First Time Hearing Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - “The Tears Of A Clown” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@MrJoseph6119]

The world is a better place when you listen to Smokey Robinson! a living legend....

[@michaelasay8587]

Along with the no. 1 Karen Carpenter

[@donnabruhn6907]

Amen

[@spacedout707]

People don't even know how many number 1 singles he wrote let alone sang

[@Agg1E91]

I just realized, he almost never stops singing. There is a lot going on in this song, and it's all very good.

[@catherinelw9365]

@@JazzDrummer1946 There is no falsetto. Smokey has a high tenor.

[@joeczernik2459]

@@catherinelw9365 I dont know a tenor from a falsetto from a hole in the wall 😆😆, but I know what I like and Smokey was awesome.

[@catherinelw9365]

Oh I love Smokey Robinson! You must hear "I Second that Emotion", "Cruisin'", "One Heartbeat". He was not only a great singer - he was a tremendous songwriter. He is America's Poet Laureate of Song!

[@barrydiller542]

One of the first songs I remember as a child. This song is holy to me.

[@AGirlHasNoName1.618]

..same, and I still remember the words! Music is eternal....

[@vrvaughn]

When it comes down to listening to Smokey Robinson, I second that emotion.

[@michaelm6948]

Bob Dylan considered Smokey to be a great popular poet. A great all around song: powerful lyrical content, great arrangement, fine production, excellent musicianship and great vocals.

[@smittybenzo4693]

This song has some of the best production and vocal arrangements of all time.

[@user-gt2uf8cq9y]

Originally just an album track, released as a single three years later after "Tracks of My Tears" was a hit, and it went to #1 in the USA and UK.

[@sharonsnail2954]

IMHO rivalled by "I Don't Blame You At All". To show how good a pop record can be, I tell my sons to listen to this track. I then tell them to take one part, the drums say, and concentrate on that as you play it again. Then play it again focussing on the background voices etc. etc. Once you've realised how good the components are, play it though as a whole track, marvel at the production and the way it is all put together. 😄😄😃😃

[@bgallagher8129]

Song written by Hank Cosby, Stevie Wonder and Smokey. Stevie released his version in 1967, but it had no legs,..... Smokey's #1 hit version came in 1970.

[@laurab68707]

Love Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Grew up with the Motown sound. Absolutely love it!!

[@vincentnevels9626]

My child hood song , When I came into this world in 1967, This song from Smokey Robinson & The Miracles "Tears Of A Clown came out in 1967 , Of I was born , This song would have me at peace & groove to when I was a baby.

[@matzabean]

The entire instrumental track was written and recorded by Stevie Wonder. He couldn’t find lyrics or a melody he like enough, so he gave it to Smokey, who heard a carnival/circus vibe in the instrumental. The rest is history.

[@latashabryant1951]

I'm only 40 but my grandma raised me on alot of old school songs but she always played smokey and I fell in love with him the moment I heard him at the age of 5, I still play him til this day. The song is a sad song about heartbreak. Smokey was a very romantic man, I bet back in his days. His music is like poetry. I would love to meet him in person

[@jerihalter1339]

Smokey Robinson and The Miracles are one of my favorite bands. I love "oldies" music!

[@zq9m3xh8]

Between great Motown classics like this, the British invasion, and other popular music of the time, that mid 60s to early 70s era of music is chock full of the absolute BEST sounds and vibes of all time! And this song is a prime example!

[@TheCornishCockney]

This song was released as a single 2 years after being recorded. It was a deep cut on an album but one day,in the London office,an English secretary heard it and told the bosses “this is a smash hit,you should release it” It shot to #1 in the UK then became a hit in the states.

[@SG-js2qn]

He's putting on a happy face for everyone, acting like he's not affected, but he's feeling LOW.

[@maryanngarrimone1153]

Grew up listening to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. I have a lot of their vinyl records in my collection. Love 💘 💞❤

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

When someone mentions Motown, this song is the 1st thing that comes to my mind, one of my all time favorites.

[@mikecavaretta2621]

Smokey was (is) a genius. His influence on popular music is immeasurable.

