Friday, June 26, 2009

Black Music Month Artist of the Day - Day 26: Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson was one of the founding members and artists of Motown along with Barry Gordy. His songs with The Miracles and as a solo artists were really influential in helping to define the modern pop and R & B love song. He had many hits and has composed some of the greatest songs ever written. Bob Dylan once referred to him as "America's greatest living poet". He was responsible for the Motown sound having composed and or produced some of the label's biggest hits from The Temptation's "My Girl" and "Get Ready" to Mary Well's "My Guy" just to name a few. Today Robinson will be honored by ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) with the Rhythm and Blues Award for his work as a songwriter. That makes him the best choice for artist of the day. Here he is with The Miracles singing the incredible, "OOO, Baby Baby"!