SMOKEY ROBINSON: GRATEFUL AND BLESSED

A top-tier Motown singer-songwriter talks spontaneously about his career, the origins of Motown Records, and the familiar tunes he wrote for himself and many others. Robinson's musical talent and personal story come alive in his emotion-filled reminiscences. Expressed in the Black vernacular of his heyday, they're full of fascinating tidbits about other Motown artists that will captivate anyone interested in American pop music. To illustrate the songs he discusses, he joins a keyboardist and drummer throughout the audio to sing fresh versions of tunes like "Cruising Together" and "Tears of a Clown." The nostalgia for Smokey Robinson's musical contributions is served well by this deftly edited blend of his words and music. Listeners will want the sparkle of this satisfying memoir to continue beyond its 95 minutes. T.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]