In a special episode of the R&B Money Podcast, hosts Tank and J. Valentine sit down with the legendary Smokey Robinson to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Quiet Storm. The Motown icon takes listeners on a journey through his storied career, from his early days in Detroit to shaping the sound of R&B as we know it.
Raised in Detroit, Smokey found his musical influences early, thanks to his mother exposing him to blues, gospel, and classical music. At just 11, he began singing with friends who would later form The Miracles. His big break came at 16 when a fateful audition led him to Berry Gordy—who would go on to mentor him and help launch Motown.
Smokey reminisces about the tight-knit Motown family, where artists like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Diana Ross were more than just labelmates—they were friends. He credits the competitive yet supportive atmosphere for the label’s unprecedented success.
At 31, Smokey stepped away from performing to serve as Motown’s vice president, but the corporate life left him unfulfilled. It was Berry Gordy himself who pushed him back into music, leading to his Quiet Storm comeback in 1975. The album not only revitalized his career but also birthed a genre-defining radio format that still thrives today.
From “Tracks of My Tears,” which came to him while shaving, to a 3 AM studio session that turned “Shop Around” into Motown’s first million-seller, Smokey shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of his songwriting genius.
While he acknowledges the accessibility that digital platforms have brought to today’s artists, Smokey expresses concern over the loss of industry “gatekeepers” and the rise of AI-generated music. He also discusses Beyoncé’s recent foray into country music, emphasizing that all American music has roots in Black culture.
From Marvin Gaye’s late-night studio habits to his friendship with Rick James, Smokey shares intimate stories about the icons he worked with. He recalls being there when the Jackson 5 auditioned for Motown and marvels at Michael Jackson’s ability to make “Who’s Lovin’ You” his own at just 11 years old.
As the conversation winds down, Smokey remains humble about his legacy, still in awe of the impact his music has had on generations. With over six decades in the industry, his influence on R&B is undeniable—and he’s not done yet.