[@catherinelw9365]

I'm giving away my age, but I've been to many, many concerts (U2, The Police, Heart, Cheap Trick, ELO, Jethro Tull, Frank Zappa, etc.) but the BEST concert I ever went to was Smokey Robinson at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar (which is huge), and Smokey had us all dancing all night! At one point, a bunch of us girls climbed on top of a closed dumpster and were dancing. Smokey pointed to us, had the spotlight move towards us and said, "Dance, girls!" It was so much fun! He was electric!

[@michaelfrazia4569]

stevie wonder writing tbe perfect music for this one...one of my all time faves..smokey kills it. my father saw him in Brooklyn in the early 60s and raised me knowing his greatness

[@janetf23]

This takes me back to driving to the drugstore for my mom about a month after I got my license and hearing this just after release in November 67.💞

[@iamhudsdent2759]

"The Tracks of My Tears," Smokey's greatest. (George Harrison wrote a song titled "Pure Smokey". Guess who it's about.)

[@donpietruk1517]

"My smile is my makeup I wear since my breakup with you" one of my favorite lines in a song ever.

[@bobbierobinson6269]

I can't remember who sings it but "When Smokey Sings" is another good one.

[@carolyncouch4094]

Brings back such great memories. We had awesome music. Nothing comes close to the 70’s!

[@Dreamer9177]

Smokey has one if, if not the best, voices ever 🎤

[@tylerhackner9731]

Hank Cosby and Stevie Wonder wrote this classic. Smokey brings it to life, he’s a great singer

[@madgang201]

They wrote the music but didn’t have any lyrics so they gave it to Smokey. He immediately connected with the opening of the song, comparing it to the circus and started writing about a depressed clown in love with a woman. That’s how you write a song.

[@glammafabulous5600]

There's still nothing in this world like the sound of Ol smokies voice!!!

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

You're on the right track to soul, rhythm & blues, rock n roll

[@user-vv9it9ye4g]

This song is MAGIC! The bass! His voice! Whenever this would come on back in the day, I would stop everything and sing along. Damn good to be alive!

[@dannelson4209]

A masterpiece! The harmony the lyrics. There were many legends in the 1970's and damn straight Smokey Robinson was one of them.

[@rghilino6734]

Oh my goodness. Smokey was such a great singer. Hank Cosby and Stevie Wonder helped write this one. Great.

[@robertprice6830]

Smooth as silk. Love Smokey.

[@debramartin1583]

Great old song! Thanks guys for picking this one.

[@mrnobody9104]

one of the best things about growing up in Southern Ontario Ca. is the great Motown music on the radio just next door to the Motor City!

[@DanielFrost21]

This is the saddest feel-good song I've ever heard. Love Smokey, one of Motown's finest.

[@kylehopkins1180]

Smokey is one of the greatest song writers in American history!

[@kevinhipps1236]

The greatest

[@PanarchyInTheUK]

His voice, the arrangement, the instruments...perfection!

[@graybeard1952]

This song is so cleverly written.

[@ericsmith6615]

Wife here...This song is PURE MAGIC...I was a HUGE Smokey Robinson fan growing up...That circusy sound was soooo innovative.."Putting on a show..,( hiding his pain in public)...I Absolutely adored this song..And will always.."

[@ajruther67]

Basically, think of you breaking up with someone but you don't want anyone to see you sad so you constantly hid your pain and tears with your smile and looking happy. Until you're home alone and then you let out your pain crying. I've done this many times after break ups. No one ever has any idea how hurt I was because I always kept it to myself.

[@mildredpierce4506]

Pagliacchi was an Italian opera about a clown whose wife was cheating on him. Despite this, he still had to perform even though he was heartbroken.

[@joanlajara3939]

Smokey was the singer who could do anything! Everyone from rockers to soul to blues, live his singing! Beautiful voice!!❤️

[@ladygirl99]

I love this song smokey was so talented 🥰Can you React to Stevie Wonder Skeletons

[@joeczernik2459]

When Smokey sings...i hear violins....are you kidding me? In what world does someone not know the great Smokey? He's an ICON...an IDOL. In fact there was a song in the 80's dedicated to him. WHEN SMOKEY SINGS...check it out.

[@jonnno243]

Love this. If you go and listen to ABC and their tribute to Smokey Robinson , " When Smokey Sings", you can hear a backing track similar to this one.

