Smokey Robinson on Leaving The Miracles After 'Tears of a Clown', Solo Album Not Selling (Part 18)

Watch the full interview now as a VladTV KZbin Member - / @vladtv
Part 17: • Smokey Robinson on Hea...
Part 19: • Smokey Robinson on 1 M...
Part 1: • Smokey Robinson: My Da...
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In this clip, Vlad asked Smokey Robinson about leaving The Miracles and Billy Griffin taking his place as the lead singer, which led to Smokey speaking about the transition. Smokey revealed that Billy went with them on the last days of his tour with The Miracles, and Smokey added that he retired from music for three years. He then spoke about his first self-titled solo album, and Smokey explained that he didn’t intend to release an album. He explained that he recorded “Sweet Harmony” to personally gift The Miracles, and Smokey explained that an A&R at Motown pushed him to publicly release the record. She then told Smokey that he needed to release an album for the single, and Smokey also spoke about his sophomore album not selling as well as his first.

[@123agv]

Glad to see Vlad tale a break from all the rappers drama. This interview is classic.

[@Go4Gusto]

Facts

[@MonkeyDLuffyyy919]

Facts bro a living legend tooo definitely a breath of fresh air

[@killerjoe7596]

Oh? You don't want to hear another interview with MC Nutpunch?? Or Lil Fartknokker?

[@phztanxmusic]

Na he needs lil fentinol or yung iPhone in diss beeeoootcchh

[@KingLee8977]

Naw Smokey is a classic.

[@doresrules28]

100% top 5 of the interviews Vlad has done. A straight history lesson

[@dtbredhalf5823]

i agree!

[@bigmon19]

What an amazing life! I’ve seen what 82 looks like and he looks amazing for his age.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

@@bigmon19 He’ll be 83 on February 19th. Smokey is an icon.

[@MONEYAINTATHANG100]

Tears of a self proclaimed 🤡, not interested

[@dtbredhalf5823]

@@MONEYAINTATHANG100 ???and...who cares... i bet u rap 2.... a nobody

[@georgespeller1987]

Legendary...this man wrote for Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and many others. Classic & Unforgettable. Salute Mr. Robinson.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, etc. He’s definitely a genius.

[@ricardohoyos6821]

Salute

[@constancegomez351]

Vlad you need to interview more like this! Leave the rappers alone for awhile Thank you 💕

[@MytownZipcode]

I agree ☝🏾

[@killerjoe7596]

It's amazing that Motown was made successful by people who were neighbors as kids. Smokey seems to have lived right around the corner from every talent in the company.

[@traceycamille]

The way they were all in the same vicinity is truly gods work! All that damn talent in one area WHEW!!

[@toohot2trott322]

Now it would be dope if VLAD can get an interview with Suzanne de Passe. She is a big part of Motown and music history

[@vision-gc4hy]

One of the sharpest executives in the history of the business.

[@loosebrown6697]

Smokey Robinson is my inspiration when it comes to Songwriting!

[@TalkingBook72]

Smokey may not have wanted to make those first two solo albums, but I absolutely love them. I Am I Am on Pure Smokey is one of my all time favorite songs of his

[@infiniteuniverse9528]

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles are one of the quintessential soul groups of all-time. Their list of hits is staggering as they were the original Motown super-group. Songs like 'You've really got a hold on me, Tracks of my Tears, Shop Around, The Tears of a Clown, I 2nd that emotion, Going to a Go-Go, If you can Want, Ooo Baby Baby, The love I saw in you was just a Mirage, More Love, That's what love is made of, I like it like that, I'll try something new, I can't stand to see you cry, Who's loving you, the list goes on and on. These songs were the soundtrack to the civil rights movement and so much hot love-making during the 60's. Enjoy your retirement on Mt Rushmore Smokey. 🚬

[@patrick13835]

too bad their albums never did good business

[@charlesljones2454]

People forget that smokey has a lot of great songs on the b side of his records .

[@charlesljones2454]

@@patrick13835 they would have .....if Motown could afford to market them in the early years .

[@charlesljones2454]

Don't forget satisfaction ......give her up ......and virgin man.

[@ooops8200]

Smokey, is a gift that keeps giving. My favorite song is : Baby let’s Cruise

[@dansnyder4189]

Love that song......

[@NathanAHogan]

Name of the song is "Crusin"

[@thissouthafricanlife8420]

I love the whole Motown story man. I still go back to watch the doc, read the books etc. S/O OG Smokey

[@kingjohnsoniii6986]

Smokey reminds me of my grandfather God Rest his soul.

