E-mail a friendAugust 18, 2009
Prolific singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson explains how it feels to be relevant, writing and recording 50 years after Motown Records was founded and reflects on his relationships with label founder Berry Gordy and superstar Michael Jackson.
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson
Motown legend reflects on the loss of Michael Jackson and what it was like speaking at his memorial. (1:55)
Full interview. (25:09)
William "Smokey" Robinson is known for his falsetto voice and has recorded more than 35 Top-40 hits. But with more than 4,000 songs to his credit, he's also one of pop's most influential songwriters. His writing and producing talent was critical to the Motown label's early success, and his songs can be heard on film and TV soundtracks. His latest release, "Time Flies When You're Having Fun," is original material recorded the old-fashioned way—with a band in the studio. Robinson is also a 2006 Kennedy Center honoree.
