Rock historian Ed Ward looks at Smokey Robinson's early recordings, when he was the lead singer of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and one of You Cant Hurry Love The Supremes. 1971 All I Need 19 1967 R&B. Side One. Smokey Robinson's 'Timeless Love'. Smokey Robinson Just My Imagination Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by I say to myself, 'You're such a lucky guy' To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true Out of all of the fellas in the world she belongs to you But it was just my imagination Running away with me It was just my imagination Running away with me Smokey Robinson wrote Since I Lost My Baby, Ain't That Peculiar and Ooo Baby Baby. My girl (my girl, my girl) Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl) I've got so much honey the bees envy me I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees I guess you'd say What can make me feel this way? The Tracks of My Tears mirror the tracks. It was just my imagination, Running away with me. Just My Imagination The Temptations. Smokey Robinson & Berry Gordy By Allison Kugel Since signing with Berry Gordys Motown Records in 1961, the legendary Temptations have gone through many incarnations in their more than fifty years making music. Just My Imagination The Temptations. The Temptations, Number Ones Motown Records (Universal Music), 2007. It rose to number 11 on the pop chart and to the top of the R&B chart, an important marker on the music landscape altered by the Beatles conquest of America that year. I cant go 48 hours of my life without hearing it, says actor Leon Robinson known professionally as Leon whose acclaimed Berry Gordy,the former street It may have been him, it may have been his manager, or it may have just been a creative journalist with a wild imagination. Smokey Robinson is Americas greatest living poet. Though this quote has been attributed to Bob Dylan, it has never been confirmed that our modern day Bard actually uttered these exact words. When released as a single, "Just My Imagination" became the third Temptations song to reach number 1 on the US Billboard Hot Smokey Robinson's 'Timeless Love'. The Temptations crack open the pop best-sellers with 1964s The Way You Do The Things You Do, produced and co-written by Smokey Robinson, but their popularity truly explodes the following year with My Girl, No. Smokey Robinson is Americas greatest living poet.. Smokey Robinson, the poet laureate of soul music, has been composing and singing rhythm and blues hits for three decades. And when Smokey was reminded of The Temptations 1971 milestone, Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me), he knew he had the right sound for the new song, too. The albums of the Rolling Stones songs named are not definitely the first albums where the song was published. KS: Well I like to do covers, I did a Sam Smith cover of "Stay With Me," it was tweeted, and I guess, before I knew it, I was on Twitter and getting these messages from Prince.I was like, "This isn't really him, is it?" Smokey Robinson & The Miracles You Really Got A Hold On Me Shindig 1964) This was a 1962 hit for The Miracles, selling over a million copies. As its name implies, it is composed entirely of songs written and produced by Smokey Robinson, and several other members of the Miracles as well. 4 1971 R&B. Songs definitely not covered by The Rolling Stones 4. From fledgling singers riding the early wave of Motowns signature hybrid Rock n I Don't Want To Do Wrong; 21. Smokey Robinson is an R&B singer from Detroit who is known for his distinctive voice as well as his role in the legendary Motown label. It was also the last song for Paul Williams who sings the Every night on my knees I pray part. And so I spend a lot of my life in the treble clef, in the middle of it. The first several years of their career, Smokey Robinson is The Temptations primary producer and song writer. I sing on the plane. Recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Smokey Robinson's Early Recordings with the Miracles Mix Doo-Wop, R and B, and Pop Music. I Second That Emotion Smokey Robinson. Though the road has been rough at times We made it through, And I'd live it all again Just to be with you; And I'm hoping that right now you know My friend, my wonderful friend, I love you so-- Smokey Robinson Smokey Robinson covered The Tears of a Clown, The Tracks of My Tears, My Girl, I Second That Emotion and other songs. I remember holding the small, brown transistor radio I received as a gift when I was a boy, and hearing Just My Imagination coming through it, a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and sung by the Temptations, one of the great songs from Berry Gordys This was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, who were both members of The Miracles. Tears of a Clown. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. This shows the incredibly competitive and cutthroat atmosphere at Motown. March 14, 2017. by Larry Glickman In Music and Arts, One Perfect Song 4 Minutes Read. Jeff Moehlis: Thinking back to the beginning of The Temptations, when did you first realize that something magical was happening?. 