Ask Smokey Robinson

Submit your question to Ask Smokey Robinson (87 other responses).

1. Posted by Wanda Fenwick in LexingtonPark,MD:

   Mr. Robinson,

   First and foremost, thank you for being part of one of the biggest influences of music. Now, during your time as a songwriter for Motown Records, what times were easier for you to pen, was it the joyous and happy times or the more sad and perhaps lonely times?

2. Posted by Anita Spigner in Seaside,CA:

   Mr. Robinson, The music produced in your time with Motown, Do you not
   think it had more substance than today's music? In other words, the music had quality or meaning to the songs back then. Not like now, with the vulgar words and what not. Todays music is not like you can play with the family listening. Thank you

3. Posted by Rob Tabor in Chicago:

   Pardon me, but I feel that I should address you as 'Smokey', though with complete respect, for I feel as if I know you. I am a complete by-product of the Motown "Golden Era", pre-Jackson 5 and The Commodores, and you and your musical influence molded me into the producer/songwriter/musician that I now aspire to be.

   I became a songwriter solely because of you, and there was a time when I knew the lyrics and melody to every song you recorded be it a single release, or an album 'filler'. I still can sing along with any song you've written while it's being played and/or performed.

   I could write to you for hours, but I know I need to cut this short, as it may be edited due to length anyway.

   My question posed to you now is what do you recall as your foremost driving force when you wrote that initial collection of songs presented to Berry Gordy when you were around 17 years old, and those that followed for the next 5 or 6 years? Your lyrics were not that of an inner city African-American male bred within what others may view as a limited circumstance, but those of a well-developed, seasoned, mature soul, far beyond your years. I've studied your masterful lyrics since I was a teen-ager (you and I are about the same age), and have often wondered how you could write so well when you were so young. Hopefully, you'll be allowed to answer.

   I love you as a positive, spiritual brother, person, songwriter, producer, and vocalist, and still maintain hopes of meeting you one day.

   Much love and respect to you, my Brother...

4. Posted by Jackie L Barnes in Atlanta,ga.:

   Where and how did you come up with the song,( When the words to my heart get,s caught up in my throat ooh baby I better write a note)?

5. Posted by mark odegard in Minneapolis:

   Smokey,
   Did you ever get angry or upset at the British invasion of all those white English singers stealing the thunder from Motown?

6. Posted by Kathy Christie in Toronto,Ontario:

   SMOKEY:

   WHEN WILL YOU BE COMING BACK TO TORONTO? WE MISS YOU, AND YOUR
   OH-SO-SMOOTH MUSIC UP HERE !

   KATHY CHRISTIE

7. Posted by Gerald Horning in BayVillage,Ohio44140:

   What are your favorite songs that you have written or recorded, and what makes them your favorites?

8. Posted by Sheila Moore in Houston:

   As a big fan of the Motown Family, could Motown have supported and saved Marvin Gaye doing his low period?

9. Posted by Lee Coffee in SandiaPark,NewMexico:

   Music has grown so diverse over the years since the founding of Mowtown. Do you feel that some of the new genre such as hip hop and rap really qualify as music per se?

10. Posted by E Barlow in Manchester:

    How do you feel about the trend of Caucasian singers with "powerful and soulful black voices" rising in the R&B charts?

11. Posted by Thomas J. O’Connell in Piscataway,NJ:

    The first album I ever purchased was The Fabulous Miracles (You've Really Got a Hold on Me).

    Prominent on the cover was Marv Tarpin showing him as a mainstay of The Miracles.

    Marv remains with you and to your credit you always point him out whenever I see you in concert.

    Can you tell me more about Marv's connections with Smokey, The Miracles, Motown and other accomplishments we are not familiar with?

12. Posted by Dee in Vancouver,WA:

    Hello!

    What was it like for you to sing with the legendary Lucy Lawless of Xena Warrior Princess fame (among other roles)?

13. Posted by rebecca castillo in Lubbock:

    Will you please sing happy birthday to me? It's not until september

14. Posted by Frederick Jones in Rochester,NY.14609:

    Dear Smokey, First of all let me say I love all your music. My question is how can a songwriter make it in the business? With all the changes that have taken place with the internet and The music business in general it has been a tough road for me.

15. Posted by S Pelham Justice in Newark:

    I never get tired of hearing them, but do you ever get tired of singing your songs?

16. Posted by Ross E. Taylor in UniversityPlace,Washington:

    Dear Mr. Robinson:

    I have always loved your operatic reference in "The Tears of a Clown." How did you come up with the idea of referring to Pagliacci ("just like Pagliacci did, I try to keep my sadess in")? And do you think that there were very many listeners who understood your reference?

17. Posted by Cheryle Valpredo in ShelbyTwp.MI:

    Dear Mr. Robinson:

    I heard a radio show that talked about your life, and it mentioned a relationship you had with a much younger girl that ended badly.
    This was many years ago.
    Apparently, you took it so hard that you turned to drugs and it almost killed you. What ever happen to that girl and do you ever see her or think about her?
    Any good advice to the young people that experience a broken heart, like you did?

