One of the most influential artists of the last 50 years, Smokey Robinson not
only recorded two of the tracks that defined the Motown sound - Tears Of A Clown
and Tracks Of My Tears - he was effectively second in command (to Berry Gordy)
at the label for over three decades. Strongly influenced by Detroit singer Nolan
Strong, Robinson formed the vocal group The Five Chimes, later re-named The
Matadors, before meeting Berry Gordy. When Gordy founded Motown, he made
Robinson vice-president, and Robinson co-wrote their first Number 1 Shop Around.
As songwriter and producer, he played...