[@alexandersantiago4383]

This interview has been amazing, a great look into the past from the man himself

[@djevonbryce6643]

This is how brothers behave respect to each other

[@mrmiggedy123]

That explains everything! He really didn't have his heart into making music like Stevie. Got it.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

It was time for him to do his own thing just like Michael Jackson. His 1975 third solo album “Quiet Storm” really got him to solo stardom with the title track, “Baby,That’s Backatcha”, and “The Agony And The Ecstasy” all being hits. The album talked about the affairs he was having while still being married to Claudette. R.I.P. to his bandmates Ronald White, Marv Tarplin, Bobby Rogers, and Warren “Pete” Moore. (Side Note: If you got to the end of this lengthy comment, Billy Griffin was friends with Damon Harris who joined the Temptations. They both motivated each other to join their various groups.)

[@patritablackston2064]

Yes!! " Agony and the Ecstasy " is Epic!!!💕

[@chermainebigby5238]

Along with Marv Tarplin

[@jaylene.turner6524]

@@chermainebigby5238 Thank you. I forgot he passed.

[@charlesljones2454]

Quiet storm was also a good song.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

@@charlesljones2454 Yes,it was. I also forgot about “The Wedding Song” was great as well, and should’ve been a single.

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

Smokey & Marvin wrote for the Miracles next album . The Renaissance album. One of my favorite albums post Smokey.

[@KingCobraofMeta4]

I can’t wait until he ask him about that song “gang bangin” we all need a explanation.

[@lildudefromacrossdastreet7038]

😩🤣🤣🤣🤣 Mannnnnn

[@jamaaldaynitelong8367]

"Smoking that smooooooke."😂😂😂😂

[@s.kcanty2350]

Thats his best track to date🤣

[@ryensolar4000]

@@jamaaldaynitelong8367 "Drinkin that wiiiiiiiiine" lol 🤣

[@jamaaldaynitelong8367]

@@ryensolar4000 😂😂😂

[@Dutch3k5]

Smokey done released an album called Gasms. I’m dying 😂

[@jaylene.turner6524]

Me too! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@iamjordaaan]

Great interview. Vlad needs to get more old school artists. I learned a lot of new things from this interview

[@nwsmith78]

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. The two greatest songwriters and soul groups of all time. Best to ever do it. Their influence is infinite.

[@thankthelord4536]

Smokey was the first grown man that captured me with the song "Baby Come Close". I was 12 yrs old at that time in 1973 and didn't have a clue about love. It was totally his voice and the music.

[@jasonknox1268]

I, too, turned 12 in 1973 and I remember seeing The Miracles in concert at Disneyland in southern California that year. I remember my older sister had Tears of a Clown and Point it Out on 45 rpm back in the late sixties. I must have been about 7 years o but I loved it when she played those records. Long story short, when I saw the Miracles in '73 without Smokey they didn't have that great a sound in my opinion.

[@RAYGUNKNEESHURT]

My mom had the quiet storm album.

[@Regreviews]

That Smokey album was fire. Baby come close whew

[@539jchat]

Shout out to DJVlad for a great interview. I mean, who writes over 4000 songs(for 80 yr old, one song a week) but a GENIUS. A genius who has touched so many lives and influenced so many musicians. But when it comes to the interview of Black Artist in the US the script is usually heavy interest in Sex and Drugs and Laughing and almost nothing about the GENIUS. Talk about their histories and the histories of their songs and how other artists where affected by the GENIUS. I've listened to Smokey since my teens and found the interview very informative and respectful of his GENIUS. Wish I could hear more interviews like that. Thank You!!!

[@johnnybraxton5539]

I cry every time I see smokey singing at Paul funeral

[@sainttrunks1982]

how would you see that?

[@johnnybraxton5539]

@@sainttrunks1982 temptations movie

[@NTakaNiggatron]

@@johnnybraxton5539 You mean Melvin’s funeral?..

[@johnnybraxton5539]

@@NTakaNiggatron it might have been

[@maurice4602]

Mannn 😪😪😪😪

[@charleswilliams8248]

Smokey Robinson is one of a kind, he’s irreplaceable! Point blank period…

[@lionheart796]

Man someone should make a movie about this man's life just phenomenal 🙌

[@taylorwaylor8965]

Vlad should do more legendary interviews

[@vladtv]

Watch the full interview now as a VladTV KZbin Member: kzbin.info/door/g7lal8IC-xPyKfgH4rdUcAjoin

[@RuaTheHua]

Great interview

[@thomasbrown3356]

Wow, I have not heard Sweet Harmony since I was a child. But I do recall, one of the lines was, "I believe in miracles...". Now it makes sense.

[@janisandrews7930]

Baby come close is one of my favorites..when the music comes on I stop what I'm doing to listen 🎶

[@chillywillie6283]

I lived this time just as he is detailing it. It’s bringing back some sweet memories. This whole interview brought back some sweet memories.

