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08/13/2002 The Queen's Scene |
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Smokey Robinson...
One of the greatest stylists that ever livedRelated site: Smokey Ronbinson
by Michelle Muhammad
ome came from as far away as New Jersey and as close as
Chicago�s westside to see the legendary Smokey
Robinson at the Ravinia. Show
time is fast approaching and the pavilion�s seats are filled and the lawn
resembles a big family reunion that�s about to get started. The capacity crowd
starts to roar and chant "Smokey! Smokey! Smokey!" as the announcer says, in a
big booming voice, "It�s the man that you all have been waiting for; the one,
the only, the incomparable Smokey Robinsoooon."
The man of the hour emerges on stage decked out in a black sequined tuxedo, crisp white shirt and bow tie singing his hit song, "Being With You." The crowd that longed for quality music were now getting their fill and Smokey was happy to give it to them. "It is beautiful to be here. I was so looking forward to this," said Robinson of his return to the Windy City, after which he started by singing the classic, "I Second That Emotion" from The Smokey Robinson and The Miracles LP Make It Happen.
Robinson, a lover of great music, took some time to pay homage to some of his many musical influences. "I grew up in a house where there was always some music playing," he said. Smokey went on to say that legendary songwriter/composer Cole Porter was one of them. His rendition of Porter�s "Night And Day" was splendid, to say the least. The audience was appreciative, but wanted Smokey to bring on what they knew and loved and started shouting out different songs that they wanted him to sing. When he began to sing the heavily requested "Ooh Baby, Baby" the crowd went wild. A woman obviously moved by the song came out into the aisles saying, "That�s my song!" He got even more of a response when he sang "You�ve Really Got a Hold on Me." Everyone in the pavilion sang the verse, "I don�t like you but I love you."
Midway through the first part of his set, Smokey took some time to talk to the audience. "Most of you know I grew up at Motown. It was a great place to be. I performed on the Motown review right over at The Regal Theater with such great acts as Junior Walker, the Supremes, Mary Wells, The Temptations and Marvin Gaye for $150. Can you believe that? In all seriousness, I was privileged to write songs for many of the groups that were on the review with me. I loved working with The Temptations; they were my favorite group," said Smokey. He did not disappoint as he sang various Temptation songs that he wrote including "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Get Ready" and "My Girl."
Another major part of his Motown days was his partnership with arranger and composer Sonny Burke. As the spotlight shifted to Burke, who was sitting in the background on a stool and playing his guitar softly, Robinson talked about how Sonny has been with him from the beginning and he is a lot more than someone he worked with, he�s also a friend. Burke humbly stood and took a bow before performing some of the songs the two collaborated on like "Tracks of My Tears," "Crush" and "Fork in The Road." As he sang "Tears of A Clown" and "Who�s Loving You," the crowd joined in. "You sound great. You guys sound like a big choir," said Smokey.
Over the years, Smokey�s life has gone through many ups and downs�from the break up of his marriage to the former Claudette Rogers to his admitted drug use. He has endured the test of time. Through it all, Smokey has prevailed many obstacles that would have taken out a lesser artist. "I feel so blessed to have life. It has been beautiful to me," he said.
Being a man who believes in love wholeheartedly, ballads have been a staple of his act since the very beginning. "We are going to talk about love. Love has many faces. Love can make you happy and make you sad. It can make you feel good and make you feel bad. When you are in love, it can be the most beautiful thing in the world."
Robinson then did a set of his most popular ballads that included "Baby, Baby Don�t Cry," "What�s It All About," "Crazy Love," "Love Is Blind," "Baby Come Close," "Quiet Storm" and "One Heartbeat."
As Smokey made a quick costume change, the audience was treated to a sax solo of "My Girl." In a matter of minutes, Smokey returned with his two lovely dancers Tracey and Linda to perform "Going To A Go-Go." Robinson performed a song from his latest CD on Motown called Intimate. As an encore he sang the crowd favorite "Tears of a Clown." For his finale, he saved the best for last. This song is about love and you all made it a hit," as he went into "Cruisin."
After a nearly five minute standing ovation and red roses being flung up to the stage, being the caliber of performer that he is, Smokey graciously thanked the audience. Those who go way back to William Robinson�s beginnings in music know what he means to popular music and generations to come. Duane Muhammad, Final Call general manager says, "Smokey �Bill� Robinson is one of the most prolific songwriters of our day. Many times he is not given his props because he�s not in the top 40. I�ve been a lifelong fan of his and he is one of the greatest stylists that ever lived since Nat King Cole." The previous eloquent statement is one that music lovers all around the world can concur with.
(Michelle Muhammad may be reached via her email address at: "[email protected].")