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.
The Tracks Of My Tears
Smokey Robinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
The tracks of my tears
I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
Seeming like I'm having fun
Although she may be cute
She's just a substitute
Because you're the permanent one
So take a good look at my face
Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
Oh, the tracks of my tears
Oh, I need you (need you), need you (need you)
Hey yeah, outside I'm masquerading
Inside my hope is fading
Just a clown oh yeah
Since you put me down
My smile is my make up
I wear since my break up with you
Baby, take a good look at my face
Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Baby, take a good look at my face
Yeah, you'll see my smile looks out of place
Ooh, look a little bit closer, it's easy to trace
The Tracks of My Tears is a song by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, released in 1965. The song is about a man who appears to be the life of the party but in reality, he is struggling with the pain of a broken heart. He puts on a faรงade to hide his true feelings, but his sadness is evident in the tracks of his tears. The lyrics depict a man who is trying to move on from a past relationship but is failing to do so. Despite being with other women, he is still unable to forget his lost love, whom he considers to be his permanent love.
The song is notable for its catchy melody, intricate orchestration, and honest lyrics. Smokey Robinson's delicate yet powerful vocals make the song even more compelling. The track features a unique combination of instruments like guitar, piano, drums, bass, and strings, which creates a magical effect. The lyrics are heartfelt, and the song has been widely acclaimed as one of the best soul tracks of all time. The song's enduring popularity has been aided by its use in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in the American pop culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do, tu do do do do do do
Repeating melody to set the tone of the song
People say I'm the life of the party
Others consider me the center of attention in social groups
'Cause I tell a joke or two
I try to entertain others by telling jokes
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Even though I appear happy on the outside
Deep inside I'm blue
I actually feel sad and depressed inside
So take a good look at my face
Examine my expressions closely
You'll see my smile looks out of place
My smile is forced and doesn't reflect my true emotions
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
By observing me better, it's evident to see
The tracks of my tears
I have been crying even though I appear to be happy
I need you (need you), need you (need you)
I miss and require your presence
Since you left me if you see me with another girl
If you see me with someone else now that you're gone
Seeming like I'm having fun
I may appear to be enjoying myself
Although she may be cute
Even if the person looks attractive
She's just a substitute
They are only a replacement for you
Because you're the permanent one
You are the one I desire permanently
Hey yeah, outside I'm masquerading
Externally, I pretend to be someone else
Inside my hope is fading
But I am losing hope on the inside
Just a clown oh yeah
I'm just a laughing stock
Since you put me down
Ever since you rejected me
My smile is my make up
My smile is my way of hiding the pain
I wear since my break up with you
I put on a fake smile since we broke up
Baby, take a good look at my face
Please closely observe my expressions
Oh, you'll see my smile looks out of place
My smile doesn't match my true emotions
Yeah, just look closer, it's easy to trace
Please observe me more closely
The tracks of my tears, baby baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
I have been crying despite external appearances
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marvin Tarplin, Smokey Robinson, Warren Moore, William Robinson Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BlackGryph0n
Ryan brought me here. Sing it, Smoke Man!
@hghtrfnko8634
Video on your suggested feed too?
@dq6813
me too
@carriewhite3018
Ahh Gabriel, a man with taste.I love ur videos btwโคโค
@fuselinhofulustreco614
who is ryan?
@ashethnaya7937
@@fuselinhofulustreco614 I assume he's talking about Ryan Howard from The Office. This song was mentioned in the show
@jeremyray4714
Many great films have led to people loving great music. Thanks Platoon
@tobeabear
BEING IN VIETNAM THIS MUSIC KEPT ME GOING, NOW IT KEEPS ME ALIVE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ๐ป
@aceheru7855
I was watching the movie Platoon I had to go to YouTube to find the song ๐๐พ
@108_raihanreza7
@@aceheru7855 Same here