Smokey Robinson Announces Track List and Release Date for “Smokey & Friends”
The release date for “Smokey & Friends,” the new duets album from legendary Motown icon and Grammy® award-winning singer-songwriter, Smokey Robinson has been moved up to August 19 on Verve Records. The album will be made available at all physical and digital retail outlets nationwide.
The track listing for “Smokey & Friends” features Robinson alongside a celebrated roster of contemporary and classic artists who revisit the best loved songs from Robinson’s unmatched catalog of hits including those he has written for his solo career, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Miracles, as well as hits he wrote for others, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.
On the Randy Jackson-produced set, Robinson is joined by old friends like James Taylor, Sir Elton John, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Sheryl Crow, and Mary J. Blige, as well as with some of today’s hottest new artists including John Legend, John Mayer, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, JC Chasez, CeeLo, Ledisi and Jessie J.
Robinson and his guests pay homage to the timeless originals, while creating new versions that feel instantaneously contemporary and classic. Robinson and John turn “The Tracks of My Tears” into an organ-drenched call and response; while Legend’s graceful piano playing adds a new elegance to “Quiet Storm.” On “My Girl,” Miguel, Aloe Blacc, and ‘N Sync’s JC Chasez match The Temptation’s unforgettable harmonies, as John Mayer recreates the song’s instantly recognizable opening guitar riffs. The album’s 11 tracks will delight longtime Robinson fans, as well as introduce these ageless songs to younger listeners not necessarily familiar with the enduring melodies and lyrics.
ABOUT SMOKEY ROBINSON
Once pronounced by Bob Dylan as America’s “greatest living poet,” acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson’s career spans over four decades of hits. He has received numerous awards including two Grammy’s, the Grammy Living Legend Award, NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, Honorary Doctorate (Howard University), Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Robinson founded The Miracles while still in high school. The group was Berry Gordy’s first vocal group. Their single of Robinson’s “Shop Around” became Motown’s first #1 hit on the R&B singles chart. The Miracles dominated the R&B scene
throughout the 1960’s and early 70’s. In addition to writing hits for The Miracles, Robinson wrote and produced hits for other Motown.
“Smokey & Friends” Track Listing:
1. The Tracks Of My Tears – Elton John
2. You Really Got A Hold On Me – Steven Tyler
3. My Girl – Miguel, Aloe Blacc & JC Chasez
4. Cruisin’ – Jesse J
5. Quiet Storm – John Legend
6. The Way You Do (The Things You Do) – CeeLo Green
7. Being With You – Mary J. Blige
8. Ain’t The Peculiar – James Taylor
9. The Tears Of A Clown – Sheryl Crow
10. Ooh Baby Baby – Ledisi
11. Get Ready – Gary Barlow
