am
I am I am I am, I am
Oh baby, I am I am I am
Oh, you bet your life I am
And if the world don't like it
I don't give a damn
Kelli Elaine
The song above accompanies this piece of literary articulation.
The pieces make me whole
I am that I am........
Written By: Kelli GemNeye Elaine
While I was absent from FACEBOOK, I was on Google Plus, doing a bit of writing, some time ago, it's truly a passion of mine. I realize that while everyone won't agree with my words, or feelings, the most I can ever do is the best I can.
My words, are my truth and I will never be ashamed for living the life that, was given to me, to the best of my ability. Life is the lesson, living is the test. If the trials and tribulations of my life can help even one person get through the night, my job is done.ย I was full because I kept my thoughts and feelings hidden deep inside, maybe it was fear, maybe it was foolish pride. I realize that I say what most people are thinking but it is what it is.
My tests are my testimony and life is way too short to walk around holding so much in, so I share with my family and friends. While God has shown me that dreams do come true, Satan has shown me that nightmares are dreams too. This is my story.....this is my truth!
Kelli Elaine
Just me
WRITTEN BY: KELLI ELAINE
I'm just a girl that's tired of games
Because something happens or is said
that reminds me of that one time
It happened before
It all goes to my head
And I head for the door
I don't want to play
Why can't people say what they mean
And mean what they say
I suspect like me,
They're afraid of being hurt
You can recover and even emerge better
From pain
But from avoidance and lonliness
What do you gain
I am here
I am unafraid
Ready to walk the path
That's has been laid
blacktree
I'm glad I am of the generation of the greatest music and song writers.
Charlz D
One of the greatest songwriters that ever lived...
Felicia Casinobrown
Living
Sherry Guine
Charlz D YAASSS!! One of a kind.
Tammy ST Wilson
This song is truly timeless.It comes off as a cross between jazz and R&B to me.
Rick Ross
RIGHT???? I got a ton of youtube playlists and I put this on several. Including R&B and Jazz.... Its definitely 'smooth enough' to qualify.
John C. Griffin Jr.
It's 1974,my first job,great friend's and family. A memory that is as vivid now,as when I lived it.Smokey,did his thing on this one.Peace
thelasonj
I remember this song from when I was a kid. I always loved it. Thank you for posting this! Smokey is so cool.
Michael Row
A voice so comfortable in falsetto, you're forgiven if you thought it was his primary range. Awesome.
BluesInMySoul
I thought it was for years.