[@TheMichelex20]

I could listen to him for hours. This is one the best Vlad interviews.

[@RememberTheTime09]

"Baby Come Close" is a forever Gem! Amazing vibe and song.

[@charlesljones2454]

Many babies were made on baby come close .....one of the most sensuous songs to ever come out of Motown .....without being vulgar or graphic.

[@chillywillie6283]

The last remaining original member of the Temptations Otis Williams would be a great interview.

[@dustinredding4897]

True Mentor and Legend

[@dansnyder4189]

I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE...... My Aunt Elizabeth Moran told me many things about Mr. Robinson...... She ALWAYS said he was the genuine article and that he never has considered himself a "star".... He was uncomfortable with it..... And his and Mr. Gordy's relationship waz a genuine love affair if two great musical moguls...... Yep, Auntie always wowed us........ She passed away late last year.... They finally honnored her in the Museum (with some other ladies who were vital to the machine noted as Motown)...... God bless you Smokey....... Black folks miss it many times when they dont consider you "the genius"..... You, T. Riley, and a few other cats have NEVER created controversy or divisiveness..... Your music WILL ENDURE........ One of my fav lines of yours is in "Cruisin'"......... "Dont be confused; The way is clear........" Lyrical genius sir!!! Great interview Vlad....... You need to get wjth Luenell and see if you can get her to interview Anita Baker? I know its hard but some need a fresher course in OUR MUZAK!!! DDS

[@traceycamille]

I ABSOLUTELY ADORE HIM! JUST A ICONIC HUMAN BEING WHO HAS GIVEN US SO MUCH BEAUTIFUL ART! HE IS TRULY PRICELESS 😍💗🙏🏽

[@jamiepruitt4125]

my late father was a big smokey Roberson fan, had every album he ever came out with, that smokey album was pretty good!

[@welittv4413]

It's was beef in the music game back then it's just wasn't publicized so much in the media

[@mrmotown1004]

Detroit in the building 🤎

[@sallunetta7333]

He's Bi-Momo. My Co worker is too. Thanks to him im way more tolerant to them💯👌

[@ThePizzaPoPo]

They recorded Smokey’s farewell performances w/ The Miracles on video. We need the footage!!

[@tracystokes6299]

Baby come close was a hit to me. I love that song.

[@dwyerhelen]

Such a lovely man. I want to know more about him. Is there an autobiography that anyone can recommend of him.

[@CycleCruza]

I see you took a break from doing a thousand Boosie interviews. Nice to see Smokey still doing well.

[@d.gskinny4964]

Best interview

[@Leefoster10]

Love this interview probably your best . Leave the rappers for a bit most many are not interested in

[@ruff1draft]

VLAD needs to interview Suzzane De Passe asap

[@CJ-vh2hf]

Why does Vlad ask questions like he wants the answer to be the way he believes it should be ???

[@baydog]

“Baby Come Close” is a classic.

[@richardlopez9318]

What about them Rick James stories???🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@minorsnow5306]

The video shot for Ebony eyes 😃😃

[@billiejean6678]

I bet he made more money as a producer than as an artist

[@Coldwater_Slongwood]

Baby Come Close... Oh wee grown folks slow grind lights low we about to go 1/2 on a baby music...

[@pianoarmond]

Remember After The VP of Motown Smokey left, the Miracles made "Love Machine" 🤣 🎶 Im just a love machine and I don't work for nobody but me...

[@doneecemcneil7826]

Hi edagdwg god bless this man child of God he is real God blessed person enjoy your life a loving fan linda j. Peace

[@masonmelleasy]

Smoking that smoookeee drawing that drink 🍹 😂

[@nickx4576]

Looking up sweet harmony now

[@ghanasoul]

Smokey’s math does NOT add up. He said he retired for 3 years. The Miracles last LP with him was in ‘72, his first solo LP came out in ‘73. How is that 3 years of retirement???

[@JazzyRed-ox8ny]

Well, he’s 82 years old. Give him a break

[@ghanasoul]

@JazzyRed2014 If u go back 2 earlier interviews, he gave that response long b4 he was 82 years old. For years He made it sound like "A Quiet Storm" was his first solo LP. This is the very first interview I've seen where he mentions his first 2 solo albums. Clearly, he didn't think much of them.

[@JazzyRed-ox8ny]

@@ghanasoul Okay, I stand corrected bro

[@Slick_Craigory]

We need that Smokey 10 part biopic

[@Superstardark]

Spendin that tiiiime, drinkin that wiiiine, gang bangin, gang bangin

[@scottbakanumba1heathen313]

Billy Griffin was perfect to take his place.

[@acerolaimmune3490]

I don't think he knows how great he is.

[@funkpill]

@Acerola Immune: which makes him greater.