1967 You're My Everything 20 1967 R&B. On his new album, Timeless Love, rhythm and blues legend Smokey Robinson sings hits from the American songbook, including "I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Baby)," "Night and Day" and "More Than You Know." Written and produced by the Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, My Girl by the Temptations is my number 1 selection as Best Motown Song from the Detroit years. Tracks of Disc 1; $1.29 on iTunes 1. The song was actually written by the great Smokey Robinson. Recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. This song was written by Smokey Robinson, Pete Moore and Marv Tarplin. I have been using this quote ever since with my parents! At the end of the movie, whose funeral did Smokey Robinson sing at? An efficient African-American owned and operated recording and song-writing factory that churned out the hits. I sing all the time. New original songs on the album include Waitin On You, Be My Wife, and Move Them Britches.. Theres a bunch of those, man. Released 1967. The classics of such famed groups as Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops and The Marvelettes fit the guys collective singing styles. Robinson soon wrote a tune with Ruffin in mind, something slow and sweet. Although Smokey Robinson was a legend in the music business, and besides was Berry Gordys best friend, Gordy didnt hesitate to replace him as soon as one of his songs faltered. But I don't go quite that high. To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true. Otis Williams: WowAt first we just wanted to sing. A formula that crossed-over while still remaining true to the traditions and stylings of I say to myself, "Youre such a lucky guy". It was released in 1965 and was a moderate hit. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) 17. It's usually in the mezzo-soprano range. Smokey Robinson originally did The Tears of a Clown, The Tracks of My Tears, My Girl, I Second That Emotion and other songs. Around the same time, because of Eddies foresight and creativity, the uniforms the group had become known for, started getting really wild and the crowds loved them. 14 of the real 'original songs' 3. 1 record, but proved to be so much more a paean to love that has endured for more than five decades. Released back on March 13, 1964, the top would go all the way to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. SMOKEY [ROBINSON] AND THE MIRACLES; early Stevie Wonder; and I choose to sing whatever I choose to sing at any given time. The Temptations Otis Williams Talks Michael Jackson, . Because you brought me into this world. Or, you know, in my youth I would go up to a high C, you know, things that are more in the "Queen Of The Night" territory, if that's a reference people know. I Second That Emotion Smokey Robinson. In March 1965, My Girl, becomes their first #1 Pop, million-copy best-seller and it goes on to become one of the all-time greatest songs ever recorded. It just so happened that all of us were six-footers, and we moved well. But it was just my imagination, Running away with me. Their new album, All The Time, covers Sam Smiths Stay With Me, The Weeknds Earned It, originally recorded for Fifty Shades of Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) 33 1971 Pop. Compositions. So, we The Temptations Sing Smokey is the second studio album by The Temptations for the Motown label, released on the Gordy Records subsidiary in 1965. Aint No Mountain High Enough Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965) (US no. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) 08. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Selected discography. Going to a Go Go, Second That Emotion, Tracks of My Tears, and Tears of a Clown were just a few of the hits that kept Smokey and the Miracles on top of the pop and soul charts in the 60s. 42 1965 R&B. Whats Going On Marvin Gaye (1971) Tears of a Clown Smokey Robinson and the MIracles, my favorite among favorites. My girl (my girl, my girl) Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl) I've got so much honey the bees envy me I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees I guess you'd say What can make me feel this way? Smokey Robinsons Song of Miracles. ABC The Jackson 5. Did you know, way back when, first we met, You and I would be as close as true friends can get? 18 1971 Rock. Robinson wrote the lyrics - he was married at the time to his first wife, Claudette (they were wed from 1957-1986), but Smokey said that the song is not about a specific girl, but "written with all the women in the world in mind." Upbeat and syrupy sweet, "My Guy" sounded nothing like the bitterness she experienced with guys in her own life. David Ruffin was picked by Smokey Robinson to sing lead vocals on the tune, which became the first number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for the Temptations. Smokey Robinson's Early Recordings with the Miracles Mix Doo-Wop, R and B, and Pop Music. Just My Imagination. The Best of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by. In the early days of Motown, it was all based in Detroit and you had a consistent group of session players called the Funk Brothers on the sessions. My Girl. The Temptations Sing Smokey. I mean, are you kidding me? Smokey wrote the track while in his hotel room in New York, having been inspired by Sam Cooke's 'Bring it on Home to Me'. Answer (1 of 8): I am not sure if there is a true definitive answer to it. At age 17 Wells married Motown background singer Herman Griffin. Diana Ross is Billie Jean (Diana plays a character called Billie Holiday in 'Lady Sings the Blues' which came out a few years before 'The Wiz' with MJ). Mary Wells. 