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Smokey Robinson Quotes

Powerful Smokey Robinson for Daily Growth

About Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson (born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur, best known as the founder, front man, and primary songwriter of the Motown group The Miracles. Robinson was instrumental in shaping the sound of Motown Records during the 1960s and early 1970s, with his distinctive style of romantic ballads and uptempo dance tracks significantly impacting popular music. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson honed his musical skills as a child, singing gospel at church and later R&B on street corners. He co-founded The Miracles in 1955 and, under the guidance of Motown founder Berry Gordy, transformed them into one of the label's most successful acts. Some of Robinson's greatest songs with The Miracles include "Shop Around," "You've Got To Earn It," "Going to a Go-Go," "The Tears of a Clown," and "I Second That Emotion." In addition to his work with The Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for numerous Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye ("Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing"), Martha Reeves & the Vandellas ("Dancing in the Street"), and The Temptations ("My Girl"). In 1965, Robinson became Motown's vice president for artist development. Robinson left The Miracles in 1972 to pursue a solo career, releasing albums such as "Smokey" (1973), "A Quiet Storm" (1975), and "Masters at Work" (1980). He continued to write for other artists, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. In 1987, Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Miracles. In 2006, he received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Today, Smokey Robinson remains an influential figure in American music and continues to perform and record. His timeless songs and innovative style have left an indelible mark on popular music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't know what a genius is, but I'm sure it looks like me at work."

This quote suggests that Smokey Robinson views himself as exceptionally talented and dedicated in his craft, implying that the characteristics of a genius may resemble him while he is creating or working on his music. He acknowledges that he may not understand the formal definition of a genius but believes he embodies those traits in his artistic pursuit.

"The greater the artist, the great the tragedy."

This quote suggests that profound artistic talents often come with a deep sense of struggle or pain. The greater the talent, the more intense and complex an artist's emotions can be, making them particularly susceptible to personal hardships and emotional turmoil - hence the "great tragedy." It emphasizes the paradoxical nature of artistic genius where exceptional gifts may coincide with a difficult life experience.

"When you start a song, you have to feel the feeling of that song from beginning to end before you even write one note."

Smokey Robinson's quote emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and understanding in the songwriting process. Before penning a single note, he suggests that artists should immerse themselves entirely in the feeling that the song aims to evoke, from start to finish. This method allows for a more authentic and powerful expression of emotions, which resonates deeply with listeners, making the song more impactful overall. It's about ensuring the song's essence is inherently part of the artist's creative journey from inception to completion.

"I believe in being honest and sincere. I believe in loving people and treating them right."

This quote by Smokey Robinson underscores his belief in two fundamental principles: honesty and kindness towards others. In a broader context, it emphasizes the importance of authenticity, integrity, empathy, and respect in interpersonal relationships. Essentially, he is expressing that truthful actions, genuine affection, and fair treatment are essential for building strong connections with people.

"You can't be a success at anything unless you love what you do."

This quote underscores the importance of passion in achieving success. To be successful, one must not only dedicate time and effort but also genuinely enjoy the work they are doing. Love for one's craft fuels the perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and reach goals. Without this love, the path to success may feel arduous and unrewarding, ultimately hindering progress.

I've been speaking at churches for years, as well as juvenile jails, rehabs and hospitals, and I always talk about my faith. That is a declaration of my relationship with God.

- Smokey Robinson

Always, Hospitals, Been, Churches

Drugs are in every walk of life - doctors, lawyers, preachers, the guy who works for IBM, teenagers on the street, teenagers in school.

- Smokey Robinson

Lawyers, Guy, Works, Preachers

When you write a song, a song has longevity.

- Smokey Robinson

Song, You, Write, Longevity

I played golf all over Detroit.

- Smokey Robinson

Golf, Over, Played, Detroit

There are very few courses around Detroit I haven't played.

- Smokey Robinson

Few, Very, Courses, Detroit

When someone picks up one of my songs and records it, I'm a flattered man, it's a blessing to me.

- Smokey Robinson

Records, Flattered, Picks, Blessing

People still look at Michael Jackson as being a Motown artist.

- Smokey Robinson

Michael, Still, Jackson, None

So I wanted to sing inspirational music, and that's exactly how I approached it - only the words have been changed to declare my relationship with God.

- Smokey Robinson

Inspirational, Been, Declare, Changed

I had been stockpiling Gospel songs for other artists, and had planned to submit them to Gospel artists.

- Smokey Robinson

Other, Been, Submit, Gospel Songs

We're very physical creatures, and we worry about how we look sometimes more than our spiritual selves.

- Smokey Robinson

Worry, Creatures, Very, Selves

We're all going to be victims of temptation at several points in our lives.

- Smokey Robinson

Temptation, Going, Lives, Victims

The only thing you're taking out of here is your spirit and your soul, so we need to be conscious to try and develop that part of ourselves, because we're all spiritual creatures.

- Smokey Robinson

Need, Here, Creatures, Taking

As a kid, this is what I wanted my life to be. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever dare to dream that it would be this.

- Smokey Robinson

Dreams, My Life, Kid, Dare

And I can say this, most of the people who have recorded my songs are songwriters themselves.

- Smokey Robinson

People, Say, Songwriters, Recorded

In fact, I wouldn't really call this a Gospel album, I call it more an inspirational album.

- Smokey Robinson

Fact, Album, Call, Gospel

There's so many wonderful gospel people out there, and I don't necessarily want to compete with those people.

- Smokey Robinson

Wonderful, Want, Compete, Gospel

As human beings, we're very materialistic and have all this stuff - furs and cars and diamonds and money.

- Smokey Robinson

Money, Diamonds, Very, Materialistic

I don't ever balk at being considered a Motown person, because Motown is the greatest musical event that ever happened in the history of music.

- Smokey Robinson

Musical, Considered, Motown

One thing I can say about the Motown acts is that we were a family. That's not a myth.

- Smokey Robinson

Say, One Thing, About, Motown

Once you're a Motown artist, you're always a Motown artist.

- Smokey Robinson

Artist, Always, Once, Motown

Once you're a Motown artist, that's your stigmatism, and I was there from the very first day.

- Smokey Robinson

Artist, Very, Once, Motown

Motown will always be a heavy-duty part of my life because those are my roots.

- Smokey Robinson

My Life, Will, Always, Motown

I left Motown because of the regime of people who were there.

- Smokey Robinson

Left, Regime, Were, Motown

I really haven't strayed too far, musically, from my roots.

- Smokey Robinson

Roots, Far, Too, Musically

Had I not come out with an inspirational CD, you perhaps would have never known that I feel like I feel, that all songs, all the music I've ever done is a gift from God.

- Smokey Robinson

Inspirational, Gift, Like, CD

Originally I was not writing songs for myself.

- Smokey Robinson

Myself, Writing, Songs, Originally

My mother was a churchgoing lady, so I always heard about God at home.

- Smokey Robinson

Mother, Always, About, Lady

You know what, I'm probably one of the most blessed people there's ever been, and I thank God for it.

- Smokey Robinson

Blessed, People, Been, Thank God

You know what, life is full of temptations.

- Smokey Robinson

Life, Know, You, Temptations

Songwriting is my gift from God.

- Smokey Robinson

God, Gift, Songwriting

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