[@Noelle0026]

Do the live 1965 version of Ooh Baby Baby by Smokey! You won’t be disappointed!

[@hibhibb5429]

I Love this song. I remember this being the very first piece of music I have ever heard. I was 4 years old. I was in kindergarten and we had a record player in the classroom. I played this song over and over. Gotta love the vinyl, baby. Smokey is an absolute Legend!!

[@surlechapeau]

) \Asia & BJ, you’ll love the Smokey& The Miracles "You've Really Got a Hold on Me", "Ooo Baby Baby" and "Going to a Go-Go"!!! He had solo hits Cruisin” and "Being with You"!

[@donnabruhn6907]

Haven't heard going to a GoGo? I Need to here this

[@loadedorygun]

One of the most thoughtful R&B songs in an age when they like most pop songs, did not address very complicated themes. Even this isn’t super complex, but any song that references classical stories like Pagliacci, is pretty sophisticated.

[@crsounddoctor4937]

Hey Asia & BJ, Smokey Robinson not only is a wonderful singer, but he is also an amazing song writer & producer!!! And let's not forget to give a huge "Shout-Out" to his group The Miracles because they always delivered "the goods" too!!!

[@terrieb13]

Love Smokey Robinson and the Miracles! Thanks for the memories! 💖😎

[@traviswooten5872]

Classic, Legendary song by a Classic, Legendary artist.

[@elainemarsh3477]

If you haven't done Smokey's "Cruisin'" from 1979 you really need to. It's a little later than his stuff with the Miracles, but he's never been smoother.

[@naomidoner9803]

This song reminds me of the movie platoon...love Smokey Robinson on the ears and eyes...beautiful man! Have you guys heard Matika sing prince's song "love thy will be done"

[@scottodonnell7121]

Yeah, when the guys were jammin to Tracks of my Tears

[@dagmar.6954]

Smokey Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles from the 50's-70's. They had lots of great hits including "You've Really Got a Hold on Me", "Mickey's Monkey", "I Second That Emotion", "Baby Baby Don't Cry", "Ooo Baby Baby", "Going to a Go-Go", "The Tracks of My Tears", "Shop Around" etc. He wrote many hit songs for other Motown artists such as Mary Wells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye & others.

[@brianherrington7226]

More Love.

[@deansaba1362]

The "Funk Brothers" was the session band behind many of those Motown hits from 1959-1972. You can watch the documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" on Netflix.

[@Roh_Echt]

This one was played often in our home....I was just 5 yrs in 1967, but I remember this one well.

[@toddmorgan2628]

Smoky is my favorite of the Motown singers. Every time I hear Motown I think of that scene in School Daze when Giancaro Esposito gets into it with Lary Fishbourne. Giancarlo says proudly "I'm from Detroit. Motown!"

[@suzanneprock7286]

This came out when I was in grade school, such great memories!

[@donvito2682]

I was in the sixth grade in 1971 when I first heard Tears Of a Clown..the kids in our class were allowed to bring records from home and play them on the record player in the classroom..Tears Of a Clown was one of the songs that were played along with the Theme From Shaft by Issac Hayes which is another song I remember from my sixth grade class.

[@michaelway7936]

Y'all definitely need to check out the Miracles joint Ooh Baby Baby, Cruisin and Shop Around- just some other Smokey classics

[@scottodonnell7121]

Excellent choice. One of the 20 best songs ever written and performed. I love me some Motown.

[@mikebetts2046]

A favorite from my childhood for sure. One of those few songs that drew me into the lyrics at such a young age.

[@caroldaronch1974]

Smokey Robinson is the man!!! ❤❤❤

[@SRGots]

Yes! Love this one.

[@AsiaandBJ]

Glad you like it!

[@arcillasteehouwer48]

You got it all right Asia !! Motown, never be equalized 😍

[@jackbutler2989]

Motown at its best the hits are endless 🔥 love em all 🔥🔥

[@donpietruk1517]

Smokey was a brilliant song writer. Not only did he pen hits for himself and the Miracles but wrote hit major hit songs for other Motown artists. My Guy for Mary Wells, My Girl and Get Ready for the Temptations, and Ain't That Peculiar for Marvin Gaye, were just a few he wrote.