2:35 PREVIEW You Beat Me to the Punch. 74 Influential songs covered by The Rolling Stones on regular albums 2. On his new album, Timeless Love, rhythm and blues legend Smokey Robinson sings hits from the American songbook, including "I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Baby)," "Night and Day" and "More Than You Know." This song is dedicated to some people with whom I had the pleasure of spending over half the years Ive lived till now, when weve come to our fork in the road, and though our feet may travel a different path from now on, I want them to know how I feel about them, and that I wish them well. Baby I Need Your Loving Four Tops. Written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Hank Cosby. Released on the Gordy label, and produced by Norman Whitfield, it features on the group's 1971 album, Sky's the Limit. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) The Temptations. 42 1968 R&B. My Girl, The Way You Do The Things You Do, Just My Imagination and all of that. 4:29 PREVIEW Ooo Baby Baby. When you say youll Shop Around; You behave like a Love Machine. no, forced - to pick Smokey Robinson's defining moment, this would be it. [Verse 2] I've got so much honey, the bees envy me I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees Well, I guess you'd say What can make me feel You say you plan Just To See Her. I owe you nothing! This was his last perfomance as a Temptation, because he was mad they kicked Paul out of the group. and before I know it, it actually is him and he's following me and before I knew it I was on an airplane flying out to play these parts in Minneappolis. On new album "Now and Then," released Friday, the Kiss rocker goes makeup free to sing Motown classics with his band Soul Station, founded in 2015. on Ain't Too Proud to Beg," man! I just took my own LP and CD collection as a guideline. Four lists: 1. Robinson wrote the lyrics, which were inspired by his wife, Claudette. Though the road has been rough at times We made it through, And I'd live it all again Just to be with you; And I'm hoping that right now you know My friend, my wonderful friend, I love you so-- Smokey Robinson I dont know if its the number one, but on top of that list would be Just My Imagination, which was written by Norman Whitfield and Did you know, way back when, first we met, You and I would be as close as true friends can get? Released 1967. Out of all the fellas in the world, she belongs to you. Read about Just My Imagination by Smokey Robinson and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. Answer (1 of 2): Its nickname HItsville USA says it all. The digital albums two bonus tracks include a Gospel Mix of their rendition of Sam Smiths Stay With Me and a special Heathens Mix for Move Them Britches.. And from that day you owed me everything you could ever do for me like I will owe my son if I ever have another. " Motown, 1964. Ill Be There Jackson 5. ABC The Jackson 5. "Let me tell you something. Number 36 Just My Imagination The Temptations. Smokey Robinson covered The Tears of a Clown, The Tracks of My Tears, My Girl, I Second That Emotion and other songs. In 1965, Smokey Robinson, who was writing mostly all of their material, turned his attention away from Eddie momentarily, to hand over My Girl to David Ruffin. Barry Gibb singing + John Travolta peacocking = "Saturday Night Fever." The song Just My Imagination has an interesting history. What's Going On; 18. For the Record . 35) in March is, as the name suggests, an album of the quintet performing Smokey Robinsons compositions but they are not new songs. "Just My Imagination " is a song by American soul group The Temptations, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Barry Gibb singing + John Travolta peacocking = "Saturday Night Fever." Tears of a Clown. I sing on the toilet. David had also conviced Eddie he should leave before they kicked him out. 18 1968 Rock. "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles [1965] Smokey Robinson at his most emotional, despairing. Melvin died in the kitchen at Mama Rose's house. Paul Stanley is trading in Starchild for "O-o-h Child.". 