    P.S. I love you velvet voice!

    God Bless You!

18. Posted by Shar Wackman in Reynoldsburg:

    How does it feel -- at this point in your life -- to have influenced a generation of songwriters and performers who have had such a large impact on the American culture?

19. Posted by Jiju Mathew in Philadelphia:

    Why does Marvin Gaye singing "Whats going on" and Public Enemy singing "Fight the Power" elicit different reactions (sympathy v outrage) from the public when both address more or less the same social issues?

20. Posted by diane hilliard adams clay in memphis:

    Dear Smokey,
    How did you keep the magic going, since "Mickey's Monkey", until now?

21. Posted by christine griffiths in kingston,JAMAICA:

    Will u come back to Jamaica to perform?

22. Posted by Albert R. Swanson in Alexandria,Virginia:

    Mr. Robinson,

    First, let me congratulate you & Motown on fifty wonderful of musical enjoyment. I got on the Motown train way back in 1963 with your song, and album of the same name, "Mickey's Monkey." I still get goose bumps when I listen to your version of "Land of 1000 Dances." Man, you were one funky young man on that song!!

    Anyway, back to YOUR songs. We all know of your wonderful witty lyrics and production of songs. This is regards of the pre-production of your songs. It's been stated by others that your primary arranger during the glory years was Willie Shorter.

    My question is, just how did you and he (and the other great arrangers at Motown, Henry Cosby, Paul Riser, Wade Marcus, David Van de Pitte, Jerry Long, etc) come up the musical arrangements of your songs? Earl Van Dyke, the leader of the Funk Brothers and Paul Riser have stated that you always wanted your songs fully arranged before you came in the studio. Why was that?

    Did you do the rhythm arrangements first and then decide to add string/horns?

    Like I told Berry Gordy when I got a chance to thank him when he was town pushing his book in 1994, I want to thank you for all the happiness and joy you have given the world during the past fifty years.

23. Posted by Patricia Davis in Pittsburgh,PA:

    You make songwriting seem effortless. What was the most difficult song for you to write?

24. Posted by Franklin C. Phillips in Oakland,CA:

    Smokey,
    I have heard your commentary on social policy and ills in our society, what has kept you from running for public office or assuming another prominent leadershipp role in either the public or private sector?

    -Lifelong fan,
    Frank Phillips
    Oakland, CA

25. Posted by Sam Verbeck in Chaumont,NY:

    Smokey,
    You are a survivor and above all a wonderful musician. Why does it seem that success quickly ruins musicians and groups lkie it seems to have done to many Motown acts especially the Temptations.

26. Posted by Gregory Keith DeGroat in Dayton,Ohio:

    I've always wondered if superb vocalists like David Ruffin, Levi Stubbs, and Gladys Knight were also serious musicians. Could they play instruments as could Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and yourself? If not, were they not as respected as the serious musicians?

27. Posted by Juan Blanco in Miami:

    Hi Smokey! Which artist or group has been the most influential to work with and to you personally while working in the music industry?

28. Posted by Todd Wilkof in Oakland:

    Dear Smoky, way back in 1970 or so you and the Miracles played Cleveland's Public Hall. My good friend Bonnie was one of your biggest fans and she was determined to track you down in the hallway after your performance. Sure enough we turned a corner and there your were- standing alone outside your stageroom door. Bonnie ran down the corridor, all but leaped in your arms and shouted "Smokey! We're here!" I remember the look on tour face- aghast but delighted.

    My question- can you tell us something of your road adventures while on tour in a chnaging America, circa the late 60's?

    Thank you,

    Still a big fan

    Todd Wilkof

29. Posted by Serigne-Dan Fall in Paris,France:

    Mr Robinson.What Do you yhink of the use of sample in Hip Hop music ? Do you think Hip hop artist steal your music ,or it 's a way to pay a tribute.

30. Posted by Dorothy Brooks in GlenBurnie,Maryland:

    Dear Smokey.
    First off let me say I love you. I have been a fan since the very beginning, which is many, many years. I have seen you in Concert many times in and around my area. Like Painters Mill, Pier6,Balto.City, Atlantic City and anywhere you were preforming. I was heartbroken when you stopped appearing ar Pier6 every year.

    My question/request. Would you please do a Christmas Album for the Holiday next year? One about the real meaning of Christmas and not the silly songs we hear on other albums. a really inspirational album as I know you can do beautifully. And would you please include 'Mary, did you know?' it's one of my favorites. So many of your fans would appreciate a Christmas album from you as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

    I have almost all of your albums & you 2 videos. And I love your lastest one of old standards is absolutely fantastic. I am glad you included ' I love your face' it has always been one of my favorites. I am hoping you do another one soon.

    Thank you for all the years of pleasure. keep it coming.
    Peace & blessings

31. Posted by BOB GALASSO in Georgetown,ky:

    What year if any di you perform at Steel Pier in Atlantic City?

32. Posted by Stacy Harris in Nashville:

    Do you regret having had an extramarital affair with Diana Ross?