[@fishbone8703]

You should do a reaction to him explaining how he came up with this song. Its pretty short but super good

[@jollyj3285]

For fun and comparison you should try English Beat's awesome cover of this song but ska style....different style totally

[@kimquinten5298]

That Motown sound is the best music ever!!!!!!

[@Popskull-yl9gn]

As a metal head kid i was always glad when song came on. Good music is good music

[@johnthegreek5836]

I’m really surprised you never heard this song 😀, such a classic

[@danv9872]

This got a like before it started. Awesome song . I will watch and comment multiple times on this lol

[@mvamedia5199]

Such an amazing song. I read that it was written by Stevie Wonder who gave it to Smokey. Thanks for this reaction. American music, nothing like it anywhere in the world.

[@timconnecticut6263]

I hear this and I am in a 1964 Ford Fairlane. A friends mom picked up a bunch of us kids from kindergarten because it was raining. We all sang along, the mom wasn't laughing too hard at us.

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

CLASSIC SMOKEY!!!🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤❤❤❤🎤🎤

[@AGirlHasNoName1.618]

This is when vocals were the thing...not talking fast with heavy bass. Great tune!

[@davefrance4213]

I'm 68, I used to love roller skating to this song as a kid at the roller rink :)

[@davidwcooney]

Another awesome song I had the privilege of singing while growing up!!!

[@TheCashcrue]

I'm a huge fan of Smokey and The Miracles. He wrote a lot of songs for other people too including the Jacksons.

[@michellehammock3023]

Smokey is a Legend

[@raymcarthur3870]

Maybe a day will come when people make music like this again. Smokey was amazing.

[@chrisa4695]

Normally, I get upset when people give the lead singer all the credit and ignore the other singers and musicians. However, Smokey’s talent is so immense as a writer, producer, and singer he could have done any of the Miracles songs as a solo artist and they would have been just as successful. He is overlooked as songwriter. His lyrics are pure poetry.

[@browntabproductions]

My Man Smokey! The English Beat do a Great Version of this wonderful Song.

[@timfeeley714-25]

What is beat👍

[@mamared56]

He's hiding his tears behind a smile.

[@willblood7082]

I was born in 1960 and am mainly a classic rock guy. But I have always loved Motown and this is probably my most favorite song that came out of Motown, my second favorite is probably “Reflections” by The Supreme’s. I HIGHLY recommend you react to Reflections if you haven’t already. By the way, Barry Gordy is a freaking genius!!!

[@KLBanks]

Music by Stevie Wonder.

[@princeofpcos9804]

When I was just a wee whippersnapper getting into music, and starting to watch the ONE music awards show a year, Smokey always seemed to perform live and sound great.

[@CatriniaSmith-li7de]

Smokey wrote this song he named the clown in the song. He was a clown who was sad but smiled before people. True story.

[@johnbrookes3261]

The music was written by Stevie Wonder . He gave it to Smokey and said write some lyrics to the tune , Smokey wrote the lyrics and he and the miracles made a smash hit .

[@CuttinEJ]

God I love this song! There’s a rocked up version that I only ever heard once and can’t find a link for. It was really good too. Not English Beats or Iron Maiden. Much love ❤️

[@bartondonnelly5293]

He is pretending to be ‘okay’ in front if his family and friends, but in private he is heart-broken. His ego will not let himself be open about his feelings. So he puts up a front so nobody knows how he REALLY feels.

[@paddysworld3978]

"When Smokey sings"!

[@AW11-e4h]

That voice 🤘🤘

[@possiblecat]

It's been too long since I heard his voice; I almost forgot how good he is.

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

Wow! I was 5 years old when this song first came out, I'm getting up there.

[@MooreCEJr]

Cruisin Together was another great Smokey song I'd listen to as well.

[@scottvanhille5688]

When Smokey Sings, I Hear Violins; I forget everything.

[@mikemaggio6429]

Where on earth can you hear a Tuba in a song and it sounds great! As a nerd Tuba player in my highschool band, it kind of brings a tear to my eye+

[@isaackovitz4791]

Stevie Wonder wrote the complete music track to this song. He gave over the track to Smokey and asked him to write lyrics to the music.