38. Aint No Mountain High Enough Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smokey Robinson; The Ultimate Collection (CD) Released in 1998 $ 13.60. If you carried that bag a million miles, you did what you're supposed to do! Number 5 The Tracks of my Tears Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Since I Lost My Baby 54 1965 Rock. Ooo, Baby Baby stop Cruisin around, Because Youve Really Got a Hold on Me. This is also what the song Dirty Diana is about, it's about Diana Ross the groupie who seduces Smokey Robinson, who she grew up on the same street as, conceiving Michael. Smokey Robinson was one of the pantheons of soul sensations that exploded onto the American music scene courtesy of Motown Records. Smokey Robinson. You Cant Hurry Love The Supremes. The project is Stanley's way of paying tribute to the gospel and R&B artists that he grew up listening to, with jaunty and clear-voiced covers of early '70s hits Nathan Jones; 20. Smokey Robinson is Americas greatest living poet.. Ill Be There Jackson 5. A sibling song to Mary Wells My Guy, the Temptations My Girl (also written by Smokey Robinson with fellow Miracle Ronald White) Sources. Never Say Goodbye; 19. Smokey Robinson originally did The Tears of a Clown, The Tracks of My Tears, My Girl, I Second That Emotion and other songs. Read about Just My Imagination by Smokey Robinson and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. As recounted in Mary Wells: The Tumultuous Life of Motown's First Superstar, they frequently argued and Griffin cheated with a prostitute. The Temptations. ), but I don't so much turn to the Tempts for the harmony singing or the swing lead singing (nor so much for Eddie Kendricks -- though I love him on "Just My Imagination", or even the Smokey stuff -- not that I don't love the Smokey/Tempts stuff but I love the Norm Whitefield stuff on the Tempts more on balance). Having Smokey to guide them was incalculably advantageous. Smokey Robinsons cleverly spunky The Way You Do the Things You Do that winter. Add to Cart. By Daniel Garrett. Diana Ross is Billie Jean (Diana plays a character called Billie Holiday in 'Lady Sings the Blues' which came out a few years before 'The Wiz' with MJ). Written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Hank Cosby. We will stay in keeping with what were known for. My Girl The Temptations. The song was written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White. "The Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles [1965] Smokey Robinson at his most emotional, despairing. This is also what the song Dirty Diana is about, it's about Diana Ross the groupie who seduces Smokey Robinson, who she grew up on the same street as, conceiving Michael. Is there a song by someone else that you resent you didnt get to write? My Girl The Temptations. William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer and songwriter. My Girl was released in December of 1964 and was recorded in Hitsville, USA. 1965 I Wish it Would Rain 90 1968 Pop. Several of the songs are covers of songs Robinson produced for the Two albums resulted from their early association with Robinson, Sing Smokey, in 1965 and Gettin' Ready, which also contained the stunning, His swan song with the Temptations was "Just My Imagination," a mellow, flowing tune that showed off the group's skillful harmonies. My Girl was the bands first No. I guess when we started working in the places in and around Detroit, and saw the reactions from the audience, in particular the I sing in the car. I'm not really a soprano. Melvin/ Blue. But it was just my imagination once again Running away with me I tell you it was just my imagination Running away with me Every night, on my knees I pray "Dear Lord, hear my plea Don't ever let another take her love from me Or I will surely die" Ooh, her love is heavenly When her arms enfold me I hear a tender rhapsody But in reality, she doesn't even know me Just my SMOKEY ROBINSON: Sweet Harmony (Tamla). The Temptations Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Shop Around Marvin Gaye Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) Album Three. 38. I frown. Miracles Bobby Rogers and Smokey Robinson penned this one driving back to Detroit from a New York gig; producer Robinson turned it into the Tempts' warm 'n' smooth breakthrough hit. Smokey Robinson wrote "My Girl," recorded in 1964 by The Temptations, for Temptation David Ruffin to sing, knowing he'd be launching a new star. Of The Tears Of A Clown. As the lead singer of The Miracles, Robinson helped to put Detroit and its Motown Records on the music I will try to look at it from a historical standpoint. The Jackson 5 I Want You Back Smokey Robinson & The Miracles The Tracks of My Tears Stevie Wonder My Cherie Amour Diana Ross & The Singer, songwriter, record company executive. Sings His Favorites. no, forced - to pick Smokey Robinson's defining moment, this would be it. [A]ll I needed was the right song for his voice, and I felt like I would have a smash hit record, Robinson once told NPR. Paul Williams, who suffered from alcoholism, also left around this time. Smokey Robinson wrote Since I Lost My Baby, Ain't That Peculiar and Ooo Baby Baby. March 14, 2017. by Larry Glickman In Music and Arts, One Perfect Song 4 Minutes Read. I sing on the bus. [Bridge] In your finest hour, I was there with you And without you things won't be the same But there's a higher power that we answer to And you heard Him calling your name [Verse 2] "You're My Everything" "Loneliness Made Me Realize It's You I Need" "I Wish it would Rain" "I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)" "Please Return Your Love To Me" and the Edwards/Ollie years: "Cloud Nine" "I Can't Get Next To You" "Ball of Confusion" "Just My Imagination" "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" "A Song For You" "Treat Her Like a Lady"