33. Posted by Allison Hedge Coke in SiouxFalls:

    Of your defining moments, which do you call upon frequently to serve you today?

34. Posted by ari del rosario in manila:

    What makes a song good ?

35. Posted by Damian Marvay in Barbados/TheBronx:

    Hi Smokey, Thanks for shaping History! - Now, Creatively speaking, Do you feel like there's anything left to conquer in your Career? Experimentations? Scores? Plays? Collabs? :- If so, what do you have cookin' up and how soon can we hear it?

    -Much Respect, again.

36. Posted by Burnell B. Burns in Terrytown,LA:

    Who were the original members of The Miracles and where are they now?

37. Posted by Yehuda Hoffman in BocaRaton,FL:

    In the 1970s, when Transcendental Meditation was at its peak of popularity in America, you were one of the exponents of this practice. What did you get out of it and do you still meditate?

38. Posted by gbenga ogayemi in nigeria:

    hello sir

    i will be very happy if you can come to Africa and show us what you still have ,i am from Nigeria i love your music,i cant with to hear from you sir

39. Posted by Oteng Nutty Chilume in Francistown,Botswana,SouthofAfrica(AlesscountryKnowncountryNorthofmorethepopularSOUTHAFRICA):

    Mr Robison, your 1975 work,A Quite Storm, is beyond comparison;- and i am particularly fond of the secondary R&B/ Soul style that resulted from this "innovation" of yours, now commonly accepted as THE QUITE STORM. I am a big fan of RADIO, especially Late Night Radio, and in my country, Botswana- this helps me a lot in escaping the Maddening Pop Culture (music etc). So, the question i ask is related to Radio Intertainment, Do you think that the INTERNET will affect the role of RADIO (where valuing music is concerned) to the extent that there won't ever be anything "mythical" and "magical" about listening to music on the radio? This for me has always been one the most intimate ways of relating to music, because, in the past;- while you could or couldnt buy a record, the special moment was when you would wait for a song to play on the radio, and when it came- it meant everything, and you really paid attention to the words. For me, that kind of relationship has always been one of the most intimate ways of relating with music, will it die? was it and is necessary? Or do you accept that just as all things change, we should adjust the way we consume music and relate to it, or is the old way the best way? I'm only 27 by the way,i dont know how i got this muddled in the past (for my age). LOL.

    NB: Im currently listening to Donny Hathaway, Freddy Jackson,Alexander O'niel, Christopher Williams and Will Downing. I also want to know what you think of this generation of Musicians.

40. Posted by Michael West in copenhagen,denmark:

    During the height of the Motown years did you all ever listen to and share comments about what the white music world was producing? Perhaps you naturally had little interest - Or was it a taboo for black musicians to show any open liking for some white music? Who have been your favorite white artists?

41. Posted by Tom Gorsuch in SturgeonBay,WI:

    The Funk Brothers were a huge part of Motown's success. How did you work with them? Was it a collaborative effort or did you put yourself and songs in their hands? I played "Tears of a Clown" on the jukebox yesterday. Thank's man.

42. Posted by Rick Huff in Belmont,CA.:

    Smokey,

    I hope you are doing well.

    No question, other than;

    Thank you thank you thank you, for all the great music!

    All the best,

    Rick

43. Posted by Marie Turley in Easton,MA:

    Mr. Robinson,
    One of my childhood memories is of enjoying your appearance on Sesame Street performing "U really got a hold on me". What importance does sharing quality music with young children hold for you?
    Thank you,
    Marie

44. Posted by Diane Hutcherson in Detroit:

    As a native Detroiter (still live and work here), I'm curious if you and fellow former Motowners ever come back to cultivate talent here in Detroit? Seems that many Motowners, once they found fame, have deserted this city. There is a LOT of talent still here in Motown!

45. Posted by Jennifer Staten in Raleigh,NC:

    Of all the songs you've written, is there one that is most meaningful to you? Which song is it and what about it speaks to you so deeply?

46. Posted by Whitney Moore in Washington,DC:

    I am a 23 year old woman and your music moves me. I often wish that i lived in the Motown Era because not only were you making beautiful music but also histroy. My question is do you feel that there are any present singers that are trying to capture that motown feel? and should they even try?

47. Posted by Brian McClendon in Hayward,CA:

    Dear Smokey,
    My sister visited our cousins--Ray, Barbara, and Arrita--in Hawaii when she was a child. When she returned she told us something that I feel need confirmation: Are we cousins through marriage? And now for a more appropriate question, Can you describe your writing process? I'm curious what comes first, melody, music, concept, or lyrics?

48. Posted by Derrick Ingram in Detroit,MI:

    I would ask Smokey out of the various artists who he worked with in Motown who was his favorite singer.

49. Posted by Alloysius Akakpo in Maplewood,NJ:

    Hi Smokey,

    A lot of the questions here cover most of what I'd want to know from your perspective, except I'd like to know, what's your favorite song? What song did you, Smokey, here and say, "man, see, now that right there, that's hot"....

50. Posted by Darryl Dennis in Fairburn:

    What song that you wrote that you knew instantly was going to be a hit?