[@Regreviews]

Miracles are the best motown group

[@keonnewilliams9511]

I like Smokey 🎶🌎✌️😎👍

[@rodbenjamin9909]

Love Machine is the cut 🔥

[@highandhappy]

❤❤

[@chahrlzel13]

🤣...Wasting your time🕰 Drinking that wine🍷 Smoking that smoke💨 Doing that coke😵‍💫🍚 Dealing that dope🥄💉🩸 Giving up hope... Gang bangin' 🤟🏾🫶🏾👌🏾👇🏾

[@bennyadler5882]

Is it just me or is Smokey not feeling the interviewer? His body language is telling, and Smokey's version of the break-up is much deeper depending upon which Miracle you listen to. He was back doing concerts (with Claudette backing) around 73'ish.

[@jamesstewart8377]

You have to interview a lot of wannabes to get to a true music legend like Smokey. Good for Vlad on moving up in the interview game.

[@anthonylove1364]

Love the "smokey album" an "fulfill your need" from the "pure smokey" album though 🙏💯. Don't sell them too short smoke 😂

[@FriendofDorothy]

Motown was edgier than people think back in the day. Check out these titles: "Virgin Man" by Smokey; "Everybody's Gay in L.A." by The Miracles, and "I Was Born This Way" by Carl Bean, Norman Whitfield's productions with The Temps ("Plastic Man", "Masterpiece", "Law of the Land". etc) This was NOT a company unwilling to take risks on controversial material. Smokey's solo output was good... for adults, but it was too "quiet storm" for us club kids back then. "Cruisin'" remains his biggest solo hit and best single as a solo artist IMHO but I bought 'em all, including the groovy "Baby, That's Backatcha".

[@scottied7299]

"Glass House" by The Temptations was fairly risque as well.

[@bigolebot]

Take it you're a baby boomer also then? I remember everybody's gay in la. I was so lost and laughed at the lyrics

[@donjulio4671]

How the Fuk did vlad get Smokey Robinson

[@IMJoshinTV]

Don’t nobody else think he sound like that creepy character Teddy from Atlanta 😂🤔

[@eddiesoul4890]

That's the question It was rumored that " Smokey brought billy to the Miracles to take his place " Who's lying ???

[@sugarjoe50]

The first hit without Smokey was a good one, "Love Machine".

[@MyGoose24]

I love you secretly was the best ,, not love machine , Love Machine is a Rick James song, not for the Miracles style ,

[@bubugdaclown1673]

Wonder why he felt that way 🤔

[@KyOte13]

More Motown and classic r&b artists, please… all these rappers do is talk shit , and it’s played out

[@p.thomas-el7529]

Baby come close a mild hit man please people just don’t know r3al music

[@Damien.Parker]

I hate that song I always feel like they talking to me when it comes on

[@mg19cal]

Lil Wayne sampled Tears Of A Clown and NOBODY wants to admit it even though no credit was given 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@criskatan]

This is a big clue. He wanted to retire early {as most aristocrats do}. Does this mean that he's related to the Robinson "Robinsons"?

[@body46]

The ones closest to you will do ya wrong

[@chucktaylor11000]

Smokey capping

[@rackzgalore]

I need a job urgently I’m in a bind

[@matthewjones9237]

So your real name is Stakz No'More. 🤨

[@Xbot4Life]

Why do these people talk to vlad he must pay well

[@toddgoza3522]

Stay on some negativity do some research half these question you can look up your self

[@TheCountBlackula1978]

I want vlad to interview some Hn's like candace owen's or jason whitlock so the world can see what rejecting common sense looks like. Joe Rogan did it to candace about climate change.

[@joemama2907]

Oh my allah

[@Unbothered92]

Should’ve asked him if the rumor is true, him and diana ross had a love child named Michael jackson. Who is dirty diana

[@AJCallowayLive]

VLAD JUST PUT OUT THE ENTIRE VIDEO, YOUR REALLY MILKING IT, Part 18 tho?. We know you want views but this is kinda getting RIDICULOUS

[@maurice4602]

😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@blackgangcartel5375]

It look like Smokey has no soul in him

[@zacharyrobles8275]

Uno

[@TexLoneStar]

🙊

[@rackzgalore]

First

[@eromoh]

Kinda upset that Smokey is 30 years older than me and has a better hairline.

[@hoodtohollywood]

He should get a 30 day contract on an NBA team for all their wrong doings.

[@funkpill]

Favorite Smokey tunes: With The Miracles 🎶Swept For You Baby🎶 🎶Baby, Baby, Don't Cry 🎶 Honorable Mention: 🎶Fork In The Road🎶 As a solo artist: 🎶Baby Come Close🎶 🎶Daylight & Darkness🎶 Honorable Mention: 🎶Let Me Be The Clock🎶